tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84500981646595701012024-03-13T14:01:34.976-07:00Reaching Out and UpSharing lessons learnedConniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-69437437300816031552012-06-08T03:30:00.000-07:002012-06-08T03:30:04.042-07:00Natural Remedies - No Substitute for God!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPF8bN4OMK6c7ucvnSB76QFyu6hpf-7CP6xcizic0nn5r3qFvuT0XQQQaiSUR7-1MqJifcnZVIGW7eBS7bxwwHL97Ng1CsRlEjhUynFb6ESYbkju0SOKOZILkK1HSn3mV9tjhDwKS2bTg/s1600/Clamentis+pale+pk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPF8bN4OMK6c7ucvnSB76QFyu6hpf-7CP6xcizic0nn5r3qFvuT0XQQQaiSUR7-1MqJifcnZVIGW7eBS7bxwwHL97Ng1CsRlEjhUynFb6ESYbkju0SOKOZILkK1HSn3mV9tjhDwKS2bTg/s1600/Clamentis+pale+pk.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Mr. Husband shared this devotional today:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Go into God's
presence to receive healing and restoration from the demands on your time and
energy. God is your source of life and strength, and you must take time to
come to God to be refreshed and renewed. Resist the temptation to try to find
natural remedies to a spiritual condition. Let God carry your burdens and
make the load lighter. </span></span></div>
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<em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></em></div>
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<em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Matthew 11:28-30
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and
you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is
light."</span></span></i></em></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-14154241833981453822012-06-06T03:30:00.000-07:002012-06-07T08:03:20.111-07:00God Sees ... From the Other Side<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblOhUg96hLMafBeDL4dT-ow910kAqzF8Su1GwAD9Gqvbtu8mFAZcG149OPVIhnus9KD_MFM3PHxXDVTN6cxRNxXYepYyxoBZPHHtULYys2TYzutoM4Kme4F01d652-okPBxvj8nw9WWs/s1600/May+Day+Rainbow+@+550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblOhUg96hLMafBeDL4dT-ow910kAqzF8Su1GwAD9Gqvbtu8mFAZcG149OPVIhnus9KD_MFM3PHxXDVTN6cxRNxXYepYyxoBZPHHtULYys2TYzutoM4Kme4F01d652-okPBxvj8nw9WWs/s1600/May+Day+Rainbow+@+550.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">God sees the storm from the other
side. </span></span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">He knows the lessons learned, </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">and
just beyond the clouds He sees the skies.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">He speaks peace to the raging storm
when peace could not be found.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;">He already sees the rainbow, when we
see only clouds.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(words from the song He Already Sees)</span> </span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-32604795353551234712012-06-04T03:30:00.000-07:002012-06-04T03:30:04.294-07:00Do You See God as Good?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-ScRWRW1YTDcziUmlz_vYkYKzr-nMs_B8tGM7KlPIUDL2BbF_kD5ZqmHdwvhPwi13BqWWBgADI8bMpIWvAH8gfPrF66mKynarx2xKOseWmTQcEg4kytUJZo0DioWiQf8gw7EaK5R4p0/s1600/Shadow+play.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-ScRWRW1YTDcziUmlz_vYkYKzr-nMs_B8tGM7KlPIUDL2BbF_kD5ZqmHdwvhPwi13BqWWBgADI8bMpIWvAH8gfPrF66mKynarx2xKOseWmTQcEg4kytUJZo0DioWiQf8gw7EaK5R4p0/s1600/Shadow+play.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Looking at the shadows on the rock, do we really see the flowers? Do we really know the colors and the full design until we actually see the flowers?</div>
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What is your perspective? Looking first at the shadow and guessing, or looking first at the flowers and knowing? </div>
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Do we believe that God is good? That He does all things well? It depends upon your perspective. If you look at life through God's Word you will know He is good. If you see only what Satan does and look at all the evil he causes, you will always doubt the goodness of God.</div>
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Each day we choose our perspective.</div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-83084867286339161382012-06-01T03:30:00.000-07:002012-06-01T08:42:13.958-07:00Tell Your Mountain ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfxHOqWwXSBhvGX9o27H5PAl7z9UfaMtCVkh2I97xl_gX7Fgu5wA8s_Hw5F-dbQ7RkMmnjNRgnnRuiCoSz0cBUR9pJP97xzht5YHAMdVQhKGAFJbPxBCWyaIbDLFMVlEvZcqgfkFGWOA/s1600/Mt.+Rainier+%232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwfxHOqWwXSBhvGX9o27H5PAl7z9UfaMtCVkh2I97xl_gX7Fgu5wA8s_Hw5F-dbQ7RkMmnjNRgnnRuiCoSz0cBUR9pJP97xzht5YHAMdVQhKGAFJbPxBCWyaIbDLFMVlEvZcqgfkFGWOA/s1600/Mt.+Rainier+%232.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The words of a song have been in my heart this week -</div>
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<br />
"... tell your mountain </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">how big your God is ..."</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-88477933007273733462012-05-30T03:30:00.000-07:002012-06-04T17:16:42.862-07:00Teaching Children Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxVvLXW93AaSnEnE5sRXQah-F4sIMmEz8ETsNTrxFmY_cbxx7FJ8MKrMcosM2dJjSn5nCSlDbR005n1_A7tIf01dr5CyplEj_WGqXpQCtn6vh1wNfSxRJrkZuBmLVeZ7gQgW3Z66In_A/s1600/girls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyxVvLXW93AaSnEnE5sRXQah-F4sIMmEz8ETsNTrxFmY_cbxx7FJ8MKrMcosM2dJjSn5nCSlDbR005n1_A7tIf01dr5CyplEj_WGqXpQCtn6vh1wNfSxRJrkZuBmLVeZ7gQgW3Z66In_A/s1600/girls.JPG" /></a></div>
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<b>3 Reasons to Teach Kids to Be Grateful<br />
</b>Research supported Scriptural Truth </div>
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<b>1. Better Attitudes</b> </div>
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Children who practice grateful thinking have more positive
attitudes toward school and their families (Froh, Sefick, Emmons, 2008).</div>
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<b>2. Better Grades</b></div>
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6-7th graders who kept a gratitude
journal for only three weeks, had an increased grade point average over the
course of a year.</div>
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<b>3. Better Caring</b></div>
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Children who kept gratitude journals were more sensitive to situations
where they themselves can be helpful, altruistic, generous, compassionate, and
were less destructive and displayed less negative social behaviors.</div>
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<b>If We Don’t Practice Gratitude?</b></div>
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Research shows that youth who are
ungrateful are “less satisfied with their lives and are more apt to be
aggressive and engage in risk-taking behaviors, such as early or frequent
promiscuous activities, substance use, poor eating habits, physical inactivity,
and poor academic performance.”</div>
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Why does gratitude do all of this? </div>
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Because <b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt;">we were </span></b><i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt;">made</span></b></i><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt;"> to live in gratitude
to God, giving glory to God.</span></b><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: xx-small;">(all thoughts from a devotional by Ann) </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-22092449499826103862012-05-25T03:30:00.000-07:002012-05-25T03:30:00.620-07:00God Watches Over Us<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8a0pv-gv0VZAc6Fbq3nK_CdM7Rg_nRTR3wr7vUOYwwXOUFifYsPw-rc7YWoSnlfe0X9-mxQ1bVKlocrsJCrGSYixW2ev04VjFuIJDa3T51cwe9Wp-4ty-tj-4KghABhTOG-LUkMd1UQ/s1600/Bird+on+chimney.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO8a0pv-gv0VZAc6Fbq3nK_CdM7Rg_nRTR3wr7vUOYwwXOUFifYsPw-rc7YWoSnlfe0X9-mxQ1bVKlocrsJCrGSYixW2ev04VjFuIJDa3T51cwe9Wp-4ty-tj-4KghABhTOG-LUkMd1UQ/s1600/Bird+on+chimney.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">God has watched over you even when you felt alone, even
when you felt desperate, even when you felt forgotten, even when you have been
without. God has never left you nor forsaken you. He has been with you from the very first day you gave yourself to Him and He has
watched over you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">True, He has allowed you to walk through some hard
circumstances, but do you not know that they are making you stronger? Do
you not know that they are giving you the right to exercise the authority He has given you? Do you not know that they cause you to cling to Him? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Your
destiny is already written and it is one of victory, not failure. So, walk with God in trust and love. Victory is assured. Be strong in the Lord and in the power
of His might. Dare to believe you can be what He says you can be.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-74807838542588396082012-05-23T03:30:00.000-07:002012-05-23T03:30:01.221-07:00Overwhelmed?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhndZDmZdVQ_g8e9ZkLMXMiVvB-K5-wvfQDOe9rGi4MIdfvJZYStoXiHaMufzNzRfhiUR_wd6aBtzbpIUTlLjWa4u7AAnXZn9xeqtajePeQXXk0pDXhcWpJaHAvHxs0lf8vLBjc8Tezo/s1600/Dogwood+blossum.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhndZDmZdVQ_g8e9ZkLMXMiVvB-K5-wvfQDOe9rGi4MIdfvJZYStoXiHaMufzNzRfhiUR_wd6aBtzbpIUTlLjWa4u7AAnXZn9xeqtajePeQXXk0pDXhcWpJaHAvHxs0lf8vLBjc8Tezo/s1600/Dogwood+blossum.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Feeling overwhelmed? While doing your
best to be strong and to overcome, you still feel weak and unable to cope?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">God is your strength in every situation. God is your peace in the
storm. With Him nothing is impossible. Apply your faith, rest in His peace and He
will cause you to not only endure, but to succeed. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span>
<br />
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<em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></i></em></div>
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<em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Philippians 4:13 I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.</span></span></i></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-65702735184224053792012-05-21T03:30:00.000-07:002012-05-21T03:30:00.538-07:00Choose Peace<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKfrEEKsxm7wUjA4HH8nINzu1yZRmkgk6Z9-EcGAfZsn9vc2HELKXivAAV1ANXEcv4D8c1P8G8nZd_mYvyyBD1OTk9C5kOt6r29WjkrI96OsUidRJboZT2EYMoYDFaYGGE1qGj2WjGjQ/s1600/Iris+Lavendar+group.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKfrEEKsxm7wUjA4HH8nINzu1yZRmkgk6Z9-EcGAfZsn9vc2HELKXivAAV1ANXEcv4D8c1P8G8nZd_mYvyyBD1OTk9C5kOt6r29WjkrI96OsUidRJboZT2EYMoYDFaYGGE1qGj2WjGjQ/s1600/Iris+Lavendar+group.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Maintain peace and
stay steady. God's grace is sufficient for each
moment. He wants to give us the wisdom and strength to endure
through difficulties. These are the times when our trust in God is
imperative. We must believe that God can and will direct our steps and surround us with
a hedge of protection. He does not want us to despair, but rather to remember that God is with us.</span></span></div>
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<em><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">1
Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about
like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.</span></span></i></em></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-27189555680325251342012-05-18T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-18T04:00:09.951-07:00Guarding Your Faith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjb4cbgtSfBnx3WO-vCUwJl9cHHWMwOEKyYR2yueBDIY4NFEj3tpmhAO52Vz-knQYYCmNaIWoQjcir-zoxY0uwi57EDt52fK_5ZpRgLX0OXIqJWVJYtd4fAC7QG3RaxY_XhTGCxO1g8k/s1600/Wisteria%2540550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjb4cbgtSfBnx3WO-vCUwJl9cHHWMwOEKyYR2yueBDIY4NFEj3tpmhAO52Vz-knQYYCmNaIWoQjcir-zoxY0uwi57EDt52fK_5ZpRgLX0OXIqJWVJYtd4fAC7QG3RaxY_XhTGCxO1g8k/s1600/Wisteria%2540550.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Refuse to allow discouragement to kill your faith. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Stay strong, and bolster your faith through reading, hearing, understanding and agreeing with God's Word. Keep close tabs on your thoughts and make adjustments where necessary to maintain a strong and undeniable faith. Faith is your greatest asset, and must be protected at all cost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-62763244788287065802012-05-16T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-04T17:16:42.837-07:00Finding Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrpG0yvo3NIhm8K8QE3eQyiW6zzA83cDT031XtyrFqMfjemW_LGpctxaYpLobkHVVhyfjszg0nZYCCB0ujld763BanJzO0KMcqx80XQf25xO-V8GEuE6a1kUnm-miX5esPJJw2AKYD3c/s1600/Tulips+in+the+light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrpG0yvo3NIhm8K8QE3eQyiW6zzA83cDT031XtyrFqMfjemW_LGpctxaYpLobkHVVhyfjszg0nZYCCB0ujld763BanJzO0KMcqx80XQf25xO-V8GEuE6a1kUnm-miX5esPJJw2AKYD3c/s1600/Tulips+in+the+light.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Our days are filled with schedules, demands, requests, and routines. We hurry to get things done so we can have some time. Yet again and again we say we do not have time.</div>
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How do we stop this rushing river of life that consumes our time? As I look around to find another way God loves me, I slow down the moment. I have given time, only to find time. In this way, in this one moment, I have spent time with God. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Giving thanks for one thousand things is ultimately an invitation to slow time down. The <i>eucharisteo</i> way fills my life with meaningful moments." <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ann</span> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-17073803510261255562012-05-14T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-04T17:16:42.829-07:00Beyond the Shopping List<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWret1aDw316IVlaiRPvL6KBTdYhYfD5A6TDVoT-gOlAVHAGghwIXD5yPLNRkzenOvETPGes5JPRC8QlvDrY9ciLf9XAF-kLDFyScyfLVBL_poKJ7OUnmBKi4eAlLRF7_aN6uyms3p1d8/s1600/Iris+@550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWret1aDw316IVlaiRPvL6KBTdYhYfD5A6TDVoT-gOlAVHAGghwIXD5yPLNRkzenOvETPGes5JPRC8QlvDrY9ciLf9XAF-kLDFyScyfLVBL_poKJ7OUnmBKi4eAlLRF7_aN6uyms3p1d8/s1600/Iris+@550.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So often our prayers sound like a shopping list. The author, Ann, reminds us that Mary prayed, "My soul doth magnify the Lord." Do we remember to magnify the Lord - at anytime in our prayers?</div>
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God does not need me magnifying Him, but I need Him. When we give thanks we decrease and make room for Him. He begins to grow within us. </div>
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I give thanks and something stirs within me. This is the other side of prayer. Naming moments moves me beyond the shopping list.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ann would say, "The dare to write down one thousand things I love, is really a dare to name all the ways that God loves me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">... and I move into His presence.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-9029366545833503922012-05-09T04:00:00.000-07:002012-05-09T04:00:01.457-07:00Video intro to "One Thousand Gifts"<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/18932980" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="550"></iframe>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Instead of writing a post, I wanted to share a video by Ann, which is her introduction to the book I have been sharing through these posts</span>.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can purchase the book <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/one-thousand-gifts/ann-voskamp/9780310321910/pd/321910?kw=one%20thousand%20gifts&event=PPCSRC&p=1018818&cm_mmc=Google-_-Titles-_-thousandgifts-_-one%20thousand%20gifts&gclid=COLHyrzN8a8CFQOEhwod2SoAdg" target="_blank">here for $9.99</a>.</span> <br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-21993115789950103212012-05-02T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-07T08:05:48.290-07:00Naming Things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqf3gojlZ_V5ZxyS-MYr1nXS78DXdhHiSgQAYrc6WUZkE-rPece3UaFLQiQXx30GIMbjhBiwivqz8NAyrwVsKMl0krz5brWdFGD5y5n-eOArVcev5Tkf44HnYp1FLgTG60xa5rwjSPqw/s1600/Dandilions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqf3gojlZ_V5ZxyS-MYr1nXS78DXdhHiSgQAYrc6WUZkE-rPece3UaFLQiQXx30GIMbjhBiwivqz8NAyrwVsKMl0krz5brWdFGD5y5n-eOArVcev5Tkf44HnYp1FLgTG60xa5rwjSPqw/s1600/Dandilions.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Naming is Edenic.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">God in the beginning speaks a name and it comes into existence. He fills empty space by naming light and land and sky. In the garden Adam is instructed by the creator to name the creatures. Naming offers the gift of recognition. </span><br />
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I look at my list of naming God-gifts. </div>
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84. Faint aroma of last night's rain<br />
85. Blade of grass glistening in the morning sun <br />
86. Tiny bark of the dog next door</div>
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When I name the moment, and name-pray, I discover its meaning and more of God. "To name a thing is to manifest the meaning and value God gave it." Moments come and go in our lives, but when we take time to name it, we can see God in the details, we learn its function. The emptiness inside us begins to fill.</div>
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91. Bedsheets cool with cleanliness</div>
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92. Warm spring air purging my home</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We find God in the moments, even the moments that hurt. This truly is holy work.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-79504753393322161362012-04-25T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-07T08:05:48.318-07:00Intentional Change<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6K_amehN4ia-tGYfre4vJQsdOvSm-LzIjzE6ckY_uo-5N-Jc3jllsMsYIhs3LAAN77IQmRm97TZdCUmtkcC8ylBhSpG_nql5LRxEASy2PnHBaM1eq9EIasUPFL5m1p6OKtyU2rNCC48/s1600/Prune+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6K_amehN4ia-tGYfre4vJQsdOvSm-LzIjzE6ckY_uo-5N-Jc3jllsMsYIhs3LAAN77IQmRm97TZdCUmtkcC8ylBhSpG_nql5LRxEASy2PnHBaM1eq9EIasUPFL5m1p6OKtyU2rNCC48/s1600/Prune+2.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
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Change is intentional.</div>
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Our head now knows that <i>eucharisteo</i> is the foundation for moving into a fullness of life. We want JOY, but how do we overcome our own self-destructive habits that keep us sad, discouraged, or defeated?</div>
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How do we DO? Like the sun as the morning dawns, a thought is getting stronger - there must be action on my part. Can I take the pen and begin to be thankful? </div>
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What if I challenged you to show your thankfulness; to take up your pen and list the gifts you already have? Can I/you list a Thousand Gifts?</div>
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6. Warm sun on my back</div>
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7. Tiny buds peeking through branches that endured the winter</div>
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8. Worship music softly filling my home</div>
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9. Chatty visit of my daughter</div>
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Start writing them down in your journal - your gifts - gifts God has already bestowed. "It is sort of like ... unwrapping love".</div>
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10. The soft distant chirp of a bird</div>
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11. Clean clothes fresh from the dryer</div>
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12. Pink cherry blossoms bursting in the orchards</div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-54483190056379768912012-04-23T04:00:00.001-07:002012-06-07T08:04:35.158-07:00Eucharisteo - the Giving of Thanks<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXzmc590CycHhliPOE_Tp3vBuhdXfh68dmykDE7lUVXqnU35ZsUVvJC2cYSGp7cqGuam3rsxnUzkSeowhN_VtpIpiI2MRc8PafPDyOsIuqEt0UWm39X_tkxTedNAnJXxARIBdU2XqSr4/s1600/Cross+Lily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXzmc590CycHhliPOE_Tp3vBuhdXfh68dmykDE7lUVXqnU35ZsUVvJC2cYSGp7cqGuam3rsxnUzkSeowhN_VtpIpiI2MRc8PafPDyOsIuqEt0UWm39X_tkxTedNAnJXxARIBdU2XqSr4/s1600/Cross+Lily.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Microsoft Clip Art</td></tr>
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<i>Eucharisteo!</i></div>
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When Jesus performed a miracle, it was preceded with thanksgiving. "Father, I thank you ... " and the dead would be raised, the blind would see, the multitudes would be fed. <i>Eucharisteo</i> - thanksgiving - <i>always preceded the miracle.</i></div>
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But there is more. Ten lepers where healed and one came back to Jesus with a thankful heart. Luke 17:17 tells us that Jesus spoke to the returning-thankful-cleansed-leper, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."</div>
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Made him well? Jesus had just healed him! Young's Literal Translation states "thy faith has saved thee." Made well, in the Greek, comes from <i>sozo</i>. True it means to be 'well' or 'whole' but the literal meaning is 'to save'. <i>Sozo</i> means salvation true wellness, complete wholeness! When did the leper become completely whole? After he showed his gratitude.</div>
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Even the book of Psalms has an understanding that our gratefulness prepares the way for us to receive our salvation. Psalm 50:23, "He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God".</div>
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We need the fullness of our salvation to become free of hurt, anger, sadness, pain, fill-in-the-blank sin nature. We receive the fullness of our salvation when we are thankful.</div>
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<i>Eucharisteo!</i></div>
<i> </i> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><i><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></i></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-15050912846040291132012-04-16T04:00:00.000-07:002012-06-07T08:04:35.132-07:00One Thousand Gifts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLQ-9oiy2T8i_qaQnEFmYKnLX2aQBLQ6z6DZG2R48qACpLzoG__SpYS96yQQYlxu9m_tkTjQyVyvYOybET9J0ry1ShefQASsQa40q948juT2902wsxrU_uxtbcgeWI1qNI1fL4bbflZ0/s1600/birch+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLQ-9oiy2T8i_qaQnEFmYKnLX2aQBLQ6z6DZG2R48qACpLzoG__SpYS96yQQYlxu9m_tkTjQyVyvYOybET9J0ry1ShefQASsQa40q948juT2902wsxrU_uxtbcgeWI1qNI1fL4bbflZ0/s1600/birch+tree.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I am reading a new book which is challenging me to abandon myself to the God who desires to overflow my life with joy. </div>
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Can I intentionally embrace a lifestyle of gratitude, to leave the parched ground of pain, fear and uncertainties? Will I slow down and catch God in the moment? I think this book could be life changing.</div>
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The birch tree, in the photo above, symbolizes my desire to tear off a piece of bark and write on it my journey through this book. I will not do it on the paper thin bark; I will do it here. While it is often difficult to match a photo with a thought, I will see what happens in the days and weeks ahead. </div>
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I am accepting the challenge to find one thousand gifts - a thousand blessings which will awaken the joy I have in God; <i>for I know that the joy of the Lord is my strength</i><i>.</i></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-76709434885742527852012-04-13T15:00:00.001-07:002012-04-13T15:00:37.510-07:00Beautiful Blue<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXY_F1iaX-KFTk0eb4hJ9YQvmHciNkDhdzFJRWZT8wW872IXfCaI4eNm_4WXAIC-NKJ4CWQgbdDrdrAR-U5xOjDHrjfj-IVAl9ZzI0XmnIzWWoT-UydlFJxwrEuJJmtwXB8kXkrt2UUEQ/s1600/Blue+Berries.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Connie</td></tr>
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I never go looking for blue anything. People with blue eyes are drawn to blue much faster than those with brown eyes. I guess most things in my life would be pink, purple, maroon, burgundy, and red; but how boring our lives would be if God had made everything is just one color family. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have a very color-blind son, color-blind sister (very rare) and many, many nephews who are color-blind. When I am around them I always wish I had a way to show them all the beautiful colors God made. What is your favorite color? </span></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-46811996892176050702012-04-10T04:00:00.000-07:002012-04-10T04:00:15.896-07:00God's Truth Can Guard Our Hearts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbO5QXnc1AxKYaZcmF_GvE6veE56tUmb_4HSXw9QUxK9DdsxEtD5Hl9CQ26QDEXSZ0rqSb-d-nVQfYXXimBlnqUa1vA2vybpn3vjtqWVH8KV_dxQYySdePhHi4n7eeipjNMPA_xG9xy4/s1600/Elizabeth6.BMP" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqbO5QXnc1AxKYaZcmF_GvE6veE56tUmb_4HSXw9QUxK9DdsxEtD5Hl9CQ26QDEXSZ0rqSb-d-nVQfYXXimBlnqUa1vA2vybpn3vjtqWVH8KV_dxQYySdePhHi4n7eeipjNMPA_xG9xy4/s1600/Elizabeth6.BMP" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Elizabeth - window flower baskets in Italy</td></tr>
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The enemy wants us to entertain fear of failure, to be overwhelmed with disapproval, and to dump down into hopelessness. Remember that the devil is a liar. We must remind ourselves that we are precious to God; we need not live in fear of failure or hopelessness. We can choose God's truth to guard our hearts. </div>
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1 John 3:20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-85080741769213350702012-04-06T12:52:00.000-07:002012-04-07T08:02:42.843-07:00Lessons Can Increase Our Faith<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip87d6GMmS3uEP4gUoumDowN0-Wj54SZEeaWsyLcG__GWuARqsS6o34hnrRqOclb7hJOVyhyNczPh5yrVt-QjxqilmWmjs4qSrZ38-uPzI2zfJfOVCiMYa_4sWv6jkHOk0SaK1yohfN58/s1600/Flower.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip87d6GMmS3uEP4gUoumDowN0-Wj54SZEeaWsyLcG__GWuARqsS6o34hnrRqOclb7hJOVyhyNczPh5yrVt-QjxqilmWmjs4qSrZ38-uPzI2zfJfOVCiMYa_4sWv6jkHOk0SaK1yohfN58/s1600/Flower.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Elizabeth</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take time to evaluate where you've been and to remember the things that you learned through your experiences. Do not give in to the temptations that come, for you to be a victim of the difficulties you have endured, but rather use those lessons as a platform and a launching pad into greater wisdom and spiritual effectiveness. Those things have made you stronger and have the potential to increase your faith as you maintain a proper perspective.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/305/108EB236B45A50D7F619EC7D0CE88302.png" style="-moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-77250932282687944272012-04-01T04:00:00.000-07:002012-04-01T04:00:10.771-07:00A Blue Rose<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsHvTG_cvme6SPQS3zh-QNrY8myIRLH-7g5Y24U6AU85gkAZS5mV7nXzpdE9FsHLpQwlVeIJD7O1sHQZfEkMjHU1DCfjMqt3hINPXnT8KjgBbeUjfVlXcFkjRwFCiq5NVCEp6w7aLnvc/s1600/blue+rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsHvTG_cvme6SPQS3zh-QNrY8myIRLH-7g5Y24U6AU85gkAZS5mV7nXzpdE9FsHLpQwlVeIJD7O1sHQZfEkMjHU1DCfjMqt3hINPXnT8KjgBbeUjfVlXcFkjRwFCiq5NVCEp6w7aLnvc/s1600/blue+rose.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from Microsoft - Author of the following story is unknown</td></tr>
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We were expecting company; my wife was very busy, so I offered to go to the store for her. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies and headed for the checkout counter; only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man who appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there.<br />
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This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice, "Mommy, I'm over here." It was obvious now that he was mentally challenged and also startled as he turned and saw me standing so close.<br />
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His eyes widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said, "Hey Buddy, what's your name?"<br />
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"My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother," he responded proudly.<br />
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"Wow," I said, "that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny. "How old are you Denny?"<br />
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"How old am I now, Mommy?" he asked his mother as she slowly came over from the next aisle.<br />
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"You're fifteen-years-old Denny; now be a good boy and let the man pass by."<br />
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I acknowledged her and continued to talk to Denny for several more minutes about summer, bicycles and school. I watched his brown eyes dance with excitement, because he was the center of someone's attention. He then abruptly turned and headed toward the toy section. Denny's mom had a puzzled look on her face and thanked me for taking the time to talk with her son. She told me that most people wouldn't even look at him, much less talk to him.<br />
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I told her that it was my pleasure and then I said something I have no idea where it came from, other than by the prompting of the Holy Spirit. I told her that there are plenty of red, yellow, and pink roses in God's Garden; however, "Blue Roses" are very rare and should be appreciated for their beauty and distinctiveness. You see, Denny is a Blue Rose and if someone doesn't stop and smell that rose with their heart and touch that rose with their kindness, then they've missed a blessing from God.<br />
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She was silent for a second, then with a tear in her eye she asked, "Who are you?"<br />
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Without thinking I said, "Oh, I'm probably just a dandelion, but I sure love living in God's garden."<br />
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She reached out, squeezed my hand and said, "God bless you!" and then I had tears in my eyes.<br />
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May I suggest, the next time you see A BLUE ROSE, whichever differences that person may have, don't turn your head and walk off. Take the time to smile and say Hello. Why? Because, by the grace of God, this mother or father could be you. This could be your child, grandchild, niece, nephew or any other family member. What a difference a moment can mean to that person or their family.<br />
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From an old dandelion - Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-4304528467921382682012-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:002012-03-29T10:04:18.906-07:00God Thinks You Are Wonderful<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0GWz7H16ZngndrIc_xbShb8Y8g-2ZXNJ59478C5K3MvlCPracxm4MLs7vTApfAztjseuwd2sUwu7yFCQqDY69cg7V0glU_Y6bHGOa10cbbnqaZBGHVNjgFEbwqawDCWQjLX325k8bOI/s1600/Elizabeth+4.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Elizabeth</td></tr>
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<em style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">We do not have to be flawless to be wonderful. We do not have to be perfect to be who God wants us to be. Only Satan tries to make us worthless. Be sure you are letting the right person convince you of your worth.</span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span></i></em></div>
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<i><em style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Psalms 139:14 I will
praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works,
and that my soul knows very well.</span></span></em><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: 100%;"></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-39379110320549159102012-03-24T04:00:00.000-07:002012-03-24T04:00:01.830-07:00Bury Not Your Talents<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyI1zcTI7IF98qffV_w2BXOAicZ_PktpNqyQUAsfIX5-jkvEI4wHO8yDdEt0vHe1Ehvbs0xL0sutFcMdEiZanH734Own-PtXUyqNK6tDRUdbxqmVe3AdHQf8SuwPUvJP0Je3OF18Z4dU/s1600/Elizabeth+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWyI1zcTI7IF98qffV_w2BXOAicZ_PktpNqyQUAsfIX5-jkvEI4wHO8yDdEt0vHe1Ehvbs0xL0sutFcMdEiZanH734Own-PtXUyqNK6tDRUdbxqmVe3AdHQf8SuwPUvJP0Je3OF18Z4dU/s1600/Elizabeth+3.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo by Elizabeth</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The gifts, talents, abilities, and aptitudes that we have been given by the Creator are intended for us to discover and use. </span><br />
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Luigi Tarisio scouted out rare finds and collected only instruments that he knew to be of the finest quality. No one ever knew of his passion, until after he died. 246 valuable violins were discovered in his home. By the time the greatest Stradivarius violin in his collection was finally played, 147 years had passed. The world had been robbed of so much beautiful music because it had been stored and hidden.</div>
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I Timothy 4:14 reminds us not to neglect the gift that is in us ...</div>
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Something beautiful has been put within us ... may we let it grow!</div>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-27893291298232526792012-03-21T11:09:00.000-07:002012-03-21T11:09:57.291-07:00Emotions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jTuPBnmlXPvsRmG0rbQxurQ6vhjjv900NQKs11OEtWg4yZWJeYpZHbej7kJV_yUto-R90opuG_cFzoSocYeavqivAl7uxn89J8K9vtZTxESpELlfmVEI0xDxtBI9GfQ_8ND38_ySGnI/s1600/Elizabeth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-jTuPBnmlXPvsRmG0rbQxurQ6vhjjv900NQKs11OEtWg4yZWJeYpZHbej7kJV_yUto-R90opuG_cFzoSocYeavqivAl7uxn89J8K9vtZTxESpELlfmVEI0xDxtBI9GfQ_8ND38_ySGnI/s1600/Elizabeth+2.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Photo by Elizabeth</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When
we allow ourselves to become emotionally invested in things we have no
control over, we allow the enemy to get us off balance. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;">We must keep our focus on God and keep trusting Him; not our emotions. </span><span style="font-size: 100%;"></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-70376362268197680112012-03-20T02:00:00.000-07:002012-03-20T12:32:07.434-07:00Clarifying What I Believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JpNIhjSkH_GpkegLi9GcXgDS1jQI6qCxvliDtjJ2L_ia7-YK7mUXPcIuMfRcUyTq9WyARV9PcBVfmbZMDbtKINLnVp4hoKF3wSfMju8866kFowtv0BZBGxJ7Ldp7pG06R2iiBW1JDsg/s1600/Elizabeth+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JpNIhjSkH_GpkegLi9GcXgDS1jQI6qCxvliDtjJ2L_ia7-YK7mUXPcIuMfRcUyTq9WyARV9PcBVfmbZMDbtKINLnVp4hoKF3wSfMju8866kFowtv0BZBGxJ7Ldp7pG06R2iiBW1JDsg/s1600/Elizabeth+1.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"> Photo by Elizabeth in Hawaii</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes, when I struggle with life and non-answers to prayer, I wonder if my plans, ideas,
and religious ideals are being challenged. There are things I thought I knew or understood, but eventually I begin to wonder if some of my concepts are wrong.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt;">Life tends to bring our beliefs under scrutiny. If we keep seeking God and His Word, eventually we will see and know
the truth. In so doing, our spiritual foundation will be more solid. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma;"><i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;"> </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #333333; font-style: italic;">1
Corinthians 3:10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation ... But let each one take heed how he builds on it.</span></span></i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 100%;"></span>Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8450098164659570101.post-46270144331242136632012-03-16T13:51:00.000-07:002012-03-16T13:51:59.734-07:00Living One Day at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZsgG_pEWFpd09CL5MmY8CIoQHUwQf41hXfykf0rTzsLJQ2rK2XYPqQpYp25C72wRDmDL1kWEZCcs96tST1nohyTWw655ufo1huJYaII7EW8fzkx19wEo0wV3kGvi5NSbX73bWc98Bek/s1600/-+Chip+8+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ZsgG_pEWFpd09CL5MmY8CIoQHUwQf41hXfykf0rTzsLJQ2rK2XYPqQpYp25C72wRDmDL1kWEZCcs96tST1nohyTWw655ufo1huJYaII7EW8fzkx19wEo0wV3kGvi5NSbX73bWc98Bek/s640/-+Chip+8+003.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Elizabeth</span></div>
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We cannot project out and imagine what will happen in the days ahead. This is a waste of time and presumption, for we never know what tomorrow will bring or how things will play out. We cannot experience or live in the future, and the impatience that comes from trying, affects our spiritual life.<br />
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We must stay in the present and allow the Lord to give us wisdom and to direct our steps.Conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273015988069847166noreply@blogger.com2