tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39638008757343206962024-03-05T16:30:53.080-08:00divine stillness"Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
-Psalm 46:10Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-79660573666670990062012-09-10T13:43:00.000-07:002012-09-10T13:43:01.235-07:00TO WALK LIKE THE PRINCE OF PEACE<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq23ECG-QWlBcOZvUIaReBdrHNW6HIXqlxih0a_tqISd4vurjvRMzyUFMLBxvubwz7lDcJp0GJw8L802JQhTzftYDPSlmDeIrwpNokmprmvKXwrpQaNeV2_ynGj9wX0lDwVL-tuzrYZ-Q/s1600/photo-30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwq23ECG-QWlBcOZvUIaReBdrHNW6HIXqlxih0a_tqISd4vurjvRMzyUFMLBxvubwz7lDcJp0GJw8L802JQhTzftYDPSlmDeIrwpNokmprmvKXwrpQaNeV2_ynGj9wX0lDwVL-tuzrYZ-Q/s400/photo-30.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 25px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<li style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to <strong style="font-weight: bold;">walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called</strong>,</span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup> </sup>with <strong style="font-weight: bold;">all humility and gentleness, with patience, <sup> </sup>bearing with one another in love</strong>,</span><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><sup> </sup>eager to <strong style="font-weight: bold;">maintain the unity of the Spirit in<sup> </sup>the bond of peace</strong>."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT';"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 4:1-3</span></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">I’ve always loved the exhortations Paul gives in his letters. I think because I’m a “doer”. If you give me something to “do” I feel like I’m actually making a difference. I think this is a good thing—most of the time, unless of course I’m told to do something that I can’t do. For instance, if I’m called to encourage a hurting friend or host and serve a house full of guests, I’m on it. But, to walk like Jesus, well, not so much. Yes, my desire is there. You could say that I am even willing to do what is commanded of me; but, there are many times when I just can’t. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians he is straight-forward and concise. Another thing I love about Paul’s language; there’s no guessing. But, his expectations are unrealistic—without the power of the Spirit that worketh in me. {...had to throw in a little english with the <span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“<i>eth</i>”</span>…it just sounds better!}</span></div>
</blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">So, I’m learning to call upon the Spirit of the Lord moment by moment. It’s neccessary. Without Him we can do NO-<span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">THING</span>! I’m learning that my humility isn’t so humble, and my gentleness is quite rough around the edges; my patience is a little thin in spots and my “putting up” with others in love, well, not so Christ-like far too often. But, I’m learning. And I’m growing. <b>Because of Jesus.</b></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Then there’s the challenge to maintain the untiy of the Spirit through peace; a long-term course for me. {Let’s just say life-long.} And I’ve always thought this verse meant, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Don’t cause trouble,” “Don’t say anything to make anyone uncomfortable,” </i>or <i>“Always be sweet, non-confrontive, and agreeable”</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">. For certain this is in contrast to how Jesus lived. He wasn’t brutally beaten & crucified on the Cross for being sweet and agreeable. He came here to testify to the Truth and His radical message of redemption through repentance was raw and cutting, clothed with love, and hope, and compassion. Repent and be saved! Make peace with God. </span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">The peace He spoke of is not what I’ve always understood it to be. </span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I think the peace that Jesus spoke of is </span><strong style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">forgiveness.</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">What if Ephesians 4:3 read, “eager to <strong style="font-weight: bold;">maintain </strong>the unity of the Spirit in<sup> </sup>the bond of <strike>peace</strike> <strong style="font-weight: bold;">forgiven<wbr></wbr>ess</strong>.”</span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">When I think about being forgiven I maintain deep peace. When my husband forgives me for being harsh—I am filled with peace. When my Father in heaven forgives my sins—I drown in the peace of His grace. And when I forgive someone who has hurt me—<strong style="font-weight: bold;">peace</strong>. Just simple yet incomprehensible peace. </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">So, I think this: <b>peace with God and others is always about forgiveness.</b></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">And this is how to walk like the Prince of Peace: forgive as He has forgiven me. Through the power of God that <strong style="font-weight: bold;">worketh</strong> in me! Praise the <span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">LORD</span>!</span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><blockquote style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 3px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; quotes: ''; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” </strong><strong style="font-weight: bold;">2 Corinthians 9:8</strong></span></span></blockquote>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-78520247075026345192012-08-07T21:50:00.000-07:002012-08-07T21:51:07.721-07:00Seriously?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQJUVsAm-H0ATaaRtUuFVxyFa0Cr5uzaisXFSRu0cI2lyd80zawla2vfCUuQbb_xs23lCn3I4j1rUS5-7e2xZX0tGiIu3wrH6qpFoC0TENHzFq7ZxXL_2xXfmvV2-OTn1Y5LkaF6N-vYR/s1600/images-20.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQJUVsAm-H0ATaaRtUuFVxyFa0Cr5uzaisXFSRu0cI2lyd80zawla2vfCUuQbb_xs23lCn3I4j1rUS5-7e2xZX0tGiIu3wrH6qpFoC0TENHzFq7ZxXL_2xXfmvV2-OTn1Y5LkaF6N-vYR/s400/images-20.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">Temptation to not take God at His word has always been Satan's most enticing, yet most destructive, weapon. Since the first Adam walked the earth, the enemy of God was at work. His manipulative tactic of attempting to convince man that he can "be like God" has worked well for the devil and dreadfully continues to. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">In the beginning, when Eve considered the serpent's provoking question, </span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"Did God really say you must not eat from any tree in the garden?",</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"> </span></i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">she instantly corrected his error of "understanding". </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'"</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eve knew the boundaries God had set. She made it perfectly clear to the serpent, but he pushed further to weaken her and swiftly intercepted her statement--</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">"You will not certainly die...for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil..." (Rf. Genesis 3:1-9).</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And so it was, the fate of man, determined by the will of self in choosing to believe a compromising truth, in order to justify disobedience to God's command.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">The Fall of man in the Garden reveals a stark approach to Satan's wicked scheme: teach them first to doubt, secondly, tempt them to disobey, and finally, lead them to deny.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">This is certainly a sobering and fatal formula!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">But, I also see the catastrophic errors of Eve and her husband, and those frighten me even greater than that of Satan's attacks. Disobedience, unbelief, discontentment, and pride. Each workings of the flesh designed to destroy the relationship between man and God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">In the back of my mind I coolly wonder, <i>"Is this not what they wanted?"</i> After all, they chose to believe sin was a good idea.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">My heart shifts to further pleading questions:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Why</b> was Eve near the tree in the first place--the one and only forbidden tree?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b>Why</b> did she allow the serpent's taunting dialect to weaken her to cave?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b>Why</b> didn't she flee from the tempter as he insidiously provoked her with lies?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">And, what about Adam? He knew God's command and warning with regard to the tree of knowledge of good and evil. God was clear-- <i>"Do not...you will die."</i> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God was firm-- <i>"...you must not touch it..."</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Adam was with his wife when she saw and took, so <b>why</b> didn't he stop her? Did he even try? Or did he concede just to make her happy? Or was he seduced like Eve, by the temptation to have more, and be more?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">Or maybe the serpent presented his "suggestion" in such a marvelous way as to blind Eve of what she knew to be true--that God loved her, that God was trustworthy, that He provided for all her needs, that He commanded obedience to His word and tacked on a most severe consequence if disobedience occurred. In other words, "The devil made her do it." (Another lie!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">I try to make sense of my "whys" that led to our first parent's deadly ruin, (being that hindsight is always 20/20), while attempting to fill in the blanks in order to feel a little bit better about their wrong choice, (uhhum, sin.)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;">But, I can't, and I shouldn't. The Bible makes no concession for these details. Therefore, they are not the focus of the story.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b>What we must be awakened to again is what the Bible does reveal: Satan is a liar, and his craftiness in undermining God's word as to make it unclear or unreasonable was and still is widely used. And we must recognize who's really accountable when the seriousness of God's Word is not taken seriously--the only one who hears it.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b>Jesus Christ is the Word. Look upon Him and live. Look long enough upon the tempting idols and sooner or later, we will become discontent with what God has given us, prideful to think we deserve better, and willful to justify compromising our Lord's commands which most assuredly will cultivate disobedience. Disobedience to God separates us from God. </b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><b>That should be enough.</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-4" id="en-NIV-14256" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">"Show me Your ways, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span></span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-4" style="position: relative;">teach me Your paths. </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-5" id="en-NIV-14257" style="position: relative;">Guide me in Your truth <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14257F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>and teach me,</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-25-5" style="position: relative;">for You are God my Savior,</span></span></i></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-25-5" style="position: relative;">and my hope is in You <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14257H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>all day long."</span></span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"> Psalm 25:4-5</span> </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="text Ps-25-5" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"> </sup></span></i></span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mythoto/5403697875/">photo credit</a> </span></b></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-42425498278491105382012-07-03T15:42:00.000-07:002012-07-03T15:42:32.890-07:00Holy Surrender<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxRputGGfHAk_z9zZFaioGsSs7zAgnPS4YPeAkqEIdILY-i8m9ftQcbwHFpfyEvUWnZqhNu1OvXtwQmGcvAcfDCDpCl4LGfOSnCf9DNpGl29pZ4YLrMtgMRytzsBGxi6rBhBrhKx4Ef50/s1600/images-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxRputGGfHAk_z9zZFaioGsSs7zAgnPS4YPeAkqEIdILY-i8m9ftQcbwHFpfyEvUWnZqhNu1OvXtwQmGcvAcfDCDpCl4LGfOSnCf9DNpGl29pZ4YLrMtgMRytzsBGxi6rBhBrhKx4Ef50/s400/images-1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"If you love Me, obey Me." </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>~Jesus </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are our prayers and petitions to God ever substitutes for our obedience? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take a minute to ponder the question. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do our prayers reflect your conduct? </span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is true that actions speak louder than words. </i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do we live in the flesh of willfulness or in the spirit of willingness? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are straight to the heart examinations if we allow them to be. And even if our conscience testifies to our innocence, our ignorance can no more testify as sinless than an infant who knows no better.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Frankly, it's easy to know the difference between my own will and God's, whether my will matches up with His will; our Father in heaven is not slow to provide all that we need to know and achieve righteousness.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Has He not given us His Word? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>His Spirit of Truth?</i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">[These] are power to know and to do His will. The power to overcome worldly temptations, the devil's schemes, even our own sinful nature that so easily ensnares us. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Word and the Spirit are divine and invaluable gifts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do we always revere them as such?</i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Or do we take for granted the "God is in charge" <i>thrown-around-all-too-loosely </i>slogan so to deceive ourselves that we have little to no responsibility in our relationship with Him & His commands?
Is it too easy to rest in the truth that because Jesus died for our sin, past, present and future, that we sometimes forget our responsibility to submit to God and resist the enemy so that we can <b>freely believe and obey</b> His sacred commands and promises today? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If we as Christians aren't actively seeking God's counsel & power through Jesus Christ to do His will, to sin less, to overcome the wretched old man, then I wonder, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>what's the point?</i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are we not, at times, the answer to our own prayers for God to move, to bless, to encourage, to change our own hearts, to be rid of habitual sin, to help keep another from sinning, to help ourselves be better at one holy habit or two...? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I think so. </i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">All praises and thanksgiving belong to God our Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ, who meets all our needs to attain godliness, to walk in victory, to overcome. We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because He loves us He does not answer our prayers in the way we selfishly desire. And many times we simply do not recognize that our prayers reek of self.
If we pray not in Spirit and in Truth, according to His will, are we not deceiving ourselves?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>We must ask the Spirit to teach us to pray aright. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And then we must act. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We must pray.</i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God's ways are perfect. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">His Word is perfect.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you, like me, quickly forget what your eyes have read or your ears have heard? I am even so easily deceived by my own understanding. So how can I, we love God unto obedience?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My earnest prayer is for the Lord to teach us how to love and trust Him with all of our hearts, all of our strength, all of our souls, all areas of our lives. We desperately need Jesus' help to do this.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We must accept and believe that His love for us is better than anything in this life. His Word says so.</i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Read how David speaks of our God in the 63rd Psalm:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<div class="poetry" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Ps-63-1" style="position: relative;">O God, You are my God; <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14841B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>earnestly I seek You;</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-1" style="position: relative;"> <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14841C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>my soul thirsts for You;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-1" style="position: relative;">my flesh faints for You,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-1" style="position: relative;">as in <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14841D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>a dry and weary land where there is no water.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-2" id="en-ESV-14842" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-2" style="position: relative;">beholding Your power and glory.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-3" id="en-ESV-14843" style="position: relative;"><br /><b>Because Your <sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14843F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>steadfast love is better than life</b>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-3" style="position: relative;">my lips will praise You.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-4" id="en-ESV-14844" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>So I will bless You <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14844G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>as long as I live;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-4" style="position: relative;">in Your <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14844H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>name I will <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14844I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>lift up my hands.</span></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="text Ps-63-5" id="en-ESV-14845" style="position: relative;">My soul will be <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14845J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>satisfied as with fat and rich food,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-5" style="position: relative;">and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-6" id="en-ESV-14846" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>when I remember You <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14846K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>upon my bed,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-6" style="position: relative;">and meditate on You in <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14846L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>the watches of the night;</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-7" id="en-ESV-14847" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>for You have been my help,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-63-7" style="position: relative;">and in <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14847M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>the shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-63-8" id="en-ESV-14848" style="position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>My soul <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14848N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>clings to You;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;">Y</span><span class="text Ps-63-8" style="position: relative;">our right hand <sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14848O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>upholds me.</span></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May we delight in the Lord as David did, to do His will and fight the temptations to ignore what He's already revealed. Whether through the Holy Scriptures or through the Voice of Truth, our beloved Holy Spirit, may we abide in Him through a willing obedience and deep gratitude to walk in His ways, to receive with joyful expectation the love of God that satisfies, exceeding all things. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To walk in a shabby substitute is not only dreadful, it is deeply disappointing and destructive for the child of God. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Trust me, I know. </i> </span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.
<b>If ye love Me, keep My commandments.</b> And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."</span>
</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">John 14:12-17</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<a href="http://theforkaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/he-loves-me-he-loves-me-not.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">photocredit</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-11059295701837196752012-06-19T21:31:00.001-07:002012-06-19T21:31:30.606-07:00it's simpler than we think.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2iJrO0K4nfEDMt2XvvtBlYrqFA3jv7WJ_vqTvax1-RuIqP4Xwm_zD_PxTwah3zIbxVmrgVJ3AdnkFHPBJpcwORrqJ30Oh3UATzhMnmpM5JffH4XbEUqpYJzxkQWdiYP55k-0khyV4dw8/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit2iJrO0K4nfEDMt2XvvtBlYrqFA3jv7WJ_vqTvax1-RuIqP4Xwm_zD_PxTwah3zIbxVmrgVJ3AdnkFHPBJpcwORrqJ30Oh3UATzhMnmpM5JffH4XbEUqpYJzxkQWdiYP55k-0khyV4dw8/s320/images.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">How easy it is to lose focus.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">As Christian women we must discipline ourselves to be about our Father's business. Have we forgotten what that is? Sadly, it appears to be for many women in the modern church, playing "dress-up" while leaning closer to self-fulfillment rather than God's, has become big business. In many circles the focus has shifted from living a gospel-driven life to a business-driven life. I understand and agree wholeheartedly that women in the church are to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion, are to be well trained, able to teach, available to meet the needs of the needy, and so on... But, I am certain that as Christian women, more often than I think we'd care to admit, are distracted from our real purpose; to glorify God. I am taking a huge risk in making this statement for fear I will be misunderstood, but if we are honest with ourselves it is evident that our culture, even Christian culture, feeds the notion (consciously or unconsciously), that we as women must prove ourselves worthy in some area or another. This inevitably spawns a drive to do more than we are called, ignore "the call" because it isn't satifying, compete with one another, pick and choose who and what is worth investing our time in according to self interests, plus other unrighteous motives that creep in unwittingly. This self-focus is an epidemic today. Even in the kingdom <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A20-23&version=NIV">{Matthew 20:20-23}</a>; I being the greatest of offenders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> Its time to remember that the Gospel is for the sinner--today. Everyday. I sin everyday. Yes, the Gospel is for me today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Its time for me, for us, serving the all-encompassing God, to be content with what He has called us to, and to let go of what He has not. We were created for beauty and we were redeemed for beauty. A particular beauty that exudes gratitude, purity, wisdom and self-control. A holy beauty that stands confidently on, rests quietly in, and waits patiently upon Her Lord.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Forgive me Father, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">for taking my eyes off of You & Your beauty, Your business. May the meditation of my heart and the words of my lips testify that Jesus alone is enough! May this be the goal of women in the church today: to discipline ourselves in trusting Your words, that all we are and all we need has been fulfilled in Christ. We owe nothing but the debt of love to others. To do this well we must take the time to receive all that You offer us daily--the abundant Life. Show us where we serve selfishly, needlessly, and wastefully so that we may learn to allow You to serve our deepest needs. Then and only then are we, as women, equipped to serve one another in love, simply to bring You glory. Amen. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><a href="http://palomasnest.com/products/LOVE-ONE-ANOTHER-tiny-text-bowl.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">{photo credit}</span></a></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-65787682785467034992012-06-07T13:37:00.000-07:002012-06-07T13:37:05.010-07:00THERE IS NONE LIKE HIM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaWG1vZjxpA2aPdFXA3iA7ZXglVIggVKY59xLBbcwLYduObLRFrDKVUUVe79-vcrEPOcSLY53koyLYdkV_37jXb7e3QHXuHsq4aPlLK7SUQv2oOxZLmQe23cjk__a7TaYTZ5SKTCcz2NY/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxaWG1vZjxpA2aPdFXA3iA7ZXglVIggVKY59xLBbcwLYduObLRFrDKVUUVe79-vcrEPOcSLY53koyLYdkV_37jXb7e3QHXuHsq4aPlLK7SUQv2oOxZLmQe23cjk__a7TaYTZ5SKTCcz2NY/s320/photo-29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I think a lot about <b>God's love</b>. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Bible has much to say about this peculiar love; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A4-8&version=NKJV">1 Corinthians 13:4-8</a>, probably the most well-known, most quoted passage about <b>God's love</b> speaks of a perfect love. More than one verse says, "God <i>is</i> love". In fact, the entire Book is about <b>God's love</b> for us. The more I grow to know God and the more I discover His love for me, I see this to be true: <b>God's love</b> is not a thing or verb, but a Person. The world understands love to be a profoundly deep feeling of attachment in our souls, a warm, heart-felt emotion, a compelling act of selflessness, a passionate desire or affection toward another. The world sees love as an emotion felt or acted upon, yet I am beginning to understand that the way we love is only a shadow, a reflection of what love truly is: God. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This morning I awoke early, eyes still adjusting to the newness of day. I see God all around me. I see love. The precious husband He has given me, in peace he sleeps in the quiet beauty of heaven's rest. My daughters, tucked in the love of His comfort, still snuggling warm, soaking in the final moments of last night's "sweet dreams". The house is still, a place of contentment and calm built by the Father's hands, not yet embracing His faithful dawn. First rays sprinkle Grace on the cool tile floor, gently warming darkness away. The light and warmth of sunrise beams, just a picture of the Light of the world whose Omnipresence floods every dark corner of our hearts and home. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I drank down the last bit of delicious vanilla coffee strong, tied on running shoes secure and headed out into the cool morning, looking forward to one of my favorite things to do with God. Ear buds plugged in tight, I began a run I will never forget. As I passed fresh rose blooms and dewy wet lawns, magnolias bursting big white and clouds even more, my mind was brought around to the thought of <b>God's love</b> over us, the newness of His mercies and loving kindness each and every day. O the joy of a run in the presence of love. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I found myself wondering what others thought of <b>God's love</b>, not just the saints and prophets of old, but the saints of today, those living in His love today. I immediately slowed my jog to put the question out to more than 50 people: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please reply with one word: "What is God's love?"</span></i></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">{If iPhone is for anything it's for texting thought-provoking questions...}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Before I began to pick up my pace again, text responses came in one after another</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...ding...ding...ding...ding... </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and within the first 30 minutes of sending out my question over 40 responses packed my message box! Excitement flooded my heart! I couldn't help but slow my jog to a consumed walk the rest of the way home. With worshipful melodies of <i>Hillsong</i> praising the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdrwG6BXQcU&feature=related">SAVIOUR</a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">in my ears, my eyes blurred with tears as I read each beautiful response taking in the weight of it's meaning, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">each and every word, over forty, one following the other, describing the love of the Infinite, Sovereign, and Everlasting Creator of all, the Precious, Forgiving, Merciful Savior of the world, the Unfailing, All-consuming, Never-ending, Long-suffering, Unconditional love of the Lover of our souls, I knew more than ever, <b>God's love</b> is alive!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Life, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Constant, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Freedom, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Just, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Grace, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Truth,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Discipline--for the Father's disciplines those whom He loves, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Peace,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is Hope and Honor and Holy, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>He</b> is our Anchor, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>He</b> is our Sacrificial Lamb, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>He</b> is a Consuming fire, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>He</b> is Eternal. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>God's love</b> is alive! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">God's love</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> has but one name that encompasses all: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">JESUS!</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In that place and time God revealed Himself to me in such an overwhelming way. I was undone! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who can understand it? Who can explain it? Who can fathom the depths of this great love, a love so radical, so undeserving, so pure?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Only those who come humbly to the foot of the Cross and receive it.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"and that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19</i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The love of God is alive! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">His Name is Jesus Christ!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God. And we have known and believed that love that God has to us. <b>God is love</b>; and he that dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:7,16 </i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>{From a heart of deep gratitude to all who inspired me to put God's love into words; a gift that impacted me in a way I had never ever expected, thank you! May you know the greatest love in a deeper way today!}</i></span><br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="22" cellspacing="0" class="mainbk" style="background-color: #b9e3ff;"><tbody>
<tr valign="top"></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="22" cellspacing="0" class="mainbk" style="background-color: #b9e3ff; color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><tbody></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-59347714418660270922012-05-17T13:38:00.001-07:002012-05-17T13:38:30.677-07:00LIVING MY BEAUTY<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCNznRiJ_ZyNW-K8HW-oiVZd3a-zIpkcrckCItAVycbB3u6rVfOttpJG5cAhbHLIzfl5QpgRvX97rYKF4qBStU2TE_qK5MCayBsL6FP6PFjqYE5AFfTLxQWNUVH1pBB0WbrX3TeB6pm-1/s1600/photo-25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCNznRiJ_ZyNW-K8HW-oiVZd3a-zIpkcrckCItAVycbB3u6rVfOttpJG5cAhbHLIzfl5QpgRvX97rYKF4qBStU2TE_qK5MCayBsL6FP6PFjqYE5AFfTLxQWNUVH1pBB0WbrX3TeB6pm-1/s320/photo-25.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">I just love what God thinks of me. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">He is enthralled by my beauty! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">Because of this I can trust that no matter where He leads or calls me to do He sees me as beautiful. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">By His favor I am a wife and a mother. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">Through His Spirit I am given strength to raise my family up in His ways. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">From persevering in endless prayer, endless virtues defined, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">to laboring in dirty dishwater and through long carpool lines. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><b>This is beautiful to Him. </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;">Through His Son, Jesus, I am able to practice and teach forgiveness because I have been forgiven much. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><b>This is beautiful to Him.</b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Through His Word I am able to learn what it is to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">build my home on wisdom, </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to be strengthened by heaven's hope to endure in love, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and to be stilled by His Divine peace resting assured that </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am deeply loved. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And this is beautiful to Him.</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>"The king is enthralled by your beauty;</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>honor him for he is your lord."</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 45:11</i></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><div style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><br /></i></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-41718987551480315092012-05-01T14:51:00.000-07:002012-05-01T14:51:36.865-07:00Broken and Alive<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMIuGgsFQxeqLYIWwAeH_JZkryKmJpi94iIweBjs0jv0J49IQ3jg26LlEmCmSYM6aMAra9ytucXdORWDT04KqNxp9Vnmei3VQzWivixRFVISA-BiPm3yg6gyaxdvvbCNMCpejfMrY-c1/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVhMIuGgsFQxeqLYIWwAeH_JZkryKmJpi94iIweBjs0jv0J49IQ3jg26LlEmCmSYM6aMAra9ytucXdORWDT04KqNxp9Vnmei3VQzWivixRFVISA-BiPm3yg6gyaxdvvbCNMCpejfMrY-c1/s400/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
There are many Bible verses I recite often in the quiet of my heart. They are power-filled words I have taken ownership of to guide my daily life. Different verses for different reasons. The Holy Spirit continues to be faithful in encouraging and comforting me by bringing to my mind the Word of God; a light unto my feet. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I call them my "life" verses.</span><div>
<div>
<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2046:10&version=NIV1984">Psalm 46:10</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NIV1984">James 1:2-4</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%204:7&version=NIV1984">James 4:7</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah%208:10&version=NIV1984">Nehemiah 8:10</a> are just a few muscle-packed verses that speak holy strength, wisdom and peace to my soul. </span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;"><div>
<span class="text Ps-139-23" id="en-NKJV-16263" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
And, then there's Psalm 139:23-24.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't recall how long ago the Holy Spirit planted in my heart the passage written by <i>the man after God's own heart, </i>however, I will say it continues to be one of the Spirit's favorite choices for me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;">"Search me, O God, and know my heart;</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;">Try me, and know my anxieties;</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-NKJV-16264" style="position: relative;"><br />And see if there is any wicked way in me,</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="text Ps-139-24" style="position: relative;">And lead me in the way everlasting."</span></span></i></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've prayed the Psalmist's words so often I must admit, at times, they have been rattled off in bland habit. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just recently, during devotion and quiet time with the Lord, I was met with one of my "life" verses; Psalm 139:23-24, as God would have it. Delivered by His faithful Spirit, I was compelled to think intently on the familiar expression. With deep earnest I wrote out David's words and made them my prayer to my Lord.</span><span class="text Ps-139-23" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; position: relative;"><div>
<i><br /></i></div>
</span></span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my ways; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."</span></i></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>That very day God answered.</b> And He answered me again the next day and the next day and the next. And today He is still answering me.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Ps-139-23" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"...and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."</span></i></span></blockquote>
<div>
<span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="text Ps-139-23" style="position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is humbling to be corrected by another person. However, I find it quite different when it is God speaking correction straight to my heart. Still yet, it's a whole other story when both take place simultaneously. Talk about brokenness.Talk about love. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because of His great mercy and love, my Father in heaven, opened my ears to take notice. And by His steadfast grace I am moved to repentance. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Victory for the Lord.</b> </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Victory for me. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Victory over sin. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sin in me.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brokenness. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy brokenness.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is grace.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is interesting to know that the Hebrew translation for the word <i>"wicked"</i> in verse 24 means <u>the image of an idol</u>.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In reflection, I realize what God has been doing, revealing to me what He sees in my heart--images of idols. My selfish motives, ego-driven thoughts and "good" works that I have prepared for myself, all the while half-heartly walking in the good works He has chosen for me in Jesus. O how easy it is to get off track,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> to move into what I want and what I think is best while self deception and clever disguises ignore what God wants and has prepared beforehand for me to walk in.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I am His. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I desperately need His grace in this life.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I am deeply grateful for His love that covers, His Spirit that leads and His Word that gives life to my life.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><blockquote>
<br /></blockquote>
</span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." </i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ephesians 2:10 </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://salciccioli.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/woman-praying.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">photo credit</span></a></i></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-22101429802798292012-03-31T16:49:00.000-07:002012-03-31T16:49:27.518-07:00d-i-y Easter Banner<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">{diy}</span> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">::EASTER BANNER::</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>There's Always a Reason to Celebrate!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB3HIPBmNiyZSfZjrgP7RdkQUw34t9Jat9N0C8mB0o7Em0KIDbYwGZCntmx2H-K3vBfkeIY8gCbLhmhNZXWV2oIHvfKHMsKDhCWqEsdYiOquHL3c9WL-y524xeUlkllzkBSjnMwRiA7VO/s1600/0-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDB3HIPBmNiyZSfZjrgP7RdkQUw34t9Jat9N0C8mB0o7Em0KIDbYwGZCntmx2H-K3vBfkeIY8gCbLhmhNZXWV2oIHvfKHMsKDhCWqEsdYiOquHL3c9WL-y524xeUlkllzkBSjnMwRiA7VO/s1600/0-4.jpeg" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd been waiting for any good reason </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to create </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a new celebration banner, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Springtime, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">specifically Easter, afforded the perfect occasion! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I typically don't do much decorating this time of year, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">especially since the true meaning of Easter </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">seems </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to have lost its place in the retail stores. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There isn't much celebration inventory out there </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">proclaiming the Easter message of hope for our world: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, I went to work. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With random scraps I already had, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">lots of hot glue and a few craft tools, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was able to create this sweet expression of joy </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in celebration of our Risen King.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Provided below are simple steps that will </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">help you create your own celebration banner. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">::</span></b></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Here's what you need:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8 pieces chipboard approx. 5"x7" {I found some precut at Michael's}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Decorative card stock {use any color combinations you like}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Press-out chipboard letters {I used </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Jim Holts</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">idea-ology</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabric remnants</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paper cutter</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jute twine</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black permanent marker</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hot glue gun & glue sticks</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hole puncher</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 dried flowers {any kind looks beautiful}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acrylic paints {I used dark brown, terra cotta & cream}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paint brush or sponge</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx0KpxlLV0F9Z_zHOslkjAxwgr-h6vzFZ_fRbd0hSyFdI606n3sYnhCyID16x0HOhPZwIvbtc9OiNCWTtaZM58meHT634BzkGeluH20KP357WokJWYdn8gEOxmus0I8bd7Uf3W6vkQhkc/s1600/2291133c7b7611e1af7612313813f8e8_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLx0KpxlLV0F9Z_zHOslkjAxwgr-h6vzFZ_fRbd0hSyFdI606n3sYnhCyID16x0HOhPZwIvbtc9OiNCWTtaZM58meHT634BzkGeluH20KP357WokJWYdn8gEOxmus0I8bd7Uf3W6vkQhkc/s1600/2291133c7b7611e1af7612313813f8e8_5.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tUV25AdQIDbZzdnpn2fWB-JjazJ-i_IE4FdX70RSdMe_B5VmfTRfRok75RBLATWmmcKGUXu2QG4RmlK9qgnQHuLzOlXomilAvPCQL4p_qU8S4pV93jsc_HehgcBn93OqV-owysfxhgQY/s1600/b94fba5e7b7511e1b9f1123138140926_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tUV25AdQIDbZzdnpn2fWB-JjazJ-i_IE4FdX70RSdMe_B5VmfTRfRok75RBLATWmmcKGUXu2QG4RmlK9qgnQHuLzOlXomilAvPCQL4p_qU8S4pV93jsc_HehgcBn93OqV-owysfxhgQY/s1600/b94fba5e7b7511e1b9f1123138140926_5.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR7cjLunxrkBlE2p3eFUGdF_5XfbubF1mkiKbj9X4xyN24QoCSeSxXGacjUhzyeP94JLRr0rPCjzIxLc5kX-7DDku3ZhdYHIGmAVBNCQ3SPj9_MLG9fetEJTLXOjTKyge4VIusoKCb2qi/s1600/7b7384da7b7611e19e4a12313813ffc0_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRR7cjLunxrkBlE2p3eFUGdF_5XfbubF1mkiKbj9X4xyN24QoCSeSxXGacjUhzyeP94JLRr0rPCjzIxLc5kX-7DDku3ZhdYHIGmAVBNCQ3SPj9_MLG9fetEJTLXOjTKyge4VIusoKCb2qi/s1600/7b7384da7b7611e19e4a12313813ffc0_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>::</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After I gathered all the things I wanted to use, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I popped out the appropriate letters h-e-i-s-r-i-s-e-n.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I then chose the card stock for matting behind the letters and cut (8) 4"x 6" pieces.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKFP7R5rH0KXm7fmb8RAntw3iGroYzi5oXv-jKtPMr8zgvnakKy3Wtjgo3tOuBgGTtuahVSB93FpwXPQqB9aMMrh5hlyniqT0yl15frrSRafcOGaYelXu5PTRNODXtiwo5zkDJmpW05lF/s1600/a4e5f05a7b7611e18cf91231380fd29b_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKFP7R5rH0KXm7fmb8RAntw3iGroYzi5oXv-jKtPMr8zgvnakKy3Wtjgo3tOuBgGTtuahVSB93FpwXPQqB9aMMrh5hlyniqT0yl15frrSRafcOGaYelXu5PTRNODXtiwo5zkDJmpW05lF/s1600/a4e5f05a7b7611e18cf91231380fd29b_5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>::</b></span></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each letter was colored with a black marker.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAxWCkOLHVN8OBp9G6_E8Vj_gW3OzCon_qUrTEAVy6On6eXt9qAg63Xvq0ANZQZ_9VKp1m4cr1jH2l-mk6Q-Lm4DtQM-LV1R6BuxnwcKe7EBN1bJKdLkSwT6Fs41mXXCJLRyj1ig8n1h/s1600/photo-19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjVAxWCkOLHVN8OBp9G6_E8Vj_gW3OzCon_qUrTEAVy6On6eXt9qAg63Xvq0ANZQZ_9VKp1m4cr1jH2l-mk6Q-Lm4DtQM-LV1R6BuxnwcKe7EBN1bJKdLkSwT6Fs41mXXCJLRyj1ig8n1h/s200/photo-19.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">::</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I painted the chipboard pieces to give them a richer look with watered down paint wash; </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this dries quite fast.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then began the hot glueing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First, the card stock was glued to the chipboard.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Second, I layered a smaller square of remanent fabric; this was an after thought--</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really like the organic feel and depth it gives.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thirdly, I glued the letter on top. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{For the word "is" I layered a bright orange strip of card stock </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before the fabric for a punch of color and to distinguish the separation of words.}</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdzsK0y6RQkQA7stEzX79eDXrdtdlOplGkWPEo1ymexKRyez1fOL7sYOaIg0VKgm3zcQtvN-X037SIESeIxEVlK5rIQjSd3_6C4j2oy_4HORMS_FFkr0dHcTk57EV_A49UbV2m-1mlUZy/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdzsK0y6RQkQA7stEzX79eDXrdtdlOplGkWPEo1ymexKRyez1fOL7sYOaIg0VKgm3zcQtvN-X037SIESeIxEVlK5rIQjSd3_6C4j2oy_4HORMS_FFkr0dHcTk57EV_A49UbV2m-1mlUZy/s200/photo-13.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5V0pnvqUR4AtxDmdN6q_gASVnfkOrwYK3DX7h-v5VFjNAc7V4P_OsQjGxvM6aHZWcjWkrjvqii7z_DX9TFSkyh9NyeSN2pwGpLweXUgqoIu31ksdzj5EnRc-OQJQ0okbSoFQjOsUJiTC/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx5V0pnvqUR4AtxDmdN6q_gASVnfkOrwYK3DX7h-v5VFjNAc7V4P_OsQjGxvM6aHZWcjWkrjvqii7z_DX9TFSkyh9NyeSN2pwGpLweXUgqoIu31ksdzj5EnRc-OQJQ0okbSoFQjOsUJiTC/s200/photo-22.JPG" width="150" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>::</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, I added a dried flower to each outer corner of the first and last letter of the banner.</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31qjQgKiS1NEPKYfBe8kPRbxVb7SLmSsvZNU_omhe7uJBt69VqfpZXmNjLUHpJdu3-vx1BPjmVRwFsLCyllXtSJyjlEAliFWCpt2mKLir9zt7_HUqJ0cExgV9n2Qzb542qevS0xJkAhe3/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31qjQgKiS1NEPKYfBe8kPRbxVb7SLmSsvZNU_omhe7uJBt69VqfpZXmNjLUHpJdu3-vx1BPjmVRwFsLCyllXtSJyjlEAliFWCpt2mKLir9zt7_HUqJ0cExgV9n2Qzb542qevS0xJkAhe3/s200/photo-12.JPG" width="149" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">::</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ta-dah! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ANxv3c4avcGTPj7YYimNij5ytZRhkbaKfYe9y676Xmf4D1wP8Q2mI_Ian6Nf_ukGw_vpfs7vZ8tnF9ECHccx0sP801SibH8C-X3w8DuswrhPyUvI7BC3Y71KiFnHEtxRJUQYdy5VnxMP/s1600/0-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ANxv3c4avcGTPj7YYimNij5ytZRhkbaKfYe9y676Xmf4D1wP8Q2mI_Ian6Nf_ukGw_vpfs7vZ8tnF9ECHccx0sP801SibH8C-X3w8DuswrhPyUvI7BC3Y71KiFnHEtxRJUQYdy5VnxMP/s1600/0-3.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is such an easy, inexpensive, and delightful way to share a message out loud; </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>And, what better message than the Resurrection Message!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But God raised Him from the dead, </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">freeing Him from the agony of death, </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">because it was impossible for death </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">to keep its hold on Him."</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ACTS 2:24</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>"I am the Living One; </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>And I hold the keys of death and Hades."</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>REVELATION 1:18</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">{All items and tools can be found at a craft store such as <i>Michael's</i> or <i>Tall Mouse</i>. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Don't be shy to look through what you already have (like I did). </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since this is a d-i-y project, you can use different materials in place of what I used;</span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> ie: ribbon instead of twine, stencil letters instead of press-out letters, etc. </span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Have fun & create "your own style" banner!}</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-48766829111650413232012-03-09T15:56:00.000-08:002012-03-09T15:56:52.951-08:00THE FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWckNmGpvgzCxbGR1j7P6bTyZh7Q-WrZs9eBbLh2sLp23OswnWYYBOSvJ7d_EvLEPbeOrN3iqlqonW47ajgBy3gPOSz1-SA0OfcBz4osocx_f6icboYvVqtqam1cpSghcxu-O9eicsL__/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWckNmGpvgzCxbGR1j7P6bTyZh7Q-WrZs9eBbLh2sLp23OswnWYYBOSvJ7d_EvLEPbeOrN3iqlqonW47ajgBy3gPOSz1-SA0OfcBz4osocx_f6icboYvVqtqam1cpSghcxu-O9eicsL__/s400/photo-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cccccc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">G</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">od's business is miracles! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">Always has been. And continues to be. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">Other than the most unfathomably, mind-blowing fact that He </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span">manifested Himself in a human body by </span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">impregnating a virgin through His Holy Spirit, then willingly laid down His human life at the brutal hand of His enemies for His enemies, {no less}, then after 3 days was raised from death and now is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, God resurrected my marriage! </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">As if demonstrating His amazing grace for me at the cross wasn't enough. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">But, that's just it; </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">God never stops. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">He not only saves us at that moment we receive His forgiveness through Jesus and accept His gift of eternal life, {another mind-blowing miracle, might I add}, <b>He keeps on saving!</b> </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12">And keeps on and on and on... </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, my marriage was dead. And for a significant time my husband and I were enemies. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To God. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To one another. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rick was not a Christian when we were first married. And I, saved at 12, was not walking with the Lord. My commitment was not to Jesus wholeheartedly. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our lives were defined by pride, vanity, materialism, jealousy & addiction.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For a time we saw these things as strength, confidence, drive, love, and pleasure. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our blindness led us into dark territory of serious ugly, hatred, and grave places.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the outside we were polished, thriving and crazy about each other. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the inside we were rotting away.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>But God saves and continues to save.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March 8th marked my husband's 8th birthday. By the amazing grace of God, my precious husband was born again. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Spirit birth. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salvation. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eternal life. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Rick committed his life to Christ and I re-committed mine we began to see the work that needed to be done in our marriage. Such enormous transformation and restoration was needed that it seemed impossible. Were we better off separate? I though so; many times.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="text Col-3-12" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought wrong. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And God was going to prove it.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What seemed to be many long and painful years of tearing down false idols and being weaned of addiction to self, God was working into us what we really needed to live a successful marriage. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compassion.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friendship.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Humility.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Submission.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Forgiveness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gratitude.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>GRACE.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This month we celebrate our 17th wedding anniversary. This is a miracle!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because by the world's standards we should have called it quits years ago. The writing was on the wall. Odds were against us. Conflict was real. Damage was done. Scars were thick.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But God...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>And He continues to save.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He gave me a passage of scripture a few months ago. It was intended for our household. Our marriage.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="text Col-3-12">"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;</span></i><span class="text Col-3-13" id="en-NKJV-29531"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><i>bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. </i></span><i><span class="text Col-3-14" id="en-NKJV-29532"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. </span><span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-NKJV-29533"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." Colossians 3:12-15</span></i></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has long begun to sew these words into my heart. They speak the recipe of a successful marriage. Of life. I am learning what the ingredients really mean. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In action. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>By the saving blood of Jesus our marriage is being saved.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Everyday.</span><br />
<span class="text Col-3-15" id="en-NKJV-29533" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This day I received a gift in my "inbox"; a word written by a dear sister in the LORD. In her writing titled, <a href="http://stashingtreasures.blogspot.com/2012/03/marriage-in-mission-pastors-wives.html">Marriage in the Mission</a>, she speaks of 5 practical ideas for marriage. Although she "zeros in on pastor's wives specifically", I see a wide generalization for all married Christians. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's simple. It's encouraging. It's brilliant. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">{By the way, her post is the inspiration for the very one you are reading now.}</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is such a great responsibility to marriage. Whether in occupational ministry or not, every married couple is called to a specific ministry. <b>Marriage.</b> As Christians we must see the husband as the pastor of his marriage, family, and home; as the leader and the head to be respected. And we must see the wife as precious and worth far more than rubies, watchful over her household, with reverent fear of her God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this very precious covenant ministry is often overlooked, taken for granted, or just plain abused. As Christian couples we must see the responsibility of our calling as husband and wife. </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Wives, <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29327D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>be subject to your own husbands, <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29327E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>as to the Lord. For <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29328F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29328G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>head of the church, He Himself <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29328H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. </span><i>Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and </i><i><sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29330J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></i><i>gave Himself up for her, so that He might sanctify her, having </i><i><sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29331L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></i><i>cleansed her by the </i><i><sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29331M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup></i><i>washing of water with </i><i><sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29331N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></i><i>the word," </i> <i>Ephesians 5:21-26</i></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In praying more for my own responsibility as a wife {called by God} and for holy sanctification in the heart of my marriage He is showing me many things. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What it means to love my husband selflessly--not selfishly.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What it means to be his help mate--not his holy spirit.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What it means to see his feelings just as fragile as my own.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What it means to forgive. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And what it means to do these things generously.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just like Jesus, this Miracle Man not only saves us from destruction and death, He continually works into us His power to save our relationships, our marriages, our families.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I fight for marriage I realize that it's not so much about PROP 8, but about <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians%205&version=NASB">EPH 5</a>. Sadly, the sin of homosexuality all too easily takes center as the main objective to stand firm against in our fight for holy marriage. But, what about the sin that goes unexposed or unrepentant in the heterosexual marriage? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lust that leads to pornography and extra-marital affairs. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pride that leads to unforgiveness. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anger that leads to verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jealousy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Addiction. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lying. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Envy. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Disrespect and Discontent that leads to divorce.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The apostle John warns us of such things:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"For all that is in the world, <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30567A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>the lust of the flesh and <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30567B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the lust of the eyes and <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30567C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world." 1 John2:16</i></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My prayer is for marriage to be sanctified. God's design for marriage. Righteous and holy marriage. Yes, gay marriage is absolutely wrong; by the Word of God there's no doubt about that. But, I wonder if God feels more strongly about the sin of homosexuality versus the many sins that {Christian} heterosexual couples commit that lead to divorce.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My prayer is for me to be sanctified.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>God, keep saving.</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">because it is written, “<sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30391A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.” 1 Peter 1:16</span></i></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-36117673777213755992012-02-01T12:34:00.000-08:002012-02-01T12:34:28.068-08:00ADDICTED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijATZ4vZDDfy3Ptcy3BFabJuaVWhoJDpOg2v6DTEGftE4snIWyHIT8QnMZTNsSQVuYYzVhYO5Hl7REeiHyACIfzCN0ivwbkyVF3ZX60X-Lsj7zIV5YHZIxuq-LUuLDLGrFipD0EuWh8A1_/s1600/Addicted-to-Lies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijATZ4vZDDfy3Ptcy3BFabJuaVWhoJDpOg2v6DTEGftE4snIWyHIT8QnMZTNsSQVuYYzVhYO5Hl7REeiHyACIfzCN0ivwbkyVF3ZX60X-Lsj7zIV5YHZIxuq-LUuLDLGrFipD0EuWh8A1_/s400/Addicted-to-Lies.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I grew up in bondage to a lie, </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">not just one, but a thousand or more, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">that evil is pleasure and good and right </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>and that I "deserve" to get high. </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>My addiction to "stay high" grew by the dozens, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>my carnal need to please me and man is why;</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>alcohol, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>attention, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>shopping, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>perfection, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>relationships, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>food and starvation, </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>exercise,</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>drugs and shameful lying,</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>jealousy,</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>resentment and selfish striving.</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>All about me... </span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>All about me...</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>ALL ABOUT ME!</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>Until the day God spoke deep into my heart, </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>a beholding voice, I was struck, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"You deserve My punishment for the evil you do, you really only deserve death."</b></span></i></blockquote><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><br />
</div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I couldn't deny His judgement, He was right, I couldn't be more wrong, </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I fell to my knees in remorseful abandon,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13;">"I t i s YOU w h o a r e g o o d, LORD, n o t I."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></span></b></i></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 13px;"><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>His mercy gently led my grieving heart to hear His truth about me, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He opened my eyes and showed me His Son, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and in light of my own life, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>I fell down,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>undone.</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He lifted me out of the mire,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">in sin sludge I once felt so warm, </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He showed me His judgement upon me was paid,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">my punishment hung on the Cross.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><br />
</span><span><span>I've been saved from wicked lies and addictions, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>from the thief of hell's destiny, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span>God saved me from my most deceitful attraction, </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span>the mind and heart of <i>me</i>.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Heaven's sanctifying work still pruning, </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">by grace as the Savior will expose, </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Christ is the Author and Perfecter of my fate,</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the devil no longer runs the show.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span></span><span><span></span></span><span></span><span><span>Why can't their ears hear, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and why can't their eyes see? </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>It wasn't I, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>but Christ who freed me.</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><br />
</span><span><span>Call me a self-righteous Jesus freak, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">a hypocrite or worse, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">what matters most is I've been saved by Grace, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>from God's judgement, death and sin's curse.</span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span></span></span><span><br />
</span><span><span>One day all motives will be revealed, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">so I'll get it all out right now, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">my dark heart no longer hides from light, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">in Christ is where it is found. </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">First born a sinner to the father of lies, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I was a doer of no good, no ability to reform; </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">yet, by Sovereign grace God called me by name, </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>no longer "enemy", </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>but,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>"Beloved",reborn.</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span> </span></span><span><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE0AA0ZlAFzwGlzK_9LZBggxsQTJf1CbTgzYE3XTlrkRsPezqgAFGUBkUX9VPz59nypnCje8lSgjEuXBA1QvFEwiH1t58EDMCjBMjDnzVUMT6sFhMgSZxh5h79mhprHinXFRXqHo5Ewi4v/s1600/images-5.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEgE0AA0ZlAFzwGlzK_9LZBggxsQTJf1CbTgzYE3XTlrkRsPezqgAFGUBkUX9VPz59nypnCje8lSgjEuXBA1QvFEwiH1t58EDMCjBMjDnzVUMT6sFhMgSZxh5h79mhprHinXFRXqHo5Ewi4v/s320/images-5.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He opened my heart and I received His Son,</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">by faith, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">no longer led to the slaughter;</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">He is the LORD, the King of all kings </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">and I am His daughter.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span>Today, He leads me by still waters,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span><span> </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">in His presence I find true peace,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">sin and death no longer own my life,</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b>I'm born again, addicted to Christ.</b></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-size: 13px;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>“The <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-19367A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>heart is more <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-19367B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>deceitful than all else and is desperately <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-19367C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>sick; Who can understand it? “I, the LORD, <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-19368D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>search the heart, I test the mind, even <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-19368E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds." </b></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">JEREMIAH 17:9-10</span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>"For while we were still <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28054L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>helpless, <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28054M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>at the right time <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28054N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. <b>But God <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28056O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>demonstrates <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28056P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28056Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>Christ died for us.</b> Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28057S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>from the wrath of God through Him. <b>For if while we were <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28058T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.</b> <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28059V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received <sup class="xref" style="font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28059W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>the reconciliation. </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i><div style="display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Therefore, just as through <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28060X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>one man sin entered into the world, and <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28060Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>death through sin, and <sup class="xref" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28060Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>so death spread to all men, because all sinned—</b> " ROMANS 5:6-12</div></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #0000ee; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: xx-small;">(photo credit)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #0000ee; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://schestowitz.com/Anita/young-girl-in-a-field.JPG">(photo credit)</a></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-27697058810687479792012-01-28T22:17:00.000-08:002012-01-28T22:17:14.195-08:00An Open Letter to Me<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJbmdw-U9onsVzfw0klN7HnOkr18N1jyxOM9tb3mEWTpKkoJdcgEWybCqxGYXVS5siOx05MiviCMf3AfuAbtGqvbe1txOAXgiOgoI5AeLpAE8O3Tw2izVwwmh9dEz7mnb6vumZ1qLaw6MX/s1600/images-2.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEhJbmdw-U9onsVzfw0klN7HnOkr18N1jyxOM9tb3mEWTpKkoJdcgEWybCqxGYXVS5siOx05MiviCMf3AfuAbtGqvbe1txOAXgiOgoI5AeLpAE8O3Tw2izVwwmh9dEz7mnb6vumZ1qLaw6MX/s200/images-2.jpeg" width="146" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">ear Child,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I AM the light. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I AM the way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I AM the truth. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You can trust this more than you can trust your next breath.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I light the way for you, not by showing you where you are going, but by being the way for you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You and I, our wills, our plans, our destinations, and desires may very well be the same. I AM happy to reveal to you My perfect plans and desires for your life. And I AM pleased when you trust Me with My choices in all circumstances. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The problem is, My precious little Child, you want to know how, when, why, where, and when My choices for will happen. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I understand.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is your nature, a part of character right now. You want to be prepared, and this is good. But, you also want to be in control, and this is not good-this is not My way.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If I tell you every detail of My will, every step in My plans, and every road for which you must take, you may not agree with My way, you may not want to follow, you may not want to go with Me all the way. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My will for you is all things means full investment. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Energy.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Commitment.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Obedience.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Trust.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Death.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In these things, your flesh is not willing to give Me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My way for you is a journey. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes hard. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes painful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And you may not agree with the roads we must take or the length they may require; you grow weary and bored and discontent just at the thought of seemingly monotonous scenery and exhausting terrain you may need to endure. Because of this I must keep My plans to Myself much of the time. But, please be assured, it is I who goes the distance for you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you let Me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You can trust that I will never have you go places I've not gone before you and I will never ask you to do anything that I've not arranged ahead of time. And you can trust that I AM with you. You can do this because I've given you My Spirit to do so. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My dear One, you call Me your Immanuel. Do you believe this?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you believe with all your heart, your mind, and soul, and strength that I AM God, the Mighty Creator of the heavens and the earth, of life and love, that I AM Sovereign over all things, and that I love you enough to die for you, then you can trust Me </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when I ask you to follow Me with your eyes closed. I will not allow you to stumble or fall as long as you abide in Me. As long as you walk in Me. If you don't you may get ahead of Me because your natural eyes see an "Emerald City" in the distance. You are easily distracted by and swayed toward pretty things. These things take your eyes off Me and this hurts Me; because you call Me "Beautiful".</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
Just as well, you may fall behind, far behind, and lose your way (My way), because you tend to put your trust in your own energy and strength to keep up with Me. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">My beloved, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I urge you to resist the temptation to move ahead of Me or to try to keep up in your own strength. Once again, I have given you My Spirit to be still and quiet when need be, and His power to make you stand up, step out and move forward when I say. I have also made available to you My wisdom to know the difference. I AM your Master, I AM your Guide, I AM your Rock, I AM your LORD. I AM your God.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
What prevents you from abiding in this truth? </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What prevents you from allowing Me to be in charge? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What causes you to question My course? To not trust Me?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
Submit to Me, O Child of Mine. You have nothing to lose, except your way.<br />
<br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">I love you,</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;">Abba</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: none;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people." Hebrews 8:20</span></i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-14839360927977148332012-01-01T16:21:00.000-08:002012-01-01T16:21:08.781-08:00BLIND HOPE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpnW_nmL_meJgpjbCgxo2RQKxAPU16GlO8zbBb8fYFTjMYf2H4VcgMjJfgPkLXmE0MB9Sw0eTgMUFSRC-FTR5guC47EBzLjY9dH_632XKhlx-MLg-gzDyRlzC6ulIypEp9oxa3AndymUp/s1600/mail-1.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEgmpnW_nmL_meJgpjbCgxo2RQKxAPU16GlO8zbBb8fYFTjMYf2H4VcgMjJfgPkLXmE0MB9Sw0eTgMUFSRC-FTR5guC47EBzLjY9dH_632XKhlx-MLg-gzDyRlzC6ulIypEp9oxa3AndymUp/s200/mail-1.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">B</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">eloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if He shall be manifested, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him even as He is. </span></span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">1 JOHN 3:2</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Blind</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">.</span></span> The eyes of the child of God see ever so richly the spiritual path of the Risen One; yet in her earthly form her eyes contain still, a filter of earth, a shield of sin. O Holy One, I beckon Your healing grace upon mine eyes. How I long to see Your glory. How I long to be blinded by Your light. </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And after my skin has been destroyed, </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">yet in my flesh I will see God; </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">JOB 19:26</span></i></span></div></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">Hope</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fff2cc;">.</span> The child of God contains in her heart a red-letter gift that cannot be crushed by disease, by sin, by trial, by death;</span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and although the torrent of heart ache & struggle floods her mind and body and soul at times, the mysterious Hope of heaven remains stronger still, and leads with holy confidence, the way everlasting. Though suffering brings many tears, it is in the surrendered suffering we are brought to Him. </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">When Christ, who is your life, appears, </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">then you also will appear with Him in glory. </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">COLOSSIANS 3:4</span></i></span></div></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Child of God, you are kept by Him, through Him, in Him. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Hold fast. Stand firm. Pray always and trust. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And now, dear children, continue in Him, </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming. </span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">1 JOHN 2:28</span></i></span></div></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the day is fleeting and His victory lies waiting to reveal. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, </span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, </span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">who is the Spirit. </span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;"><span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">2 CORINTHIANS 3:18</span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR_AMoRmwf5-JlqJyGKRDJIUvxujBqcA5CvyAmkZa4H-dpzIvAB_Xbr5_4MuGdmGnb-pNL2nh10xtNWzgtXVcBfrI-fm8320UVv52uKbPRMy88VTzt3C1gPLPTW1eK441bmQdgk6V_mCB/s1600/mail.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEgbR_AMoRmwf5-JlqJyGKRDJIUvxujBqcA5CvyAmkZa4H-dpzIvAB_Xbr5_4MuGdmGnb-pNL2nh10xtNWzgtXVcBfrI-fm8320UVv52uKbPRMy88VTzt3C1gPLPTW1eK441bmQdgk6V_mCB/s200/mail.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The true prize for the child of God, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the one who is blind to herself but sees His reflection of hope,</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is not heaven, it is the LORD, JESUS CHRIST, Himself. Heaven lives now. Heaven is in Christ-</span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"IMMANUEL", God with us.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 21px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yet how much more will He give us? No eye has seen. But, blind hope continues to see Him.</span></b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">I will also give her the morning star. </span></i></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">REVELATION 2:28</span></i></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-11468197734481285992011-11-17T13:17:00.001-08:002011-11-17T13:51:52.734-08:00WHEN RE-GIFTING IS A COMMAND<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The annual silent-killer is upon us once again. The oft paralyzing pressure of holiday gift giving.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By definition, the word "gift" means <i>something that is given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make a gesture of assistance; something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without it being earned.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In essence, the thought reads quite pleasant. Especially the part that says this: <i><b>something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient...</b></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone enjoys receiving something for nothing, whether we admit it or not.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, when a gift no longer remains a gift, but is influenced by an inherent need to <i>deserve</i> the gift, then it becomes a <b>trade</b>, and the silent-killer kicks into full gear. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'Now, I owe something in return.'</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is no longer just a gift, but a responsibility to make sure the gift-giver knows that the gift given was appreciated, whether it was truly enjoyed or not. This sort of social pressure, intended to bless, more often introduces a burden, to the giver and receiver alike.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the risk of sounding ungrateful, I sheepishly admit, I have received Christmas gifts in the past that I have had absolutely no use for.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not the right size.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not the right color.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not the right style.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not the right whatever.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And, with no receipt.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I’m sure you can relate.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Nonetheless, I like to be frugal, practical and resourceful.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have a special drawer that houses a variety of items that once sat under someone else’s Christmas tree waiting for <b>the trade</b>. This storage place is known as my “re-gifting” collection. A host of unneeded things waiting for just the right recipient on just the right occasion. Like I stated, I like to be frugal, practical and resourceful <i>(</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>other words for re-gifting</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>)</i>, especially at Christmastime when the silent-killer of gift-giving pressure comes crushing down upon me and my bank account.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I imagine I, too, have given, more than once, a sweetly wrapped gift that made its way to that “special” drawer or cupboard or box; or worse, the garage for the next yard sale. Or maybe my re-gifting collection are really just re-gifted gifts. Hmmm... <i>(</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>To any one reading this utterly transparent admission of guilt of re-gifting or giving of useless gifts, I seek your forgiveness now.</i></span><i>)</i> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The quote “It’s the thought that counts” seems all too frequently, an excuse at one time or another to justify meaningless trinkets dressed in shiny green and red wrap. My heart discloses that I have hidden behind those words. I want to defend myself by appointing our consumer driven culture to blame, but I cannot. The truth is it's the gift that counts.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am learning that the most excellent gift of deepest value worth receiving and giving AND re-gifting is more of an obedient action than a tangible thing. At least and at best, this is what Jesus believed. And commanded.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In <b>Matthew chapter 22, verse 36</b>, the Pharisees questioned Jesus:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Teacher responded in <b>verses 37-39</b>:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Love.</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love is not a <i>thought</i>. Love is an action.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PGRVrX1YItMizsHKfofskFLyQ5nH6tfz0KCjNbQjg3OOB5EFmkahdg22_CFhD7cnTsmrpdUcDnibLf7Bm3LiSG0OW73lL8p3Z9PyuPHVmH6OPLQj-iMYlZudd3PWnNFQKxQOwXeXAw3W/s1600/photo-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PGRVrX1YItMizsHKfofskFLyQ5nH6tfz0KCjNbQjg3OOB5EFmkahdg22_CFhD7cnTsmrpdUcDnibLf7Bm3LiSG0OW73lL8p3Z9PyuPHVmH6OPLQj-iMYlZudd3PWnNFQKxQOwXeXAw3W/s320/photo-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Let us vow to make gift giving different this year.</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>First,</b> may we not buy gifts without special meaning; nor buy the lie that we must <i>buy</i> a gift.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Second,</b> let us not give what we do not have. May we not be tempted to rack up debt, except the continuing debt to love others.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Third,</b> may our gifts not merely say that we love each other, but let us show our love in action and in truth.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Here are just a few gift giving ideas and suggestions of how to package your gifts:</b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love is patient. Love is kind. Love is content. Love is humble. Love is unassuming. Love honors others. Love is selfless. Love controls self. Love forgives and forgets. Love delights in goodness. Love always rejoices in the truth. Love always protects. Love always trusts. Love always hopes. Love always perseveres. Love never fails.*</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Love. The only gift that never fails.</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Always the perfect size; never too big or ever too slight.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Always the right color; never dreary, forever shining bright.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Always the right style; never changing, always perfect and right.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Love</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> The most splendid gift worth giving. (And re-gifting.)</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Happy Birthday Jesus. Happy Christmas All.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">* 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-32691513290228294882011-08-13T13:16:00.000-07:002011-08-13T13:16:59.169-07:00The Truth Always Sets Us Free<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISxmf86hYOgEc46Z3JEttfTM4lgt4rksTPU32HPe4sV2lUKJ9Hj__YriBgpcFJpyUaKbGzo9pC2knPQOY1hC1W_Fn6XBG6ZbckA2mtg7GjMjhxzr-FJ2DYzFfGeRVKAIYbsXHFIU0O_Nr/s1600/alcoholism-disease-cure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISxmf86hYOgEc46Z3JEttfTM4lgt4rksTPU32HPe4sV2lUKJ9Hj__YriBgpcFJpyUaKbGzo9pC2knPQOY1hC1W_Fn6XBG6ZbckA2mtg7GjMjhxzr-FJ2DYzFfGeRVKAIYbsXHFIU0O_Nr/s400/alcoholism-disease-cure.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #999999;">A</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> tremulous, decade long trial of Alcoholism led me to whole-heartedly believe Rick's addiction was a disease. In 1956, Alcoholism received its </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">disease</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> label by The American Medical Association. This modern theory states that problem drinking is sometimes caused by a </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">disease</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in the brain, characterized by altered brain structure and function. Many in the medical and science field claim it as such, right up there with Diabetes, a disease without a cure, (or in which case, a cure for Alcoholism was offered by Dr. W. H. Sanders & Co. in 1904), only treatable and controlled with medication and therapy (and abstinence). </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia/wiki/Disease_theory_of%20_alcoholism"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">source</span></a></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 9+ years I have been deceived. For 9+ years I have believed that the sin that stole my childhood and more that half my life, that relentlessly tried to destroy my marriage was a <i>disease</i>. </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I grew up with drinking. It was all around me. I took my first drink of alcohol when I was 12. By the time I was 16 I was drinking and getting drunk fairly regularly. I was a good student. I was a great artist. I was a kind friend. And I was a partier. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was cool. I was popular. </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was deceived. </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My years in high school and as a young adult were laced with irresponsibility of drinking too much, only to later think, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">"...boy, I'm getting old--it's becoming harder to recover from a hangover..."</span> </i></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was 25 when Rick and I met. I, still drinking, and Rick--a "real" drinker. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had lots of fun together--at first. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We fell in love. Deeply. It truly was love at first sight. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It wasn't until nearly 5 years into our marriage that I acknowledged we had a "real" problem.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He loved something else, someone else--more than me.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drinking.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Himself.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After another horrendous and fearful two years of drinking, fighting, anger, hating, and raging, my heart closed up. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #999999;">T</span></span>he evening of March 19th, 2002 I vowed to myself, to God, I would never touch alcohol again. It had become my poisonous enemy! </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a night of complete blackout drunkenness, Rick chose to get sober--again--for <b>real</b>.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On March 20, 2002, he drove, by himself, to ER, where he was diagnosed with alcohol poisoning. After IV hydration and recovery, he admitted </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">himself into rehab. During his 6 month treatment program we were educated about the <i>disease</i> of alcohol and drug addiction. We soon believed this "brain disease" was only manageable through sobriety, meds and counseling, but incurable. They called it a "progressive disease". </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, he began the work of treating his disease, and together, (<b>by the grace of God alone</b>), we began the work of healing our marriage.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly a year passed and Rick remained sober, his mind and body still free of alcohol and drugs with the help and support of family, counselors, medication and sheer will.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On March 8, 2003, Rick was introduced to The <b>real</b> Great Physician.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On March 8, 2003, Rick gave his life to his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.</b></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>oday, Rick has been sober for 9 years and 5 months. I, too, diagnosed not as an addict, but an "abuser", am sober. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the last 9 years I have believed and spoke frankly of the addiction that gripped my husband (and I), and many others I know and love, as a <i>disease</i>. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until today.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span>oday, I publicly claim that the doctors and therapists and AA groups are deceived. </span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard it said that God's definition of drunkenness is <b>not</b> UNCONTROLLABLE drinking, but UNCONTROLLED drinking.</span></span></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, alcohol addiction is a disease, but not like Diabetes, or cancer, or Arthritis. <b>Alcoholism is a disease of the soul.</b> Alcoholism is sin. Addiction is sin. </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uncontrolled drinking is sin.</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Galatians 5:21, Paul writes,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"Envyings, murders, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">drunkenness</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"</span></i></span></blockquote></span><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That's pretty scary. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Many believe that God will take their addiction from them when <i>He</i> is ready...</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Since when did Jesus say, at the cross, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"</i>...when <i>I'm</i> ready...?"</span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I believe that on that heart-wrenching, life-altering day up on Calvary Hill <b>He was ready</b>, and in a loud voice proclaimed, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Tetelestai"--</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b>I</b></span></i><b>t is finished</b>. (John 19:30)</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>If</b> you are a Christian, you have been baptized with the Holy Spirit. {Acts 2:38, Rom. 6:4}</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>If</b> you are a Christian, you have the supernatural power to control your lusts and sinful behaviors that only desire to steal, kill and destroy you. {Acts 1:8}</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>If</b> you are a Christian, you are a new creation in Christ, the old man is dead. {2 Cor. 5:17, Eph. 4:24}</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>If</b> you are a Christian, you have been set free. You have the freedom to say, "No" to sin. {Rom. 6:17-18}</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">By the grace of God, let not the deception of our minds, hearts, and the Devil be our way any longer. {John 8:44,1 John 1:8, Rom. 8:2}</span></span></span></div><div><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Children of God, we are called to be sacred vessels filled with His Holy Spirit.</span></span></span></i></i></i></div><div><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i></i></i></div><div><i><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i></i></i></i></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">“And </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">be not drunk with wine</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">, in which is debauchery; but </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">be filled with the Spirit.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">" Ephesians 5:18 </span></i></span></span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a peril, and He will deliver us. On Him, we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us."</span></i></span></span> </blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">2 Corinthians 1:10</span></i></span></blockquote><div><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></i></i></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Again, could the Bible more clear?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Natural wants are to be answered, but evil appetites must be checked and denied. To ask meat for our necessities, is our duty, we are taught to pray for daily bread; (but to ask meat for our lusts, is provoking God, Ps. 78:18). -Matthew Henry</span></span></blockquote><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Jesus said, <b>"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."</b> </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by the yoke of slavery. John 8:31-32, Gal. 5:1</span></i></span></blockquote><span style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #001320;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-6365459719267543182011-07-25T22:04:00.000-07:002011-07-25T22:04:05.554-07:00The Breath of God<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">After my most recent </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trial</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I began praying a new prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"Father God, please prepare me for whatever You choose for my life…may I be rooted deeper in my faith and knowledge of You than ever before...may I not be shaken..."</i></span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I use the word “trial” to describe what has been, by far, the most life-changing experience I’ve been through to date. I wonder as I choose <i>the word</i> if it is worthy to convey such an experience of feeling <b>the breath of God</b> upon me. It just doesn’t seem to qualify.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Last year, my husband and I were overwhelmed to learn he was stricken with Stage 4 Lymphoma. Our lives abruptly shifted from a restful season of floating down the lazy river on a breezy Sunday afternoon to a season of white knuckling our faith, fingernails digging deep into the bedposts of life as emotional tidal waves and tornados of despair competed for the joy we had found in walking with Jesus Christ. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I look back now and know as sure as I can see my hands that it was not me or my husband holding on for dear life and sanity, but God. It was the Lord who stepped into our trial and not only held on <i>to</i> us, but gently covered us from the pestilential storm of cancer. I have never, in all my </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">roller coaster</span></span></i><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> life, felt the divine protection and peace of heaven as I knew last year. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>The Spirit of the Lord was upon us. </b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJUos_kRuSO28cSR-hwHmOcTeBO1_qiQOendodQ_wBmmhVMuvHMVpAC3kqEyL1oIAxcN5BVwmydccjmF_bGsO-VHjoGOoRFqeA_p8zOvqRU1m_A1VkBBrUtJvP5OTLe1sJq6LRusj2Q9y/s1600/photo-21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJUos_kRuSO28cSR-hwHmOcTeBO1_qiQOendodQ_wBmmhVMuvHMVpAC3kqEyL1oIAxcN5BVwmydccjmF_bGsO-VHjoGOoRFqeA_p8zOvqRU1m_A1VkBBrUtJvP5OTLe1sJq6LRusj2Q9y/s400/photo-21.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">clung to His promises like a life preserver. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">I knew without them I would drown in my own deluded mind. God’s Word became a brilliant lighthouse leading me through the fog of uncertain tomorrows and protected me from temptations to walk by sight rather than faith. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Isaiah 26:3 was and still remains one of my daily staples. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></i></div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">“You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You; because he trusts in You.”</span></i></span></span></blockquote><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This leads me back four years ago when my two daughters and I traveled to Washington State to spend some much needed time with my little sister (“little” meaning, she is younger than me; God happened to bless her with the long legs and me with authority; I happen to think He favored her just a bit), and her kids. She left California over a decade ago. Since, our relationship has blossomed into a thing of vibrant beauty. It is said, "Distance makes the heart grow fonder." This has been the case between us. The long years apart have established and strengthened an intimate bond we failed to embrace during our younger years. My heart gnaws with longing to spend time with her, and our visit was long overdue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">While there, the four cousins, little sister and I were blessed to go to Church together. A quaint body of kind faces and warm greetings gladly welcomed us. I followed little sister’s leading through the sanctuary and sat down to be fed. The visiting pastor's teaching was compelling and full of fire. I chewed on every word, taking notes as best I could. My pen flew across the stark white pages of my journal. Within the hour I had reproduced the preacher's message in chicken scratch; somewhat appearing to be secret code, of which I alone could translate. I was full-and satisfied.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">During the service my eye caught little sister discreetly flagging for my attention. She passed me a manila colored note card that she had previously tucked in her Bible. I received the mysterious card with delight anticipating a special message <i>just for me</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe."</span></i></span></span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"> Ephesians 1:17-19a</span></i></span></span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As I eagerly read the typed words, unexpected thoughts flooded my mind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Why is she giving </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">this</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Know Him </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">better</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Me?” </span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I settled my confused and slightly insulted disappointment with my very own brilliant rationale. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Obviously, she has no idea how well I </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">know</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Him these days.”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(Little did I know just how rich and powerful and personal those very verses I had so hastily passed off as for someone else would mean to me one day.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41KW15oEakOCyjHTVkeG4jsQiHZT9JpkQkqILc88JVFjPUgYFeOdp2z82wzcMuCMjKoVbXvKlS6aGj06gGhYnFyNWbe7B-pYoOVcQaZoSj2dN9-EFYLjm_nVfEMOfJFSykl5dWZnPCP-Z/s1600/photo-24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh41KW15oEakOCyjHTVkeG4jsQiHZT9JpkQkqILc88JVFjPUgYFeOdp2z82wzcMuCMjKoVbXvKlS6aGj06gGhYnFyNWbe7B-pYoOVcQaZoSj2dN9-EFYLjm_nVfEMOfJFSykl5dWZnPCP-Z/s400/photo-24.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Months and years came and went and every so often I’d happen upon the manila colored note card. Each time I would grow increasingly curious.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Why </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">did</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> she give this to me?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Does she know something I don’t?”</span><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I began to allow God to teach my heart what this meant for </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">me</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Surely I was in a deeper place with the Lord than ever before. I was thirsty and hungry for more of what He was willing to show me. Regardless, I was all over the place at times verses being the woman of a quiet and gentle spirit; I was still learning what the Psalmist meant when he wrote, “Be still…”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcTq5dXZiS2hOUmy30rqctDoRBbQ3A4aQ3dEwE1AoQ49w6H8CuGos5rYDKB6AuNJkmTDPGGxTCtntZ21beHBPJmObJ6f15OcXPROruVr4lyPX8AXDxPkj7XnRfHUZSjJLwLyq-mtaOhse/s1600/photo-22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrcTq5dXZiS2hOUmy30rqctDoRBbQ3A4aQ3dEwE1AoQ49w6H8CuGos5rYDKB6AuNJkmTDPGGxTCtntZ21beHBPJmObJ6f15OcXPROruVr4lyPX8AXDxPkj7XnRfHUZSjJLwLyq-mtaOhse/s400/photo-22.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It wasn’t until I received a picture text from my beloved niece, little sister’s daughter, smack dab in the middle of my most recent trial, that it hit me!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My little sister may not have had any particular reason for giving Paul’s words to me that chilly Sunday morning in Washington, but God had every particular reason. He knew exactly how and what He was going to reveal to me in the future-</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">His indescribable presence.</span></span></b><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YXnrI6r3ExKdPEPsAcBgBUX9xj6QAxRDGQiXiPRxFl21ITCfwUp0m443fs3zTfRjgsW_OWIx0LXeEdi5XncgC3HV8N5LbR_2hvsCvoOxmbtnZSHA-WGbSfT7TCdgACAp8UyU1SZE-Jtr/s1600/photo-26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2YXnrI6r3ExKdPEPsAcBgBUX9xj6QAxRDGQiXiPRxFl21ITCfwUp0m443fs3zTfRjgsW_OWIx0LXeEdi5XncgC3HV8N5LbR_2hvsCvoOxmbtnZSHA-WGbSfT7TCdgACAp8UyU1SZE-Jtr/s400/photo-26.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-32683330703352757852011-07-18T15:28:00.000-07:002011-07-18T15:28:53.445-07:00His Bride<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"You have stolen My heart, My sister, My bride; you have stolen My heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, My sister, My bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!"</span></span></i></blockquote><blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Song of Solomon 4:9-10</span></span></i></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he passion of Christ's heart burns within my soul! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can barely contain the torrential flood of overwhelming love and joyous revelation that I am His bride, His chosen, His gift from the Father. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How delightful is my love toward Him.</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This is His work.</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I often wonder how can I live up to such an extraordinary calling when I so often fail in my own marriage here in this temporary life, what kind of bride am I through the holy eyes of the Bridegroom, the ultimate Husband, and Master, and Friend? </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNpJYVdEdNprd3oQqwIGswAJLZMVHZFR1TAvwNzg7KyX3vZXk0rKciTCG9CpaR3uznNk8A84apWl7kpGkR3e7MRo5sSQ0uH_K9d-7nePOslxsyLJJX-t0MXkBImQNpheuZtwOpnS2uDZa/s1600/photo-20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNpJYVdEdNprd3oQqwIGswAJLZMVHZFR1TAvwNzg7KyX3vZXk0rKciTCG9CpaR3uznNk8A84apWl7kpGkR3e7MRo5sSQ0uH_K9d-7nePOslxsyLJJX-t0MXkBImQNpheuZtwOpnS2uDZa/s640/photo-20.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> look in the mirror, into my own wandering eyes, pools of blue and gray, and I see stubborn leftover parts of a willful child dressed in sour pride and fear and discontent. A wicked voice determines to pin me to my old reputation of ugly and selfish and cold. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he Bridegroom sweetly offers His faithful hand to me anyway, in spite of my fleshly disease, trusting the Divine Creator has created a new veil and gown for me. The color of righteousness white.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He smiles upon helplessness, my wretched soul melts, and as He teaches me to trust with a trust I have never known, I begin to feel safe and believe Him, learning to desire more and more the abandonment of who I once was, who I am now, and wholly crave the one He wants me to be.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af;">I want to love with pleasing love.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ah, then it occurs to me. I no longer feel the desperate need to be a better person, a better wife, a better Christian; what I feel is the compelling need to love Jesus. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>This is His work alone.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Humbled, I wait patiently, learning to trust Him completely to finish all He has begun and desires to do in me, His righteous bride. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the creation of the world. Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. I have made You known to them, and will continue to make You known in order that the love You have for Me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">John 17:24-26</span></span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-58097897526417085402011-07-14T14:23:00.000-07:002011-07-14T14:23:10.797-07:00Compromise Kills<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y spiritual eyes burn with passionate pleadings and angst.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The devil tells me with subtle deception to </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">C</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">lose them, give rest, let [peace] refresh your weary sight"</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enemy lie compresses Truth as thin, flimsy gauze dresses rotting disease.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"They say to those who despise Me, 'The LORD has said, </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"You will have peace"'; </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">And as for everyone who walks in the stubbornness </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">of his own heart, They say, </span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">'Calamity will not come upon you.'</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Jeremiah 23:17</span></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, I cannot shut out the burning flame deep within my heart, my spirit, that speaks grieving whispers of terror for those who shamelessly walk with a limp-</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the injured foot that keeps its step in <i>his</i> world, subjecting itself to temptation and defile, tickling its toes with flatter and sin- </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">this follower's walk, crippled and brittle. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>O how our Savior was broken for our brokenness.</b> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span>He remains the Truth and the Life that delivers</b> the lame; </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">even those who ignorantly and arrogantly choose to walk their own way with the weighted drag of sin, the ravenous cancer that chews away at the tickled toe.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"Do not love the world or the things in the world. </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">If anyone loves the world, the love to the Father is not in him. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; </span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">but </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">he who does the will of God abides forever.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"</span></i></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">1 John 2:15-17</span></i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be free, my beloved, </b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Be free! </b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div></i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkOZru7ee4DXB1cMNjq2rSWUOkuU3FAps6vP24WkP4XCYu6tVfvXChWi4qIpxym8Z_XKCk67WVfaKK0qoCbki0XuHGDj_7fzaGDQTDPuGxsQfhCUPJbNdRMiLoJUdtVtFJ9qcabDJXA0q/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkOZru7ee4DXB1cMNjq2rSWUOkuU3FAps6vP24WkP4XCYu6tVfvXChWi4qIpxym8Z_XKCk67WVfaKK0qoCbki0XuHGDj_7fzaGDQTDPuGxsQfhCUPJbNdRMiLoJUdtVtFJ9qcabDJXA0q/s400/photo-18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></span></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walk in the way of the Good Shepherd's leading.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Open thine eyes and see clearly His narrow path.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Step far from the edge of sin's enticing, compromising road </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and <b>be healed.</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">and our bodies washed with pure water. </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">for He who promised is faithful." </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e;">Hebrews 10:22-23</span></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">Faith views each promise in its connection with the promise-giver and, because she does so, </div><div style="text-align: center;">can with assurance say, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life!" Psalm 23:6</div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-18154112942436306102011-06-23T12:45:00.000-07:002011-06-23T12:45:47.411-07:00how to be happy {blessed}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8IDGtYk2bauxbXKe1bBzJ42rH17Rqfz0uu0cH7LZxJHbIVRlBk6bke7FRwSu2an7JGPMpwiGqUsy8gqbK8rHOs5qWP1oLg49Poez6AWFy-AXES-8dCiuUyHSXFlD8HnLwKx4NsawaI6H/s1600/photo-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8IDGtYk2bauxbXKe1bBzJ42rH17Rqfz0uu0cH7LZxJHbIVRlBk6bke7FRwSu2an7JGPMpwiGqUsy8gqbK8rHOs5qWP1oLg49Poez6AWFy-AXES-8dCiuUyHSXFlD8HnLwKx4NsawaI6H/s320/photo-15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">give much...expect little</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhwd787Kd6EJ8uX4KJQCblUmLb9PZlYN3Ve_SORsgGllD8BQrTlI0w0KDHt00-7srN2BkIjBhxKBoLVotXerJsrWe3U5X06aDZfJSaShjDyki2wZZbeCzuHmxsVKxw-mmPYxyAMgsGMxQ/s1600/photo-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhwd787Kd6EJ8uX4KJQCblUmLb9PZlYN3Ve_SORsgGllD8BQrTlI0w0KDHt00-7srN2BkIjBhxKBoLVotXerJsrWe3U5X06aDZfJSaShjDyki2wZZbeCzuHmxsVKxw-mmPYxyAMgsGMxQ/s320/photo-11.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">pray.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIw_WlGdVoL4xtpbH9MYDmxBkyLMSf0qClldqFpDoWCrvZD3q3Fr49RfGzbA34r0__5ehL5ta4CJ_tjaaGUd1kj7d1U7HMTlO_K4b_T2CPHFzMZ1CaJhxSLBKMMLG219GuWqOsfWdv-VD/s1600/photo-14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRIw_WlGdVoL4xtpbH9MYDmxBkyLMSf0qClldqFpDoWCrvZD3q3Fr49RfGzbA34r0__5ehL5ta4CJ_tjaaGUd1kj7d1U7HMTlO_K4b_T2CPHFzMZ1CaJhxSLBKMMLG219GuWqOsfWdv-VD/s320/photo-14.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">live your life in love.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrdcw0hF4i_Tb3RXknovToCU8c-MaWRkTTmCZB_wG3OTISdTPtOrxbVHdOugYDz-auaxnjW01ys7mQSUuI9usyDCfAcMAO2ARyLKtpK0N2ZHnclDgms22e2S69yGJ-04TK75-qiCKW0fv/s1600/photo-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrdcw0hF4i_Tb3RXknovToCU8c-MaWRkTTmCZB_wG3OTISdTPtOrxbVHdOugYDz-auaxnjW01ys7mQSUuI9usyDCfAcMAO2ARyLKtpK0N2ZHnclDgms22e2S69yGJ-04TK75-qiCKW0fv/s320/photo-12.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">do what you would have done to you...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">submit to one another.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">be kind.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">let not your heart be troubled...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">keep your eyes fixed on things above...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">your mind free from hate...</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSwlEf9oqwvNTEUlioJ-IEl_rgvDl_Xsz3leii6CRianxd_7CkkwDvjYsj0LhpOTlfaOgmtRewNUdFZ44hLAJiskowoSoihXYzmNUmrfKXE4RfxRshq1SKLb0Ez6O6eQW_vqtRW3QP4Ud/s1600/photo-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSwlEf9oqwvNTEUlioJ-IEl_rgvDl_Xsz3leii6CRianxd_7CkkwDvjYsj0LhpOTlfaOgmtRewNUdFZ44hLAJiskowoSoihXYzmNUmrfKXE4RfxRshq1SKLb0Ez6O6eQW_vqtRW3QP4Ud/s320/photo-13.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">forgive.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37U8zvBC2Js9HQ7TL6GAYbgVOxjSGZKimSlXGylUq1Fpg0USTA_zwOLowLcUmwHJMHzX9v2wKxjcHamANe7McBoE0q8uHEbrBs0EMdV-zBypubamq1-M6OEy4mD366rauyws7YSbO2nke/s1600/photo-16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj37U8zvBC2Js9HQ7TL6GAYbgVOxjSGZKimSlXGylUq1Fpg0USTA_zwOLowLcUmwHJMHzX9v2wKxjcHamANe7McBoE0q8uHEbrBs0EMdV-zBypubamq1-M6OEy4mD366rauyws7YSbO2nke/s320/photo-16.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">be grateful.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">sing.</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuMhJIFSGmf6Nwwb74PHaSmbl8faka_ySrSPA4CiYvExaCzVanebPWL4EFNe61LldHRKFKgxAVAco9rr2AZF6wa2dSosjyXauTo3kFLxEj7eL3w_GwcRXzpiiAefn9LE_kKXzg-QQSg7f/s1600/photo-17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCuMhJIFSGmf6Nwwb74PHaSmbl8faka_ySrSPA4CiYvExaCzVanebPWL4EFNe61LldHRKFKgxAVAco9rr2AZF6wa2dSosjyXauTo3kFLxEj7eL3w_GwcRXzpiiAefn9LE_kKXzg-QQSg7f/s320/photo-17.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">trust God alone.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!" Isaiah 26:3 nlt</i></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-31717205928673875052011-06-04T09:54:00.000-07:002011-06-04T09:54:26.288-07:00it's my birthday too<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1l91U3GWfD92QS4Ky0pi1Ix31GNF9QmZv6FVpmkveHDMxRCFZhcDRnpdxrh25pk0OAJ9EtQNc4xSvQiOCSepqtD-DFYtaW-gvui1pGXdLXyIAPZoyso-FpZOeJ06b1UsJd-GleHtMBR/s1600/r7978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0l1l91U3GWfD92QS4Ky0pi1Ix31GNF9QmZv6FVpmkveHDMxRCFZhcDRnpdxrh25pk0OAJ9EtQNc4xSvQiOCSepqtD-DFYtaW-gvui1pGXdLXyIAPZoyso-FpZOeJ06b1UsJd-GleHtMBR/s400/r7978.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I'm celebrating today!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On June 4, 1968, my husband was born.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He was the gift given to me for my very first birthday. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not for my 1st birthday, but for the very day I was born.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You see, my husband was created for me.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It makes perfect sense.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I was an October baby, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the 6th to be exact, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and if you count nine months forward from October you come to July.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Which doesn't quite equate to the month <i>he</i> was born.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Aww, but my husband was born premature, a month early.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">A gift from God, a gift for me.</span></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A husband.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A best friend.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A lover.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A leader.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A listener.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A father.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A good man.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa8RLIxRTjQ0KNTxZbvYgsbLeSjrNbsGYee5tp99FKWeIExi1NtFj6dMVk2eyjRcZDvf_AoaT6IhmlCb-N7BD30Yq9dsEn7wxea19WEWaPw7bvZyFmt7BFzF6EXZaT1HrrmLW2IZPdySW/s1600/photo-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJa8RLIxRTjQ0KNTxZbvYgsbLeSjrNbsGYee5tp99FKWeIExi1NtFj6dMVk2eyjRcZDvf_AoaT6IhmlCb-N7BD30Yq9dsEn7wxea19WEWaPw7bvZyFmt7BFzF6EXZaT1HrrmLW2IZPdySW/s400/photo-9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I celebrate <b>his special day.</b> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fresh, hot, creamy coffee, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a donut cake stacked high, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">chocolate glaze and rainbow sprinkles, of course, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">topped with a candle <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">{our family tradition}</span></i>, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">presented with a sweet morning birthday song, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sung by his three favorite girls, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">then a night on the town</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>{just the two of us}</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to steal away alone.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>I celebrate his special day with joy and deep gratitude,</b> which technically is my special day too.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fourty-three of them, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I've counted, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>my gift since the day he was born.</b></span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Today, I celebrate God's beautiful plan, </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">a boy made for a girl made for a boy;</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Happy Birthday my precious gift, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my Husband, </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">my Friend.</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I love you, Rick,</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>and I thank God for you!</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">~Dana</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-58094886962730911272011-06-03T12:19:00.000-07:002011-06-03T12:19:34.380-07:00beautiful scars<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">have a hairline scar that traces down the left side of my face. It is hardly visible. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But, it was anything but inconspicuous when I learned that I had skin cancer. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The minor sign of defect that appeared, {</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was so young I can't even remember when}</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">had become a part of me.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I almost never noticed it when I looked in the mirror, so <b>I left it alone.</b> I grew quite used to the mysterious mark, not knowing what it was or recalling where it came from, which I thought was some sort of scar. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I chose to ignore it. </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I got older, the "</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">scar"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> subtly grew bigger too. It wasn't until a few years ago I decided to have it checked out. The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"scar"</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was cancer--left alone for 32 years. The doctor cut deep and wide to remove every last trace of disease that had been growing in my cheek for decades.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have another scar on my right side where my appendix was removed. Poison hiding in darkness o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n the verge of rupture, I was admitted to the hospital for emergency surgery. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The pain was unbearable.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I was at the mercy of the doctor. And, so was my daughter. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was 5 months pregnant.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also have other scars, feathery faint, of skin stretch wide over womb. As life grew inside, my body made room. The slow stretch of baby armor expanded to accommodate her home. She survived the appendectomy and I survived the pregnancy. Pain and cuts, scars and all.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Trademark remains of wound repair cause me to think about scars in general.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What they represent.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The stories they tell.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some distressing, some daunting, some simply a beautiful reminder of a life giving, life changing event. Nevertheless, <b>they all speak of damage.</b> Thick collagen growth--nature's duty of healing.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have other scars that tell stories. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Ones I can't see.</span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Branded places on my heart.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM0IBXbM3N5rRRUZ82EI8v7xrnriyGIEnVFC8ciLXrqvj8EafQx_LE6l-XCGbX4wkxa-KAIf75IoqdHuyMcT35bNQ15XeL2wZnXeesug6lq0wzO0cLMQhHyTyns36sGDKNYStRwCGvmIv/s1600/scars_of_the_heart_by_selvaluigi-d3eidq0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM0IBXbM3N5rRRUZ82EI8v7xrnriyGIEnVFC8ciLXrqvj8EafQx_LE6l-XCGbX4wkxa-KAIf75IoqdHuyMcT35bNQ15XeL2wZnXeesug6lq0wzO0cLMQhHyTyns36sGDKNYStRwCGvmIv/s640/scars_of_the_heart_by_selvaluigi-d3eidq0.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The stories these marks tell, from more painful, devastating, deeper cuts, burrow in the depths of my heart. Just like cancer, self inflicted sin disease and enemy offenses spread margin wide, chasing death when left alone. They tell stories of life long affliction and invisible transgressions uncovered by Truth eyes light, covered over by red.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8</span></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I haven't always been willing to allow God to tunnel deep, to turn up callous rock in the stony places of my heart; I admit, <b>I am not always that brave</b> now. Or willing. I despise the excavation of my private wounds--anger and pride and the jealousy--the hate. Buried sin wounds He exposes in dark forgotten places, as He invites me to be vulnerable, to trust, and to risk; to be healed, to be free, to live. God words speak power to free me of death's stronghold. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Why do I ignore them?</i> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Why do I hold on?</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Sovereign Lord says, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh." Ezekiel 36:26</span> </span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scars of sorrow wounds are most beautiful of all; healed</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> not of nature's duty, but the duty of supernatural province.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Mercy scars.</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Grace scars.</span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><br />
</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The beautiful echo of the Cross.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beautiful scars.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scars that tell stories.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of forgiveness.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of freedom.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of peace.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of extravagant love.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds." Psalm 147:3</span></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<blockquote><i>The sins which men commit make little impression on their minds, they are all so graven upon the table of the heart, that they will all be remembered by the conscience. That which is graven in the heart will become plain in the life; men's actions show the desires and purposes of their hearts. What need we have to humble ourselves before God, who are so vile in his sight! How should we depend on his mercy and grace, begging of God to search and prove us; not to suffer us to be deceived by our own hearts, but to create in us a clean and holy nature by his Spirit! {Matthew Henry}</i></blockquote><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>And He never makes a wound too great, too deep for His own cure. {J. Wesley}</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="http://selvaluigi.deviantart.com/art/Scars-of-the-heart-205770744"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit</span></span></a></b></div></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-90319570319548380142011-05-19T22:33:00.000-07:002011-05-19T22:33:02.891-07:00AFFECTED and INFECTED<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have to wonder,</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">as I shrug off stale, bitter attitudes, convincing <em>little white</em> lies and loose excuses, covering my eyes to things that root deep, that, almost invisible, masquerade </span>as amiable </span><span style="font-size: large;">justifications,</span></span></span></span></span></blockquote><span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">what causes this dulling lack of awareness to my own true spiritual condition?</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder long.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, there are obvious reasons (excuses) for sure. I'm not the same person I used to be and sometimes my thoughts hover over blatant distractions that tend to feed my blind destructive pride.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm living much better than these.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Wicked murderers<br />
Adulterous politicians<br />
Vial music lyrics<br />
And celebrity addictions<br />
Unrestrained morals<br />
Obscene media graphics</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God haters.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their status stands out like an infected sore thumb, (or worse), in my peaceful <em>Philippians 4:8</em> Christian world.</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"All who fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." Proverbs 8:13 nlt.</em></span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today, I ventured out to the place where I get my fitness <em>fix</em>. With cold water bottle, Pandora and headphones in tow, I found myself impulsively distracted.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Eyes gaze up, taking quick inventory of each TV screen as I step onto the machine that plans to wipe me out in ten minutes flat. 6 "talk boxes" side by side, showing 6 separate illicit scenes of the world's harsh reality living out loud, invade my steadfast thoughts with enormous power.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I immediately fix on the young woman, mouthing words of perverted disillusion, moving careless with face all made up, she steps out shamelessly, led by her buyers, as she now leads the crowd.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I shift to the leader, one of past social esteem, who has given up his wife, lost in a Hollywood dream.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next picture tells of captured killers and drugs; though many claim victory, victims suffer in his sludge.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I see culture celebrities on lofty pedestals, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">glorified athletes,</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">idolized movie stars. </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even acting addicts behind bars.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">What has it come to, have we truly digressed, from choosing high moral virtue, which no longer remains our quest? How is it that what was bad is now called good, and the good who stand upright are misunderstood? I see a world where delete and censorship are more often used for God, then the things we are called to hate--exploitation, murder, and fraud. I find it quite disturbing, His judgement is someday coming, so much effort to erase His Name, to bash His Son, the Christ, the King, because it's more about technology, cheap fame and <em>"Look at what I've done.."</em></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wonder...</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If the foul sin of the terrorist, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the cheater, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the blasphemous singer, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the led astray activist, </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and the convoluted finger </span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that points to a place where evil is birthed deep, under layers of delusion, hardened hearts and deceit, also points to my own heart where pride seed root may grow, and if left to it's own bad self surely reaps what it sows.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWSOJobMseeMDKUJIO2LtfZ4BqwfCflAV1Tv9JFkv8HgRRTBRqAycL5Khxo077ZpdlBxfmVZ4oKmTO70Mej-ynDV0QDtJLlo74ms_CIeMURzz9d8aIFFbkYmuLqywl4fCnBCfq46IpI-8/s1600/root+of+pride.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpWSOJobMseeMDKUJIO2LtfZ4BqwfCflAV1Tv9JFkv8HgRRTBRqAycL5Khxo077ZpdlBxfmVZ4oKmTO70Mej-ynDV0QDtJLlo74ms_CIeMURzz9d8aIFFbkYmuLqywl4fCnBCfq46IpI-8/s640/root+of+pride.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><blockquote><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="color: red;">"Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’" Luke 18:9-12 <span style="background-color: white;">nlt</span>.</span></em></span></span></span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">O God, please save me from myself, my pride, the <em>little </em></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">roots I've permitted to live, I ask that You kill them so that I might know how to holy forgive.</span><em></em></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: red;"><em>"But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’" Luke 18:13 nlt</em></span></span></span></span></blockquote><br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Help me to pray for the "tax collectors" in the world, help me to pray for myself.</span><br />
</span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Signed,</span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">a repentant tax collector</span></span></span></div></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-61378776821359508452011-05-14T13:26:00.000-07:002011-05-14T13:26:06.240-07:00Happy to be persecuted?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I really love the Beatitudes.<br />
<br />
In Latin, the word "Beatitude" means </span></span> <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">beatus</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, which is translated as "happy".<br />
</span></span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't like "happy"?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
Found in the fifth chapter of the book of Matthew, Jesus taught the way to walk the talk.<br />
<br />
The happy walk of a follower.<br />
His follower.<br />
His Way.</span></span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The only way.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<br />
<br />
With compelling wisdom and authority, the multitudes gathered around the seated Lord as He spoke of eight distinctions that mark a true disciple.</span></span> <br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLcryXL5rwxG7OuuFPfblzNlOYvSFCnmK81cgaYvIKsmSkGj_HLgkCiTk6zdld1avIfgaE9L_OGu3OQKXhkOxsd47ThCrZ8eHJkuM6gqgYjLAVeVxs82p-wpngydDqAkFzn1AtrrMd3mH/s1600/sermononmount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="443" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLcryXL5rwxG7OuuFPfblzNlOYvSFCnmK81cgaYvIKsmSkGj_HLgkCiTk6zdld1avIfgaE9L_OGu3OQKXhkOxsd47ThCrZ8eHJkuM6gqgYjLAVeVxs82p-wpngydDqAkFzn1AtrrMd3mH/s640/sermononmount.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://alamoheightsunitedmethodistchurch.blogspot.com/2011/02/sermon-on-mount.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><b>photo credit</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span> </span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_753034453"></span><span id="goog_753034454"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_47838487"></span><span id="goog_47838488"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">On the surface His words seem simplistic.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessed are...</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...the poor in spirit...</span></i></span></span></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...those who mourn...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...the gentle...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...those who hunger and thirst for righteousness....</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...the merciful...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...the pure in heart...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...the peacemakers...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness...</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">...you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you</span></i></span></span></blockquote></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"> because of Me.</span></i></span></blockquote></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With all hopeful commendation, Jesus encourages the people onto wild promises.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>The kingdom of heaven.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Comfort.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>The earth.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Satisfaction.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Mercy.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Eyes to see God.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br />
</i></span></span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>A great reward in heaven.</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">These divine benefits obviously lead me to pursue His way, to follow after poverty, mourning, gentleness, hunger and thirst, mercy, purity and peace. Even persecution seems to be an appealing investment to purpose in my heart.<br />
<br />
Yet, I question my motive to cultivate these spiritual qualities and I wonder whether my initial perception might very well be ignorant, loosely desiring grace gifts from poverty to persecution, or just plain clueless to what Jesus is talking about.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Let's be honest.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who really wants to be poor and brokenhearted? Or hungry and thirsty? Let alone persecuted. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From a distance, it seems far more comfortable to seek after meekness and mercy, purity and peace. These "appear to be" more attractive and non-threatening.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I realize that Jesus was teaching on things far more profound than His simple words conveyed. He spoke simply, but His words were anything but simple. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, deeper I dig because I want to understand what it is to be poor "in spirit" and so on.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I find His necessary applications to be a holy recipe of divine sanctification.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've also discovered that the Beatitudes are broken into four defining attitudes.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attitude toward self, sin, God, and world.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I contemplate these questions:</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"How do I see myself?"</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<blockquote>Do I have the correct estimate of my own spiritual poverty; do I see myself as absolutely destitute? Do I realize I am and have and can do nothing apart from Jesus?</blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"How do I see my sin?"</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <blockquote>Do I mourn over the sin in my life? Do I despise it? Do I have eyes to see sin the way God sees it? Or, am I comfortable in the "little" sins? Am I willing to gently hand over my unsatisfied fleshly cravings into the holy hand of Christ, with humility and gratitude, in exchange for a righteous hunger and thirst?</blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"How do I see my God?"</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<blockquote>Do I truly understand what it means to be forgiven? Do I trust it? Have I really tasted grace; the mercy cup poured out on me, blood covered, washed white, His sacrifice for my purity, my daily cleansing to walk close to Him where I find God peace? Do I recognize that to truly know <i>these</i> is to give them?</blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"What is my attitude toward this world?"</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<blockquote>Do I desire more, the friendship of my society or fellowship with my Master? Do I really understand and accept the conflict between this world and me? As difficult as it may be at times, am I willing to accept that the world hates me?</blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><blockquote><br />
</blockquote></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12</span></span></i></span></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This passage had encouraged me to persevere in boldly walking in my faith, but it hasn't always necessarily made me</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> feel</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> blessed. Or glad.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the radio, a pastor gave a profound address to persecution in his message. In a nut shell, he encouraged believers to not fear or "avoid at all costs" this casting, but to see it for what it is: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a powerful tool God uses</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> not only to prove the true believer verses the false (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the wheat from the chaff; Matthew 3:12</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">), but also to grow the faith of the true disciple.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ask myself another question. A revealing question.</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"Am I more concerned with my own comfort and keeping peace in the here and now over the Truth Jesus came to testify to?"</span></span></i></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am learning that if I am to walk my talk (</span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">His talk, His walk</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">), I must be willing to get <i>burned</i>, even die for the sake of true "happiness".</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25</span></span></i></span></blockquote></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The multitudes still come to Jesus wanting His blessings, the wild promises He offers, but few are interested in the fire, the heart transplant of the Holy Spirit.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Where is your interest?</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
<blockquote><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Is it in the things Jesus offers in following Him, or is it in the blessedness of Him alone?</span></i></blockquote></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear his threshing floor and gather His wheat into the barn, but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire." Matthew 3:9-12</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-71286796800391190752011-05-09T22:12:00.000-07:002011-05-09T22:12:03.907-07:00LOVE'S TROPHY<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">A photo of my dad sits on the fireplace mantle in our family room. Its black and white image reflects a man in his early thirties. Dark shades of coolness cover his wandering, hungry eyes. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I was young when this picture was taken, maybe twelve or thirteen or so. I remember too well, those days, and many after that, the longing in my heart, for my father's attention, for his unconditional affection, most of which he spent on life's fleeting amusements and unattainable diversions.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>These stole his heart from me.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">As a young woman, I learned to despise the things that ripped me off. I learned to despise him. A hardened heart full of broken rotted the depths of my soul. I suffered deep and long in the bleeding sin pit, fourteen plus years of estrangement and torture, imprisoned by the devil himself.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>I was 36 when God stepped in to reveal His masterpiece.</strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Two hearts prepared over decades of fire's refinement work shone bright reflections of mercy gentle, abounding grace poured out. A new love longing to recover molten damage of wicked wreckage, now past.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">The hole in my gut, eaten away by cancer hate, at once dissolved, God-surgery performed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Shiny new metal now frames his distant look, so far away, unknowing of his limited days. God creature, of dust, written in the Lamb's book of life, Sovereign destiny before he was born. I smile deep as my eyes fix on His victory, the prize of <em><strong>love conquers all</strong>;</em> God's trophy, I cherish, so much more than a man, it rests upon the mantle of my heart. It's placard speaks rich words of unfailing love, reconciled forevermore.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8bc6EAnFAtyFDV9kLsO78fD9bm5sXobMCbBnjgMoUILo6nVT3IvfISf97PvqatBNJxFbtGVmWST3UrQDc51kO44DZNZXtrKUk-RuG39KgVbF52vtzXuGXfoDni1wqPGWVrB5p7FR4zFp/s1600/dad.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8bc6EAnFAtyFDV9kLsO78fD9bm5sXobMCbBnjgMoUILo6nVT3IvfISf97PvqatBNJxFbtGVmWST3UrQDc51kO44DZNZXtrKUk-RuG39KgVbF52vtzXuGXfoDni1wqPGWVrB5p7FR4zFp/s640/dad.JPG" width="640px" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">We were given little over a year, just enough to redeem the time lost in fallen ways, enough time to learn to believe. </span>What joy was made complete that day, yet saved for father's last year, the unveiling of true love for daughter etched real on my heart, never to be stolen again, written by God. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">So, daily I honor this divine award, God finished, bitter sweet adored, of a father who saw through layers of pointless deeds, the superficial markers of an empty world.</span><br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Daddy,</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I love you so much and I miss you.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I will see you soon.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Your daughter</span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><em><blockquote><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></blockquote><blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I believe in the God of miracles, I've seen Him with my very own eyes; I've felt Him move inside me, I have sensed His eye from above. I believe in the God of new mercies, each day He wraps me in grace, He leads me beside stillness of waters, His Son forever sits beside me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></em></span><span style="color: red; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>The LORD says, "I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you." Joel 2:25</em></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-18165620461628208542011-05-06T23:02:00.000-07:002011-05-06T23:02:27.341-07:00DISCIPLINE IN THE BASICS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHTG1ZQ5bp3B2vxGy5Nutg60r59fCrM_mw95UlQ-gouF-m1YJnVNMB2zAI5XnBLjlv5QhUA-u2JmJqFL9eVe8P-XexUTFY_HTe1oMaTFD6Q77HnO6huF1_Z17kq483Fn6QiTfWDDEcjJu/s1600/dishes-in-rack-on-towel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHTG1ZQ5bp3B2vxGy5Nutg60r59fCrM_mw95UlQ-gouF-m1YJnVNMB2zAI5XnBLjlv5QhUA-u2JmJqFL9eVe8P-XexUTFY_HTe1oMaTFD6Q77HnO6huF1_Z17kq483Fn6QiTfWDDEcjJu/s640/dishes-in-rack-on-towel.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> made my way down stairs for my ritual cup of coffee this morning. As I approached the kitchen I was greeted with disheveled dishes piled high on the countertop, remnants of last night's dinner. Clean, no less, they sparkled in the dawn's first sun. As I slowly removed a plastic cup that balanced atop the disfigured display, it's heavier counterparts, a metal spoon rest and stainless steel pot, slid abruptly, loudly crashing into the sink.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hoped the blatant racket hadn't disturbed the tranquility that still rested in our home.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued on, carefully, methodically removing each dish and utensil, like figuring out a puzzle, until every last piece was returned to its proper place ready for use again.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the moment, I recall a fleeting notion, surely a wise warning, however, quickly dismissed last night.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></span></span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">This is not gonna hold.</span></i></span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Na,"</i> I say to the quiet prediction. <i>"I built it well, supported safe."</i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ya, until the time arrived this morning, to disassemble my domestic piece of art.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A new thought passes through my mind...</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>...Who does this?</b> Who stacks dishes piled high, with no organization, but with perfect strategy, building weightier ceramic cake plate atop flimsy, plastic throw-away container, while forks protrude every which way like an abstract bouquet of assorted crockery?...</i></span></blockquote></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, I had to own up.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I do this.</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I admit, in a weird way it's a challenge. I freely wonder how clever I can get as I skillfully pile one dish upon another, allowing just enough space for air to invade tight places. I even stand back and admire my accomplished, yet temporary, faulty work.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>This makes me think about my life as a Christian.</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it possible that I might, at times, build my religion in this very same fashion?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I regretfully recognize that I have.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God warns us in <b>Matthew 7:24-27</b> to build our houses on solid ground. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” (NLT).</span></i></span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I confess, I have not always listened in this case. I have not always built my <i>house</i> according to Jesus's insightful advice.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just like last night. I ignored the warning of disaster to come.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to do it my way because it seemed easier.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because I thought I could.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should I have piled high still dripping dishes instead of taking the time to be orderly, of drying and putting away, following convention of <i>first-things-first</i> and <i>finish what you start</i>?</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe so.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A practical practice of follow through.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I see how this reflects in my life as a Believer at times.</b> It reveals the issue that I am drawn to doing a lot of things at one time. I do tend to pile high [priorities], with the balancing act of a <i>clever</i> disciple only to find my efforts crash around me as I crash and burn (out).</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I need discipline to be basic</b>, to diligently take care of the basics first. All the added "piled high" extras can and do become heavy and ultimately collapse the whole <i>sand castle</i>.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want not my prayer life or my Bible time to mirror that of a plastic throw-away container, but to lay secure my house like a cast iron skillet.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span id="goog_1902667643"></span><span id="goog_1902667644"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May I be given the grace to learn to be obedient, to take the time to build the basics of my faith with order, diligence and passion. Everything else is frosting.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3963800875734320696.post-71156183360059595632011-05-04T15:01:00.000-07:002011-05-04T15:01:37.588-07:00Am I Willing To Commit?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The room was filled with eager listeners soaking up profound wisdom and encouragement from the seasoned editor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Her words provoked hearts to dig deeper, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to go for it, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to trust. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Her persuasive words settled firm in mid air as if placed right before me... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Claim your gift, then commit to it.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The real question became clear. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Am I willing to commit? </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Until that moment I wandered confused in my thoughts. She continued on with details of how to recognize a gift. I felt hopeful, even confident. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Passion, joy, and acknowledgement from others were a few key points. These things I could not deny. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I love to write. I especially love to write about things that stir my heart, putting words to the deep things in deep places. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">In the past, my unbelief rejected kindly commendation for fear its value might have little or no weight. Yet, in that moment I was <i>given permission</i> to </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">accept my gift. I had something and I was finally willing to claim it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then came the harder hurdle. The true challenge that had followed me long was now calling me out- </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Am I willing to commit? </span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I found myself face to face with a deeper, far more important question; <b>the real issue</b>; <i>Am I willing to do whatever it might take-to learn, to labor, to sacrifice-all for the gift?</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This challenged me to get serious. To decide. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBT7DMoZLIiPEBP26sBUYSP0s4ZtqAkQf8kZw9bVpui-mcgu5U0Ezwr_1HCqHuR10_-ICuH4Jw-56EpAeSW9bTG_ikjTb3FNW2KIzJ3aPHnFwCnSt_hK5P5wbUGTnHQmHha4WEs8QdIWj/s1600/writer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBT7DMoZLIiPEBP26sBUYSP0s4ZtqAkQf8kZw9bVpui-mcgu5U0Ezwr_1HCqHuR10_-ICuH4Jw-56EpAeSW9bTG_ikjTb3FNW2KIzJ3aPHnFwCnSt_hK5P5wbUGTnHQmHha4WEs8QdIWj/s640/writer2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So today, I admit out loud I want to be a writer. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I want to do this. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">No, I will do this. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This place of decision to <b>commit</b> to being a writer made me think about Salvation.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The parallels of the two are quite evident and compelling to me.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> However, the ability to acknowledge the gift of Salvation is very different. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In either case, whether to be a writer, a God-given talent and desire to pursue, or to be a Christian, a God-given, God-sacrificed atonement that pursues me, I must claim it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nothing becomes mine if I fail to claim it. But, I must also commit to it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It seems to make no sense at all to recognize and receive either or both and stop there. The hand and heart exchange of receiving these does no good if I don't then, act, if I don't commit. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To be anything worthy, to do anything well I must be dedicated to learning and to keep learning. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I must be willing to labor, to work it out, and to sacrifice for the name of the call. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To be a writer far too easily and far to often becomes about others. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The acknowledgement, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the approval, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">the need for acceptance. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">It's only joy can sadly become about what others think. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As much as I might try to protect myself from these lusts of the flesh, I discover how difficult it is. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I can easily fall into this same trap as a Christian. The Bible is clear that the foundation of being a Christian should never be about what others <i>think</i>. It's defining value rides on what God thinks. Committing to God should never be about gaining the acknowledgement of others or their approval and acceptance. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Obviously, I'm not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. </span></i></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Bradley Hand ITC TT'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ's servant.</span></i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Galatians 1:10</span></span></span></span></blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Commitment to my Salvation must always be about Jesus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If my goal turns into people pleasing, which </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>seems to be</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> a sacrificial way of pleasing myself, while trying to please God, I will fail. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Delusion, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">deception, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and disappointment </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">will be my way. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To learn God's ways, His ways of loving, His ways of living, laboring in prayer, sacrificing of my own way, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">giving up approval of others, risking rejection, even persecution, comes with the territory.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This can be hard stuff. But, this is </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>what it takes. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>This is commitment. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I see how God illustrates His way. Isn't it always the opposite of the world's ways? </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As the world calls us to want, to need, to crave approval, God says no. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Your approval comes from Me alone.</span></span></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yes, I have committed to writing, but I risk greatly. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Not for fear of disapproval, but that my passion for writing might turn into a passion to please.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This has always been my heart, my reason to write: </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My passion for Jesus, He beckons me to write. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My love for Him that seeks His </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">attention. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My joy is to find myself smack dab in the middle of both my gifts-writing for Him, with Him and about Him.</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">May I never lose sight of this sacred motive.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other." <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Matthew 6:24a</span></span></span></i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">subscribe</div>Dana Langehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802626360966849966noreply@blogger.com0