tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33332470958105263062024-02-18T21:13:09.953-05:00My Life...As It HappensBy MeganMeganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-88307544226878115452014-02-07T08:58:00.001-05:002014-02-07T09:31:10.054-05:00The Lindsey Family - We're Burning Up The Barn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Okay, most may not realize this, but after praise and worship music(which is Hillsong United, Bethel, and Rend Collective styles), my next favorite music genre is Bluegrass. Yep, you read that right! Bluegrass. Which is positive, considering that I'm friends with two different bluegrass bands! One being the Lamay and Reese duo (<a href="http://lamay.com/lamayreese.htm" target="_blank">http://lamay.com/lamayreese.htm</a>), and the other, The Lindsey Family (<a href="http://www.lindsey-family.com/cms/" target="_blank">http://www.lindsey-family.com/cms/</a>). </div>
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And just to be random, fun, and to go along with my bluegrass kick as of late, I'm sharing one of The Lindsey's songs with you. Hope it brings a smile to your face this morning. Enjoy! </div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-73415329450498328332014-01-25T12:09:00.003-05:002014-01-28T11:55:40.395-05:00Surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ - Trusting God in everything (Includes the story of John and Betty Stam)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>"In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."</i> - Isaiah 30:15</blockquote>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart." - Luke 2:19</span></i></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Have you ever had so many things on your heart that you have no idea how to put them into words? Or perhaps even just a few, but you find those few things filling your entire being? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That's how I have been feeling many times these last couple of weeks. Not in a bad way or anxious way, but rather, in a pondering and wondering way. I am learning more and more of the beauty in quietness, rest, contentment, and trust. In all those things combined, I find renewed hope and strength in my Savior. He is faithful to teach me how to surrender everything from my today, my tomorrow, and beyond. The more I rest in Him, the less restless I am concerning the future. And yes, specifically, concerning marriage. Why that is an ever probing subject on a girl's mind, I'm afraid I will never understand! How can something that is so wonderfully created BY GOD, be the most distracting thing ever?! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, sorry, almost went on a bunny trail there!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John (He's almost 21 already!)</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not long ago, I wrote about how I tend to feel about change (<a href="http://www.megan-mylifeasithappens.blogspot.com/2013/12/change-is-okay.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I guess it is inevitable I would think about "change" around the New Year. I still have the feeling in my gut that this year will be different and filled with newness. In fact, change is already coming our way. My sister, Krystal, and her husband, Anthony, are adopting a little girl from Bulgaria. They are over there right now meeting her. I can't wait for our turn to meet her! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Secondly, my brother, John, is moving out soon! I'm very thankful he will only be 10-15 minutes away, and yet even with him still so close, our home dynamics are about to change. Crazy! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the midst of my sadness of not getting to spend as much time with one of my best friends in the whole world, I am very, very excited for the opportunity the Lord has opened for him. I'm trying to take advantage of being stretched in this area of change and further learn to surrender everything and everyone in my life to the Lord. His grace if sufficient! :) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thirdly, beginning on Tuesday, I will be spending time two days a week with a little girl, named Macey, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and is in a wheel chair. Needless to say, I am excited beyond words for this opportunity! Children with special needs are very near and dear to my heart and I am thankful that God has opened this door to work with her and her family. Will you please pray for me? I really hope and pray that Macey and I will connect quickly and become good buds :) I also need wisdom and discernment to learn what best motivates her and encourages her. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brooke</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, my best friend, accountability partner, sister, and confidant(besides my mother & father), Brooke, will be leaving this year to go to eleven countries in eleven months with an organization called the World Race. In other words, she's paying me back for being in Thailand for fifteen months. Gosh, talk about change! I'm not sure what I'm going to do without her. Once again, I'm thankful God does. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And lastly, I'm planning a trip to Germany!!!!!!! Now this is change I can handle. A trip to Europe has been one of my dreams for the last several years, and now, Lord willing, I will finally be able to visit my very good friend, Kristyn. The date is not set, nor do I have the funds, but I am planning, praying, and feeling determined. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are also some personal things I'm praying about. These are areas between God and me. The ones that set me to pondering and wondering. The areas that bring me to my knees daily before the One I love. He is so kind and good. There is no stress or confusion in His presence, only peace. He is helping me to surrender the little things now so that, I assume, to be able to surrender bigger things later. What those things will be I have not a clue, nor do I focus on them. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many times I am encouraged by other people's stories of waiting and trusting in the Lord's timing and purposes. One story in particular lately has been very uplifting. It's the story of John and Betty Stam. They were missionaries to China for a short time during the 1930's. I had never heard of them until I read Elisabeth Elliot's book, "<i>Quest for Love</i>" (which is a great read by the way. If you're single and desiring marriage, you should read it). Everything about John and Betty's story is about seemingly impossibility, trust and surrendering to the lordship of Jesus Christ...even unto death. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">John Stam was born in NEW JERSEY in the early twentieth century. He was seated at his desk in business school one day in 1922 when he handed his life over to the Lord. His interest in making money waned. He just wanted God's will for his life. This led him to attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. In the mean time, on the other side of the world in CHINA, the Lord was also preparing Betty Scott to attend Moody. It was there that John and Betty met. John noticed in Betty something that he had never found before, something that strangely attracted him. But he held his feelings so firmly in check that no one knew of his attraction to her. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Betty assumed she would return to China as a missionary, but at Moody the continent of Africa began to consume her heart. Her attention had also been drawn to John Stam, whose call to China was clear and sure. I can imagine her human and natural feelings. Was it to be Africa or China? Marriage or singleness? The wonderful thing about Betty was that her fears lead her to the Lord and in return she received His gentle reassurance. Finally, a</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">fter much prayer and deep testing, the call to China was confirmed in Betty's heart during her second year at Moody. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During their two years at Moody, John never preferred one girl above another. He had kept entirely free in heart and outward relations, expecting not only to go to China unmarried but to remain so for at least five years! His hope was to engage in pioneering evangelistic work. He was ready to offer for the mountain tribes of the west or the Moslems of Sinkiang. But now he faced a new challenge - He realized he was in love with Betty. Now what? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We are told that, " Betty, with her pure, sweet nuture, did not hide from him that his love might be returned." She had found in John spiritual fellowship, a common missionary vision, and a deep unity of heart in the things that mattered most. But still, the way was not clear for them. They continued to press forward with their plans, trusting God's wisdom. John wrote to his father: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>"Betty and I have prayed much about this, and I am sure that, if our sacrifice is unnecessary, the Lord will not let us miss out on any of His blessings. Our hearts are set to do His will...But this is true, isn't it, our wishes must not come first? The progress of the Lord's work is the chief consideration. So there are times when we just have to stop and think hard."</i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They ended up parting ways for eight months. John honestly desired nothing but the will of God, but was he willing to face life without Betty? Long story short, the timing of events were, as always, in God's hands. He made a way for them to become engaged! After their engagement though, they were again parted for an entire year. This would make, I believe, 3 or 4 years of waiting for them. Finally, they were married on October 25, 1933. Their baby, Helen Priscilla, was born on September 11, 1934 :) However, after only a little over a year of marriage, and keep in mind the waiting before that, in December John and Betty were captured by Chinese Communists, marched half-naked through the village streets, and beheaded. The baby was discovered thirty hours later by Mr. Lo, a pastor. She was lying on the bed, safe and warm in her zippered sleeping bag, apparently none the worse for her long fast. In the bag were an extra nightgown, some diapers, and two five-dolloar bills, just enough to provide the little rescue party, which included young mothers who fed the baby along the way. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And so, this is the story of John and Betty Stam. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God alone was enough. Is He enough for me? For you? </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many years before this part of their story began, Betty's prayer of commitment and consecration acquired powerfully striking significance in view of the manner of their death.</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"Lord, I give up all my own plans and purposes, all my own desires and hopes, and accept Thy will for my life. I give myself, my life, my all, utterly to Thee to be Thine forever. Fill me and seal me with Thy Holy Spirit. Use me as Thou wilt, send me where Thou wilt, work out Thy whole will in my life at any cost, now and forever." </span></i></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to be like Betty. I find strength in her story, because she was an ordinary girl with a human heart and feelings. She accepted changes with grace and allowed her circumstances to draw her closer to Christ instead of wavering. She was like Mary when Mary said to the angel, Gabriel, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As Christians, this ought to be our heart's cry. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I leave myself, and you, my reader, with the lyrics to a song I love. </span><br />
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<b>God Alone Is Enough</b><br />
By John Michael Talbot<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Let nothing trouble you<br />Let nothing frighten you<br />For everything passes<br />But God will never change<br /><br />Patient endurance<br />Will obtain everything<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />God alone is enough<br />God alone is enough<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />God alone is enough<br />God alone is enough<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />So let nothing trouble you<br />Let nothing frighten you<br />Everything passes<br />But God will never change<br /><br />Patient endurance<br />Will obtain everything<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />God alone is enough<br />God alone is enough<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />God alone is enough<br />God alone is enough<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all<br /><br />Let nothing trouble you<br />Let nothing frighten you<br />For everything passes<br />But God will never change<br /><br />Patient endurance<br />Will obtain everything<br />Whoever has God<br />Wants for nothing at all</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John and Betty Stam</td></tr>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-73495148126119327872013-12-19T11:47:00.001-05:002013-12-19T11:47:30.097-05:00Be Still // Steffany Frizzell Gretzinger & Bethel Music // Tides Officia...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/TAPpunj-dMM" width="480"></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-15716336453263083302013-12-09T01:50:00.001-05:002013-12-09T12:17:43.830-05:00Change is okay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"It may be that decisions which seem to change the character of the work will now have to be made. But if the principles which have grounded us from the beginning are held fast there will be no real change. The river may flow in a new channel but it will be the same river." ~ Amy Carmichel </b></i></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I desire God's will for my life, even if this means leaving all that I know, and yet, so often I feel like He couldn't have chosen a girl with more excitement about the future with almost as much dread of change to match! </span> </blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">In all honesty, I think God just loves it when I am desperate for Him. He will use the heart in my throat and the pounding of my chest to keep me seeking, surrendering, trusting and loving. And those are my closest moments with Him. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I feel my heart stirring, but with no clue as to why or to what's ahead. All I know is that Christ is always faithful, always good, and always my strength. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Perhaps there will be nothing significantly changing any time soon. I don't know. But for now, I am thankful for the reminder that, when it's from God ... Change really can be okay! :) </span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>Alright, done rambling now :)</blockquote>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-44739465482645202162013-12-02T12:39:00.000-05:002013-12-02T13:04:32.736-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Wouldn't we be happy if we could find the full treasure described in the Gospel? Nothing else matters. This treasure is infinite; the more we explore it, the more riches we find. May we never stop searching until we have found it! ....</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know what God has in store for me, but I feel so serene that it doesn't matter. What do I have to be afraid of when I'm with Him? I stay with Him as much as I can. May He be blessed for everything!" - Brother Lawrence ( The Practice of the Presence of God) </span></blockquote>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-90813149442979410942013-11-30T10:35:00.002-05:002013-12-02T12:41:53.024-05:00Blog Recommendation - Livin' The Thai Life by Margaret Hoar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Okay, guys and gals, do you need a laugh? Yes? Well you need to head over to my close friend, Margaret Hoar's blog and read her posts then. She.is.hilarious.<br />
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I met Margaret during my days in Thailand and we have been fast friends ever since. She has this way of being able to put so many Thai situations into words. Maybe that's why I think she's so funny...Her posts bring back a ton of memories :)<br />
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Anyways, please check her blog out! CLICK HERE: <a href="http://livinthethailifeblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://livinthethailifeblog.wordpress.com/</a> </div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-70224551236225811852013-11-28T09:59:00.001-05:002013-11-28T09:59:39.497-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-11898608135694879562013-11-22T15:59:00.002-05:002013-12-05T21:06:21.365-05:00Honoring My Future Spouse: What I'm learning about Godly, healthy guy/girl interaction<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Disclaimer: </b>I am in no way trying to imply that I have this area of my life figured out (just ask my family). Like you, I am on a journey. I am simply doing my best to carry out what God has shown me for me throughout the years up to this point. Please keep in mind that this post is addressing every day situations, and not special ones, such as being alone with a guy friend because he's being protective over you. - You do not have to agree :) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;">And beware, this may be my longest post yet! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>Guy/Girl Interaction</u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> It's a subject in the church that is not brought up very often. And honestly, I can understand why. It's a touchy subject! With so many people at different places in their walk with God, we tend to have <strike>at least a few</strike> a lot of different opinions. It is also hard to talk about it without appearing like you're sharing your opinion, sounding prideful and being legalistic. Which is what I, too, am trying to avoid in this post. I can only go by the past, recent and personal experiences I have had in my short years on earth, plus what I have learned from the Bible and people, young and old, who I respect. My desire is to honor God. I am responsible for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> The Lord has brought me through the progression of being a sometimes flirty 13 year old in youth group with a crush or few, to a twenty four year old woman desiring to honor her future husband <u>now</u> physically, mentally and emotionally<i>(</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>“She does him good and not evil </i><u style="font-style: italic;">ALL</u><i> the days of her life.” ~Proverbs 31:12</i>)</span></span>. The latter, of course, involves how I respond and act toward my guy friends. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I find that focusing on two specific areas really helps me. </span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Safety in numbers & Healthy conversation</b></span></li>
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<span class="text Prov-11-14" id="en-ESV-16703" style="font-size: 16px; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Where there is no guidance, a people fall </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Prov-11-14" style="position: relative;">but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.</span></span></i> ~ Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back in time, it would have been very unusual for an unmarried man and an unmarried woman to be intentionally alone together. It didn't matter if they were in a public setting or even if they were just friends. To be alone implied something much bigger than friendship. I am sure there were exceptions, such as safety, but otherwise, it would have given people the opportunity to think things, perhaps, very untrue of the two people. It could have put their character in question, which would have been an embarrassment, because character was something to protect and respect. Sounds pretty old-fashioned and restricting, right? But has the way people think really changed so much?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let's bring this scenario up to date, but keeping it in a Christian mindset. There's a young man and woman you know, who claim to be only friends. This is the first time you've seen them alone, and they are in a car. What's YOUR first thought? Are you now trying to convince yourself they are still "only friends", when before, there's was no doubt? I can't speak for you, but I know for me, my first thought is, "Hmmmmm, I wonder...". </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's not that it may be inherently wrong, but perhaps more like bad judgement. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If there is at least a third person, I think, "Well there goes a good group of friends." It also protects my brother or sister in the Lord's character from being put into question. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"... He (the Lord) is a shield to those who walk in integrity..." ~ Proverbs 2:7</i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have found that I really, really like accountability. It doesn't always feel good in the moment, but I've never known a time when I wasn't thankful for it in the end. This includes involvement from my parents, as well as friends. Unfortunately, our culture gives us the impression that accountability, especially with parents, is childish or only for pastors. But I beg to differ. It's not childish, it's safe. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And there is nothing wrong with safety. I <u>want</u> to feel safe, especially as a woman. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our friends and family can help us stay focused on the Lord and what He has put in our hearts. I know for me, I tend to have an easier time talking with guys. Because of this, I have asked my family and friends</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to help me by pointing out when I am unintentionally going too far with my teasing and/or conversations. I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> will mean absolutely nothing by it, but if not careful, it could look like I'm leading someone on, which would give the appearance of an untruth. Which brings in the subject of conversations. I love this paragraph written by Leslie Ludy from her devotion <a href="http://setapartgirl.com/magazine/article/05-1-13/getting-know-guy" target="_blank">"Getting to Know a Guy"</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She was specifically writing to girls, but I believe, in many ways, it can also be applied to guys. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3a3637; font-family: HelveticaNeue-Light, 'Helvetica Neue Light', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>"Protecting your feminine mystique doesn’t mean you need to hide in a corner and go out of your way to avoid guys. It’s not more spiritual to act shy and insecure in a conversation with a guy. You can be friendly, outgoing, and confident toward any guy you meet. The key is to be God-honoring in 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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">way </span>you speak and interact with guys. Scripture is abundantly clear that all our words must be carefully weighed before God...</i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>Far too many of us get caught up in the “playful banter” that goes along with male/female interaction, disregarding the purity of speech that God requires of His children. When you casually chat with a guy, don’t allow crude words, sarcastic words, impure words, profane words, sensual words, gossipy words, etc. to creep into your conversation. Joking about the latest Hollywood comedy or T.V. sitcom might seem completely normal, but does it honor Jesus Christ? Flirtatious or teasing comments might seem innocent and fun, but does that behavior reflect the stunning purity of our King? ...</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><i>When it comes to talking casually with guys, choose to exchange all foolish, idle, flirtatious conversation for edifying words that build faith and bring glory to God. Beware of downplaying spiritual things so that a guy doesn’t think of you as strange. Let guys know without question where you stand – that Jesus Christ is the number one passion and focus of your life and heart."</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>And I would add, don't share the deeper parts of your heart, even under the title of "ministry". I highly encourage others, as I too have been encouraged, if you need a friend to talk to about deep heart matters, it is almost always healthy to go to a person, who you trust, that is of the same sex as you. From what I have personally seen, aside from the few obvious exceptions, it is never a healthy situation to share the deep parts of your heart with a person of the opposite sex. However, if you find yourself in that situation, because of your specific circumstances (cause we're all different),</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> at least make sure there is a third person. That third person is an asset, and can be of more help to keep the situation from getting too deep. But you still have to be VERY cautious. Guard your heart and emotions and please make sure you really do trust the person you are talking with. Hopefully that person is encouraging you to not give up on trying to get into relationships with Christ-focused people of the same sex that you can surround yourself with. Again, I want to clarify that I am not an expert. But my family has been in ministry for a long time and we have seen the dangers that can come from men and women going too far in their conversations. I have seen perfectly good friendships be ruined because emotions got, unintentionally, too entangled. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to be careful in my conversations with guys, because emotions can be very vulnerable and the innermost parts of my heart are not to be given away to another woman's future husband. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I want to build healthy friendships with the men in my life which can continue after I am married that my husband won't be jealous of or concerned about. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At the end of the day, along with honoring God and my future spouse, my relationships with my guy friends are not to be a cause for anxiousness, wondering if I'm doing everything just right or not, but wonderful opportunities to honor them and help build them up to be mighty men of God. It's about protecting the glory of my King and the sacredness of my future marriage. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">But, in order to live out everything I have written in this post, I humbly realize that I must, must, MUST continue to meditate on Jesus. I must place my full dependence upon Him, and find my everything in Him. It is then, and only then, when I am seeking the kingdom of heaven first and foremost, that I will be able to do my future spouse and my friends any good. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">I pray Christ's radiance and beauty will be reflected in and through my life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">May the Lord bless you, and keep you, and cause His face to shine upon you as you seek to honor Him in your relationships! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">Please feel free to comment, but keep them kind :) I also welcome any "tips" you have learned that has helped you in this area. Like I said before, I am learning and have not been perfected in this area. </span><br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-10716735064510437902013-11-19T21:28:00.001-05:002013-11-19T21:28:16.800-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #171717; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 37:7 - <i>"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him..."</i></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Just a little reminder for some of us :)</span></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-43869221719758559612013-11-16T20:02:00.004-05:002013-11-16T20:11:30.828-05:00From Leslie Ludy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5AzG0XveB1hdSZacqbNRmXKMv7P3jpvm6UdtubysJAWyiCbtmPM5QXAsnaTH9KafJZtT8roJJttuEmTBPeBAMHlEJHb9YObjeMbZ_XeOzlzTbG93E0i_y1N7zcsCJguAbw_rpZBBZ_k/s1600/about-leslie-ludy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv5AzG0XveB1hdSZacqbNRmXKMv7P3jpvm6UdtubysJAWyiCbtmPM5QXAsnaTH9KafJZtT8roJJttuEmTBPeBAMHlEJHb9YObjeMbZ_XeOzlzTbG93E0i_y1N7zcsCJguAbw_rpZBBZ_k/s200/about-leslie-ludy.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Here is the truth that many of us hesitate to really believe: if and when the time comes for us to be married, God will orchestrate the love story. But in the meantime, our focus is to be on serving Him and pouring our life out for Him, not on getting serious about getting married. The timing is up to Him, not us....</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Trusting God to orchestrate our love story doesn’t mean shunning men or avoiding friendships with the opposite sex. Certainly it is a great idea to pray for our future spouse and to be obedient to God’s voice as He guides our steps in the process of finding a spouse.</span></i>But marriage is not what we are called to pursue. Rather, His Word tells us in no uncertain terms what we are called to pursue: <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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace…”</span> (2 Tim. 2:22 NASB).<br />So, ditch online dating and Facebook flirting (real-life flirting too, for that matter). Don’t build your life around the pursuit of guys. Build your life around the pursuit of Jesus Christ. Find your fulfillment in Him and Him alone. If His plan for you is marriage, it should merely be an outflow of a much more important love story – your daily, intimate love relationship with the King of all kings. And if you are uncertain that He alone is enough to fulfill you at the deepest level, just take a look at these amazing promises from His Word:<br /><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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“O LORD, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup...”</span> (Psalm 16:5).<br /><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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“Jehovah is my shepherd, I do not lack.”</span> (Psalm 23:1 YLT).<br /><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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“For He satisfies the longing soul...”</span> (Psalm 107:9).<br /><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: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“…the fullness of Him who fills all in all</span>” (Eph. 1:23).</span></blockquote>
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Read more at <a href="http://setapartgirl.com/magazine/article/01-1-13/how-find-godly-guy" target="_blank">http://setapartgirl.com/magazine/article/01-1-13/how-find-godly-guy </a></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-31639271372622326532013-11-15T07:38:00.000-05:002013-11-23T08:27:59.905-05:00The Random 23<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> Perhaps you've seen, but writing random facts about yourself appeared to be the "thing" on Facebook this past week. I usually ignore such goings on, but even I got caught up in it too. It was kind of fun and it was really interesting to read about some things that I didn't know about my friends. My FB friends have already seen my list, but I thought I would share it on here as well...purely for the sake of actually trying to post on my blog :P </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Here we go: </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wwBM2pLLtgQ4LMAtRxpxO3mgm8HorN_FrfKlC2tHiC0VevzmVCJG3-nSV4PizsU2dqm48DH_uaJaP204iCpZIjSyRSV9j3cvSTCYzQQ4gGNdowo6IkLOKzGaVt85rgFdIO5FPhnpbdg/s1600/a726575d9a2c3df49bcfea999eb87dbb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wwBM2pLLtgQ4LMAtRxpxO3mgm8HorN_FrfKlC2tHiC0VevzmVCJG3-nSV4PizsU2dqm48DH_uaJaP204iCpZIjSyRSV9j3cvSTCYzQQ4gGNdowo6IkLOKzGaVt85rgFdIO5FPhnpbdg/s200/a726575d9a2c3df49bcfea999eb87dbb.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">1. I want to go to Europe so bad. Mainly Italy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;">2. I live in a subdivision, but I am a country girl. I like Dodge pickups, my camo gun, gardening and animals.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;">3. I have food allergies. I'm allergic to:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">peanuts</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">dairy</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">pineapple (why???)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">gluten</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">soy</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">almonds</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">any fruit with a pit</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">eggs</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">yeast</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><br />4. I have been to India, Thailand, and Malaysia (Holland and Japan too, if you count airports)<br /><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />5. Baking is my hobby<br /><br />6. Good photography makes me smile<br /><br />7. If The Lord wills, I would like to be a wife and a mom someday. Given the opportunity, I would also like to adopt, which could include a child born with Down Syndrome.<br /><br />8. If it's vintage, I'll probably like it<br /><br />9. I already have a little Christmas tree up in my bedroom. Although that's more like a confession. Lol</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">10. I have a blog, but I don't keep up with it very well ;) </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR5e3iJFQqYbMuUDZcwSsTeHUNVlPJFKoMLPOg6oXHUssNWhkSjQF-CxlRPQNS_-kzZcaPVyGHS3rDc3E4qCSYvZK8O_LliyGiQr3LQRbnDg_nO9f5impEe2if8gKk0O1TzuI7Nm8yQM/s1600/8db033a0b97370a9a825ae0913f3afa3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibR5e3iJFQqYbMuUDZcwSsTeHUNVlPJFKoMLPOg6oXHUssNWhkSjQF-CxlRPQNS_-kzZcaPVyGHS3rDc3E4qCSYvZK8O_LliyGiQr3LQRbnDg_nO9f5impEe2if8gKk0O1TzuI7Nm8yQM/s200/8db033a0b97370a9a825ae0913f3afa3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 18px;"><br />11. I can be shy, but learning to overcome. It's easy for me to come out of my shell if you're outgoing and make me laugh :)<br /><br />12. I like airports<br /><br />13. I used to figure skate (wish I still remembered how)<br /><br />14. I'm a history buff. Historical places are some of my favorite spots to go to.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdNh1sbo8vVM6aeNtuKPMnvqgH-OMXWTcPmncIWrE4p6Cv9MTUbeKgINjGu10ZK7ClQ4JrZu4p_GbvRzg_LnGtKCA2a3acEqVZAGxAbjInjj7Vw50pd1Y0NFWsP73MC9ne-4sVUki1LU/s1600/373074ebad71559311ca4d32b2d670e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdNh1sbo8vVM6aeNtuKPMnvqgH-OMXWTcPmncIWrE4p6Cv9MTUbeKgINjGu10ZK7ClQ4JrZu4p_GbvRzg_LnGtKCA2a3acEqVZAGxAbjInjj7Vw50pd1Y0NFWsP73MC9ne-4sVUki1LU/s200/373074ebad71559311ca4d32b2d670e3.jpg" width="160" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;">15. I get embarrassed and generally turn red when people compliment me, but secretly it encourages me.<br /><br />16. I want to visit all the countries where my ancestors are from (Poland, Ukraine, Germany & Holland).<br /><br />17. I like to shop, but given the choice between that, and a walk in the<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> woods, I will more than likely choose the latter.<br /><br />18. I miss my old horse and sometimes still have dreams about the farm we used to live on.<br /><br />19. I pretty much only watch old movies or new movies set in historical times. No swear words please! </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">20. I'm saving my first kiss for my wedding day</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">21. Sometimes I can be prideful :( </span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">22. I'm thankful that Christ completes what He starts<br /><br />23. I find that writing random stuff is kind of fun, but what I really want people to know about me, is that Jesus has my heart and I really pray that it is He who you see in me.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #37404e; line-height: 18px;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Happy Friday Everyone! </span></span></span></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-46710731476638349072013-11-13T23:40:00.001-05:002013-11-15T13:26:43.989-05:00Battling Gracefully ( A random little thought) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPWx6uGcjbznV10WdujunXL37DFtQH8WlrruvG7QKADRJlTmv4ceiG1xG6nhvaUlLHdoauDUL6RUeWMKr-HjAqj7OX_mUyOgXH9h1pfyMeinGaou5ACo5Rfn1XPu19o1nXc077RIP3-k/s1600/sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPWx6uGcjbznV10WdujunXL37DFtQH8WlrruvG7QKADRJlTmv4ceiG1xG6nhvaUlLHdoauDUL6RUeWMKr-HjAqj7OX_mUyOgXH9h1pfyMeinGaou5ACo5Rfn1XPu19o1nXc077RIP3-k/s400/sunshine.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-size: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"To me, it has been a source of great comfort and strength in the day of battle, just to remember that the secret of steadfastness, and indeed, of victory, is the recognition that "the Lord is at hand." " - Duncan Campbell</span></i></span></blockquote>
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I must admit, I don't always battle gracefully. Often times, I battle anxiously like everything depends on me, instead of resting and trusting in God. "Be Thou my Vision" is most often my prayer.<br />
<br />
Why is it that I can feel so close to my Savior and yet so easily forget WHO He is? It pains me to admit this, but I realize that in my humanness, I sometimes find that, I, the created, bring the Creator down to my level of ability. Just writing those words makes my heart almost sick. <br />
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How is it that I can trust Him for money and yet, doubt if He hears my prayers for healing? Oh Lord Jesus, please forgive me. The older I get, the more I realize how much I need Him. Knowing a lot about Him is not enough. My spirit craves intimacy. But intimacy means relationship.<br />
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Please, don't misunderstand me. I DO believe that I have a beautiful relationship with Christ, but, I also think I'm just scratching the surface! Which excites me :)<br />
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Lately, I have found myself battling with small doses of worry, doubt, melancholiness and discontentment. None of which I can fully understand why, but they have been real all the same. I keep going back to John 15:5 in my head:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever <b>abide</b>s <b>in</b> Me and I <b>in </b><b>him</b>, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.</i></span></blockquote>
I think I'm learning what it means to "abide" in Jesus. To dwell with Him and remain steady.... Even with questions. I am thankful that He is not surprised by my questions. If I cannot go to Him, who can I go to? However, I am finding more and more that I don't need answers to my questions... I need Him. He IS the answer. He is teaching me to be okay with all the mystery which surrounds who He is. It's in letting go of what I think I need and letting Him simply be God. Like He needs my permission *insert sarcasm here*. <br />
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Ah, only as a Christian can there be such fulfillment in my weaknesses being revealed. Truly He is strong when I am weak. And at the same time my weakness is revealed, I am lifted high on wings like eagles. Only such a God can perform such mystery and beauty. He loves me where I am, but oh praise Him, His love also isn't letting me stay there.<br />
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At the same time I can be battling, my Lord surrounds me like a shield. I am His and He is mine.<br />
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How can such a love be resisted?<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-91242291307822552142013-08-30T12:45:00.001-04:002013-08-30T12:45:57.007-04:00Closer by Steffany Frizzell- Gretzinger<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 16px;">Your love has ravished my heart<br />
And taken me over<br />
Taken me over<br />
And all I want is to be<br />
With you forever<br />
With you forever<br />
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So pull me a little closer<br />
Take me a little deeper<br />
I want to know you heart...I want to know your heart<br />
<br />
Because Your love is so much sweeter<br />
Than anything I've tasted<br />
I want to know your heart...I want to know your heart<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-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</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-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZUhPuIvuFGM" width="480"></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-75159302119694356242013-08-17T09:00:00.001-04:002013-08-17T09:00:24.128-04:00His Kindness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrCnMR-Gzlyvf3gOLfcPFQUR6ijCMBZnLtNx18ENLUiApXSdOgTCM2EgoJQrjH7zuo1CjP9pqLJpVJAEX2n8iPcny1oi-vbo0ThFXFACB_hLjS8vlpxY1NiDogPmhI2fpxzGlsYHHw-c/s1600/f1fa5875ca6225d2f4bab72bc52761ab.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/AVvXsEjbrCnMR-Gzlyvf3gOLfcPFQUR6ijCMBZnLtNx18ENLUiApXSdOgTCM2EgoJQrjH7zuo1CjP9pqLJpVJAEX2n8iPcny1oi-vbo0ThFXFACB_hLjS8vlpxY1NiDogPmhI2fpxzGlsYHHw-c/s400/f1fa5875ca6225d2f4bab72bc52761ab.jpg" width="263" /></a> This past week and a half has found me overwhelmed simply by the Lord's kindness and faithfulness. There has been times of darkness along with brightness lately and it has been beautiful to watch Him work in every situation. I have been refreshed in areas I had begun to grow a bit weary in and my love for my Savior has grown to new heights. I have been so lovingly reminded why I have chosen Him to be my portion and my cup. There is no one like Him. </div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-47364775561137785342013-02-23T11:17:00.000-05:002013-02-23T12:28:37.711-05:00God is always with us, no matter what we may be doing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were on my knees.</span></i></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Brother Lawrence</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brother Lawrence working in the kitchen</td></tr>
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This quote, from a 16th century monk, was a good reminder for me today. When my young brothers are being loud, laundry needs to be done, and meals need to be made, God is still there. Everything we do in our daily lives matters to Him. He understands the necessity of many of the trivial (compared to Heaven, I mean) things we must do in order to live in this world, and He promises us His presence.</div>
But, He wants our hearts. We must not allow our daily lives to get in the way of God, but rather, to be lived 'as unto Him'. <br />
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I love this other quote of Brother Lawrence from the book '<i>The Practice of the Presence of God'. </i><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever we do, even if we are reading the Word or praying, we should stop for a few minutes - as often as possible - to praise God from the depths of our hearts, to enjoy Him there in secret. Since we believe that God is always with us, no matter what we may be doing, why shouldn't we stop for awhile to adore Him, to praise Him, to petition Him, to offer Him our hearts, and to thank Him? </span></i></span></blockquote>
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<br />
Aye, why not?<br />
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Just a little pondering in my heart today. </div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-44593381006133880162013-02-13T20:49:00.002-05:002013-02-13T20:49:50.989-05:00Jeremiah Heart Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yay! My heart rate went from beating 42 beats per minute at my last doctor visit to 50-55 today!!!! Thank you for praying for me! </div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-10562842822804846742013-02-13T07:29:00.001-05:002013-02-13T07:29:34.899-05:00Hillsong United - Like an avalanche.mp4<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bOJhJWZNQyU" width="459"></iframe>Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-26527354027327864022013-02-11T21:03:00.001-05:002013-02-11T21:03:04.872-05:00A Few Pictures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I realized today how long it has been since I've posted some pictures! Here are just a few of the little guys, who are actually getting so big! Where does the time go?!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GMXUuMk3uXK_L3ImgLvX7eZ6RZr7Y1-60yYBIm2f77FjcTUDqhVN0W2eImsMoKOKolKfMB0oLeiMXCHwP9GmbC5eNRq4ht5b7BYWtRzchWBm9tyZ_F93t2Dzd23GSTmWqMywO1Dk7TU/s1600/IMG_2335.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2GMXUuMk3uXK_L3ImgLvX7eZ6RZr7Y1-60yYBIm2f77FjcTUDqhVN0W2eImsMoKOKolKfMB0oLeiMXCHwP9GmbC5eNRq4ht5b7BYWtRzchWBm9tyZ_F93t2Dzd23GSTmWqMywO1Dk7TU/s400/IMG_2335.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sorry for the blurriness of this pic. He moves so fast, it's hard to get a good one of him sometimes :) Jeremiah's birthday is on February 16th! I can't believe he's going to be 7 years old already. Feels like it was just yesterday when he was born. Please be praying for him on Wednesday! He goes to the doctor for his 6month heart check-up. Only this time he they will be doing an ultrasound. He tends to get scared easy, so we would appreciate the prayers :) Thank you!</div>
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Matthew is an amazing kid. He's always making us laugh! He's getting pretty quick witted like John. I love this little snuggler! </div>
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At the time this picture was taken, Malachi was very intently watching <i>Thomas The Train</i> :) This boy loves to run and jump. He barrels into a room with a smirk on his face and a twinkle in eyes. He also can scream like nobody's business! - I can't help but kiss his cheeks whenever I can get a hold of him long enough. </div>
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I feel so blessed to have such wonderful little brothers ( John too! ). The more time goes on, the more thankful I am for this time at home God has given me. I hope that as the years go by, these foundational years will serve to keep all of us close. </div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-82866170930486026472013-01-25T16:08:00.001-05:002013-01-25T16:25:05.909-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Via Pinterest </td></tr>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-18553009345235831032013-01-23T07:08:00.000-05:002013-01-23T07:08:35.894-05:00Rend Collective Experiment-True Intimacy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whatever I have<br />
Whatever I hold<br />
There's nothing compares<br />
To having You close<br />
<br />
True intimacy<br />
Is my desire<br />
To catch Your whispers<br />
To carry Your fire<br />
<br />
You're my ambition<br />
My destination<br />
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More than living<br />
More than breathing<br />
You're the reason<br />
My heart's beating<br />
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There's nothing greater<br />
Than knowing You<br />
You unlock my joy<br />
You waken my soul<br />
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Forever I'm Yours<br />
Forever You're mine<br />
A wonderful truth<br />
That you are my life<br />
<br />
You're my ambition<br />
My soul's true mission<br />
<br />
More than living<br />
More than breathing<br />
You're the reason<br />
My heart's beating<br />
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So I'm giving<br />
Freely yielding<br />
You're the reason<br />
My heart's beating<br />
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There's nothing greater than knowing You<br />
Nothing greater than knowing You<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-58978588300090211012013-01-21T11:11:00.001-05:002013-01-21T11:11:05.802-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-23510674652184083322013-01-20T23:01:00.003-05:002013-01-23T06:58:09.720-05:00Waiting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="userContent"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #999999;">Not long ago, I wrote the following paragraph as a status on Facebook. I shared it to, yes, be honest and vulnerable, but also because I felt like there was another young woman who might possibly be encouraged to know she wasn't alone. Since then, my best friend gave me a quote that I think is a perfect ending to my status and really describes how I feel about waiting (which is way more than just waiting for marriage). </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every once in a great while, I feel the temptation to wonder what other people think of me being a daughter at home. </span></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Realizing for a 20+ year old to still be at home and not working outside the home (other than a volunteer job) is not quite the "norm" any more. It is sometimes easy for me to feel a bit insecure of what I think someone's possible perception of me could be. Such as - Do they think <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">I'm lazy? Why aren't I in college preparing for plan B? Do they think I'm oblivious to what goes on in the world around me? Do they think that I'm weird for choosing to allow God to write my love story? - When, at times, I begin to feel this way, I am thankful for a God Who is faithful to remind me that it is HIS thoughts of me I should be concerned about, not the world's. It is very humbling that the Lord would choose to use me in any capacity, great or small. And as I sit here watching Thomas The Train with my little brothers, I am reminded that I am exactly where He wants me to be.</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The following is the quote/excerpt from my friend. It is by G. Campbell Morgan. I found it to be so encouraging! I hope you do too.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;"> Waiting for God is not laziness. Waiting for God is not going to sleep. Waiting for God is not the abandonment of effort. Waiting for God means, first, activity under command; second, readiness for any new command that may come; third, the ability to do nothing until the command is given....</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #d5a6bd;">Waiting for God, then, is the adjustment of our lives to the truth concerning Him which we know. . . . God is the one unchanging fact from everlasting to everlasting. Waiting for God means putting this life, of which I am so uncertain in a thousand varied ways, into right relationship with Him of whom I am absolutely and everlastingly certain. Waiting for God means that I adjust my life to Him rather than to circumstances, and that I set my hope on Him rather than on the wit and the cleverness of men. Waiting for God means that definite personal activity which is busily occupied in adjusting the whole fact and circumstances of life to the unchangeable and unalterable fact of God....<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;">Waiting on God means power to do nothing save under command. This is not the lack of power to do anything. Waiting for God needs strength rather than weakness. It is power to do nothing. It is the strength that holds strength in check. It is the strength that prevents the blundering activity which is entirely false and will make true activity impossible when the definite command comes.....</span>Waiting requires strength. It demands absolute surrender of the life to God, the confession that we are at the end of our own understanding of things, the confession that we really do not see our way and do not know the way. The waiting that says: "Until God shall speak we dare not move and will not move, we will not be seduced from our resolution to wait".</span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #999999;">- G. Campbell Morgan (From his sermon ' Secret to Waiting on God') </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cccccc;"> </span></i></span></span></span></blockquote>
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I won't write anymore, because I feel like everything speaks for itself. I hope in whatever waiting circumstance you are in, that you were encouraged by this today!<br />
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-56476737789347701192012-12-25T08:47:00.001-05:002012-12-25T08:48:51.656-05:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvhBa6ShokTvXp97O-UyzRXQKPcw2z1FaIu3RZPTzD_YAHA4taDll7AO4kYdlMC-WptHdDBFbYf5Y-vwRZ3JqvLbz7q86po508FHFarGJcdP2MsiE5eFgwZvMXvWTsZzwNR0YdbKKaXs/s1600/Christmas+Post+Cards+96+Leaping+Frog+Designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvhBa6ShokTvXp97O-UyzRXQKPcw2z1FaIu3RZPTzD_YAHA4taDll7AO4kYdlMC-WptHdDBFbYf5Y-vwRZ3JqvLbz7q86po508FHFarGJcdP2MsiE5eFgwZvMXvWTsZzwNR0YdbKKaXs/s400/Christmas+Post+Cards+96+Leaping+Frog+Designs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Merry Christmas Everyone! May yours be blessed this year with our Savior's presence in your home. The greatest gift we could ever receive, we have already been given....Him. Blessings to you!!!!</span></span></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-48450275785551604642012-12-17T20:16:00.002-05:002012-12-17T20:18:38.158-05:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Born unto us this day a Saviour<br />Gifted from heaven to a manger<br />The hope of the world<br />A light for all mankind<br />All of the earth rejoice<br />It's Christmas time<br /><br />So lift up your voice and sing out His praise<br />It's Christmas<br />Born is the King, rejoice in the day<br />It's Christmas<br />Make a joyful sound<br />It's Christmas<br />Let His praise resound<br />It's Christmas<br /><br />Goodwill to all the earth<br />And peace divine<br />All of the earth rejoice<br />It's Christmas time<br />It's Christmas time<br /><br />So lift up your voice and sing out His praise<br />It's Christmas<br />Born is the King, rejoice in the day<br />It's Christmas<br />Make a joyful sound<br />It's Christmas<br />Let His praise resound<br />It's Christmas<br /><br />So lift up your voice and sing out His praise<br />It's Christmas<br />Born is the King, rejoice in the day<br />It's Christmas<br />Make a joyful sound<br />It's Christmas<br />Let His praise resound<br />It's Christmas<br /><br />So lift up your voice and sing out His praise<br />It's Christmas<br />Born is the King, rejoice in the day<br />It's Christmas<br />Make a joyful sound<br />It's Christmas<br />Let His praise resound<br />It's Christmas</span></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3333247095810526306.post-62010152149920289202012-12-01T14:54:00.001-05:002012-12-01T14:54:20.691-05:00Pray For Those In Need: Update<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> Thank you to all who have been praying for my friend, Clint </span><a aria-controls="js_27" aria-haspopup="true" aria-owns="js_27" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1444405445" href="https://www.facebook.com/chasegarsee" id="js_26" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Garsee</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> who lives in Thailand. His vomiting has stopped (Thank you Jesus!), but still has paralysis and dizziness. Could I ask you to continue to pray, not just for him, but the rest of his family? They are really under attack right now. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">One of their young sons, Cayden, busted his lip today and there was blood everywhere. Their youngest, Chandler</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">, who is just a baby, is sick with congestion and fever. And then about 5 hours ago they got a call that one of their older boys Chase (20) was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital..... He was hit by a car. I'm not sure what condition he's in. Chase is like a brother to me and this is one of those times when I wish distance didn't matter. Please keep the Garsee family lifted. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you!</span></div>
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Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13980342962755583811noreply@blogger.com1