tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13072043456300816322024-03-19T08:12:26.674-04:00A Little Perspective - Living In Joy, Hope and GraceA blog to inspire a brighter outlook on life; Living in the moment, finding awareness, appreciation, hope, joy, and grace in the midst of life's trials.lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-60056782757291658612022-06-15T22:08:00.002-04:002022-06-15T22:08:38.695-04:00Grace in the Waiting<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rHjjNUCBqfQQ_elG5pltLz49w7fX5Ofn1VWvz3RJDOLytqr08WBQz-inlpLS8VJ7RQcVe_N6EqxSockZ0aDSWWA_rdXee8wk32Dr_pvQmlLWm8NWYubrz_K0VPaeUKNw-WayMsc0xqlNFMg37Wky8sI0qbrekLxd70OWzVm7IPhML3ygm-VXfNZ70g/s4032/1BA0CE99-A482-43BE-9437-83CB109C3A78.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rHjjNUCBqfQQ_elG5pltLz49w7fX5Ofn1VWvz3RJDOLytqr08WBQz-inlpLS8VJ7RQcVe_N6EqxSockZ0aDSWWA_rdXee8wk32Dr_pvQmlLWm8NWYubrz_K0VPaeUKNw-WayMsc0xqlNFMg37Wky8sI0qbrekLxd70OWzVm7IPhML3ygm-VXfNZ70g/w480-h640/1BA0CE99-A482-43BE-9437-83CB109C3A78.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>"Be still, and know that I am God."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We are blessed with a trail near our home, which weaves through the woods, leading eventually to a river. This is my favorite place to escape when the world closes in on me. Here, in the quiet beauty of God's creation, I find solace from life's demands. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I come here daily to be alone with my Lord; to praise and thank him, to walk with him and share my hopes, my concerns, my needs. I ask for help with my struggles, for wisdom and direction, for faith through my trials. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I look to him for answers, yet I don't want to feel the pain. I pray for patience, yet I don't want to wait for it. I resist the circumstances, the trials, that help me to grow in the very faith I seek. I want the 'easy button.'</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though often my questions are not answered, nor my problems solved, God is working in me. While I wait, he draws me closer to him. He is 'growing me,' teaching me, preparing me for what is coming. He gives me hope through his steadfast love and mercy.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In my trials, he is helping me to </span><i style="font-family: verdana;">want to know his heart </i><span style="font-family: verdana;">more than I want the easy fix. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Holy Spirit, lead me into a lifestyle of deeper, more continuous </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">encounters </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">with the heart of God. I don't want to live apart </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">from an </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">awareness of God's will, love, and nearness. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Amen </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Blessings,</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpyboI-c5CDhtlZtJAWj9CiG1XHEbZudEGqoWWe7Jq6xzEAyqeKwPsykK_VTkOw9EfD6SrRWzAUDAaBa88Jl91UnA_-ggfJC806kx8jn53hKWCuCeJcnyBsbFgl6lwYD8P75ktaHCGFirNAsrX5TBkSQ40rbclDw10IzkhPt5ijgm6-Lyh7rwkVMG6w/s174/signature%20copy%203.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="174" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxpyboI-c5CDhtlZtJAWj9CiG1XHEbZudEGqoWWe7Jq6xzEAyqeKwPsykK_VTkOw9EfD6SrRWzAUDAaBa88Jl91UnA_-ggfJC806kx8jn53hKWCuCeJcnyBsbFgl6lwYD8P75ktaHCGFirNAsrX5TBkSQ40rbclDw10IzkhPt5ijgm6-Lyh7rwkVMG6w/w178-h106/signature%20copy%203.png" width="178" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-38543289664006805982020-05-31T21:08:00.000-04:002020-05-31T21:08:08.743-04:00Thoughts For Pentecost Sunday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Today is Pentecost Sunday! It is the day the Holy Spirit descended on fearful disciples and apostles. The day the help for which they had been praying had arrived. The day that changed their lives and renewed their hope. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As we face the threats of the Corona virus on our world, we are also facing civil unrest. Our city, and many cities nationwide, had devastating rioting and looting during the long nighttime hours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I read about the riots across our beloved nation, indeed, our world, my tendency is to 'huddle in fear.' </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I choose, instead, to believe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To believe that the same God that appeared to those disciples in the form of the Holy Spirit, is here now, with us, amidst the chaos and devastation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I take comfort and hope in scripture. I retreat to my garden, immersed in it's gift of plush, fresh new life. The choir of birds sing their message of hope as butterflies flit from bloom to bloom, oblivious. This simple, tranquil peace fills my heart and renews my spirit.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I cherish THIS DAY. I will not let fear rob me of TODAY, of being in the moment now. Of course I am concerned; I am human. But I hear my Lord say, "Do not be afraid." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">May we, today, hear that gentle, calming voice in our chaos, in our fear. May we know, deep inside, that the God who made heaven and earth, walks with us, knows us, and loves us deeply. <br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I pray for those who are living in fear. For those who harbor hatred in their hearts. For those who suffer at the hands of self righteousness. For those who need to hear a message of all-inclusive love and hope. That we may be united, as God intended we should be when he created our beautiful world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God be with you, with us, my friends.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
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lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-45557189626753494462019-05-22T16:50:00.001-04:002019-05-22T16:57:13.610-04:00Bible Journal Romans 8:31-39<h3>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, and gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life - is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> 'For your sake we face death all day long; </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"> we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.'</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." </span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Romans 8:31-39 </span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was at a retreat through Sunday last week. It was four glorious days at a Christian Camp retreat center. For me, it was a spiritual escape, time to be away from distractions of every day life, and spend time with the Lord. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There were trails to walk, the beautiful Silver Lake to sit beside for contemplation, a chapel for prayer and reflection, a special scripture time with discussion each day, prayer time, and, to top it all off, there was a large room where we could set up and work on a craft, quilting, or art as we wanted at any time during the retreat. I brought my journaling Bible and art supplies. I also brought some sketch books, and my Zentangle journal, neither of which I spent much time working in. My focus was on journaling in my Bible. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each day we were treated to three delicious, hot, home-cooked meals. The staff thought of every detail to assure that our four days were filled with comfort, peace, and that all of our 'creature needs' were taken care of.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This page is the last one I made on Sunday morning, just after breakfast. It really sums up all that I was feeling during my time there. I felt God's presence and comforting love each day. He comforted me as I worked through some difficult areas I had been dealing with in my life. He was there when new friends gathered round and we prayed for each other. He laughed with me through fumbled drawing attempts. He walked with me as I bared my soul to Him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One of the hymns we sang was 'It Is Well With My Soul.' I have always loved this song, and I just cannot get it out of my head now. It sums up my feelings perfectly. I knew I just had to journal that in my Bible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know that nothing can separate me from God's mercy and love. He is there with me, always, just as he was there with me throughout those four days. I can conquer anything with Him! I wanted to journal that, so when I am feeling alone, or lost, I can come back to this page and reflect, and remember.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For my page, I drew my flower and wrote my journaling with a <a href="http://shrsl.com/1mapr">Micron Pigma pen</a>, and colored with <a href="http://shrsl.com/1mapy">Polychromos colored pencils</a>. For the artwork, I took inspiration from some of the lovely quilts the girls were working on.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A couple of pictures from my retreat....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you so much for visiting today.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-14958761000641637122019-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:002019-01-18T14:56:17.844-05:00Bible Journal - Luke 21:29-31<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">He told them this parable: "Look at the fig tree</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">and all the trees. When they sprout leaves,</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">you can see for yourselves and know that summer</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">is near. Even so, when you see these things</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near.</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">will pass away, but my words will not pass away."</span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Luke 21:29-33 </span></i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-7QCB9opELHk5lhUl6AucPFz5d0yjHKSb4Z1CLBf674MM6lDcm4x2Jsun65ktX1dTTOCqKNVrG6jV8GH8jNH7c0UTU9PtPH7dm69RHHGer50PVQ4ZVHp3KLxfJCrp3pedCaYxeUyz_Bc/s1600/Luke+21.1-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-7QCB9opELHk5lhUl6AucPFz5d0yjHKSb4Z1CLBf674MM6lDcm4x2Jsun65ktX1dTTOCqKNVrG6jV8GH8jNH7c0UTU9PtPH7dm69RHHGer50PVQ4ZVHp3KLxfJCrp3pedCaYxeUyz_Bc/s640/Luke+21.1-4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I go through disturbing and uncertain times in my life, I take hope in knowing the Kingdom of God is near. That God is with me in sorrow and in joy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just as the fig tree bears fruit every year, God's promises, His faithfulness and love, never leave us. He is true and certain. God's word offers us a rock on which to stand when the forces of evil in our culture threaten us and rock our world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My prayer is to be part of the kingdom that Jesus is inaugurating. I want to belong, and to make it my life's work to spread his kingdom. Then, no matter when he comes, I will be ready. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_XRq2IV5oV0KENcDXzwIXtGRdnJJhILHDbQJ-7jsX2d7FFT_IHJoZWKU3tELX0wVGYgp7QprUB_oYWz4ZeSVru8CdfLTBFHRUJ1nb1ookUFUHx9u2Yj-FBzex-odW-4vodhtCZ7pT41Y/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_XRq2IV5oV0KENcDXzwIXtGRdnJJhILHDbQJ-7jsX2d7FFT_IHJoZWKU3tELX0wVGYgp7QprUB_oYWz4ZeSVru8CdfLTBFHRUJ1nb1ookUFUHx9u2Yj-FBzex-odW-4vodhtCZ7pT41Y/s400/IMG_0055.JPG" width="298" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For my Bible journaling today, I used <a href="http://shrsl.com/1dkid">Polychromos colored pencils</a> to draw and color my image of the fig branch. For my journaling, I used <a href="http://shrsl.com/1efxy">Micron PN pigma pens.</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img alt="" 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" /></span><br />
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lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-77602673820212089462018-09-16T18:31:00.001-04:002018-09-16T19:11:25.412-04:00Bible Journal - Mark 8:27-35<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">themselves and take up their cross and follow me. </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For whoever wants to save their life will lose it </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">but whoever loses their life for me and for the </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gospel will save it." </span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Mark 8:34-35</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chose to journal today's gospel reading from church this morning. The reading was replete with of nuggets of wisdom and life lessons, so I decided to focus on verses 34 and 35. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG0Pu9KCD2tbYwd27ObFkvx2p6xJYFpXrJExaEheZXbhSgMb0xGXWqlzAZmqtStdkMiIfV2MhL0sr5DAzMzXr2jWMPUjYVRMaU5KwpW3HrxNUvxw_ju-q2ABO0RsZzZxIBgRm5_dy6rtC/s1600/Mark+8.34-35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG0Pu9KCD2tbYwd27ObFkvx2p6xJYFpXrJExaEheZXbhSgMb0xGXWqlzAZmqtStdkMiIfV2MhL0sr5DAzMzXr2jWMPUjYVRMaU5KwpW3HrxNUvxw_ju-q2ABO0RsZzZxIBgRm5_dy6rtC/s640/Mark+8.34-35.JPG" width="478" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Give control of my life and submit my entire being to God. Sounds easy? It should be, right?</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet, when I think about it, Jesus calls me to <i>d</i></span></span><i>eny</i> myself - EVERY DAY. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To die to my desires, dreams, hopes and fears - EVERY DAY. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">To pick up my cross and follow Him - EVERY DAY. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Wow...that's a lot of denying and submitting! Yet, if we truly trust Him, and want to be with Him in eternity, it is what He calls us to do. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I did due diligence with my study of these verses today. I understand the reasons, and the rewards, of denying my own ways and following Jesus. What I was searching for was HOW to do this. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The physical and emotional part of my being is weak. I <i>want</i> to think, reason, and act with my spiritual side, and God knows I try, but my human tendancies get in the way more often than I care to admit. I'm sure I'm not alone in this. So, how do we make our lives more lives of service to God, and less about the 'I wants?'</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus taught by example. He lived a selfless life of service to others, and followed His father's will.</span></span> Here are some thoughts I came up with to help me stay on track. </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus prayed, often alone, sometimes with others. Prayer kept Him close to the Father. Prayer is a gift God gives us to keep us close to Him - it is our life-line.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Faith, commitment, and daily devotion to God's will and purpose for my life. Jesus spent time with His Father. He sought God's will in His actions and plans. Do we spend time with God, and seek His will for us daily? Do we ask Him to place us where He wants us each day, and to open us to His plan?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Commitment. Taking up our cross is an <i>intentional</i> act. We must purposefully choose to give our time, talents, and resources to God. Each day!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus promises to be with us. He wants us to take His yoke upon our shoulders, and trust Him to give us rest. His Holy Spirit is always 'on call' to lead and guide us.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus offered a glorified life, and eternity, at the end of the journey. An eternity with God! Enough said.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, yes, it may be difficult to follow Jesus. But, if we trust Him, we will follow Him. He <i>will</i> place His anointing on us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God bless,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-32032316600261424232018-07-27T22:16:00.002-04:002018-07-27T22:32:48.135-04:00Bible Journal - Romans 5:5<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"And hope does not put us to shame, because </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God's love has been poured out into our hearts </span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Romans 5:5</span> </span></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw6j4dgyMBRLXrIAz_FAYNkdxWc7ScE3D_WIne2DxBc5q9zitcjA0PUKarW5xe3JmS1HzsP87xMwCLvMMeZwix8wNU6cDypUe7D_P0ze3PCdvZZG_O01dvgLKAsrjRJ0uU7xbOFQZGdOm/s1600/Romans+5.5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivw6j4dgyMBRLXrIAz_FAYNkdxWc7ScE3D_WIne2DxBc5q9zitcjA0PUKarW5xe3JmS1HzsP87xMwCLvMMeZwix8wNU6cDypUe7D_P0ze3PCdvZZG_O01dvgLKAsrjRJ0uU7xbOFQZGdOm/s400/Romans+5.5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is my final lesson in the Seeing The Scriptures class by Sandy Allnock. I have really enjoyed this class. It has taught me ways to dig deeper into Scripture, to analyze what I am reading, determine what God may be saying to me, and finally to brainstorm and create artwork to express God's revelation visually in my journaling Bible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If you struggle with Scripture, and want to read more deeply and grasp what God is saying, I highly recommend this course. You can find all of the details about the class, and be able to sign up for it <span style="color: magenta;"><b><a href="https://art-classes.com/course/seeing-the-scriptures/">HERE.</a></b></span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For this page, I felt the Lord encouraging me. His Holy Spirit is always with us, guiding, loving, and bringing us hope. Because of God's love, I have hope in the Lord. My trials produce perseverance, which, in turn, develops character, and character, hope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chose a chrysalis of a butterfly to illustrate this verse. It was the image that came to mind in my brainstorming phase of this lesson. The caterpillar goes through the trial of being in the dark chrysalis, losing it's form, and then, finally, breaks out as a glorious butterfly. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God's Holy Spirit in us helps us trust Him, and gives us hope. He is leading us to new life!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For my page, I drew the chrysalis with Polychromos colored pencils, and journaled with a Sakura micron pen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thanks so much for visiting.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" 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</span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-84800475909634827352018-07-20T21:44:00.001-04:002018-07-20T22:56:21.272-04:00Bible Journal - 2 Timothy 1:7<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, </span></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">but gives us power, love and self-discipline."</span></span></b></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <b><span style="font-size: small;">2 Timothy 1:7</span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2YUdlyXBe94SEWllmdS8TCCFXXWAGaNpFube-9YE4XfmKM1NDwl7ZAziCwhWBKvozomXnJO_78SE2x-PJ5lCAQwEloJr9A-MbXGRUJ-Goe6efMl3peG5yI9srkgHDOTJg31WTtx8fh-_/s1600/2+Timothy+1.7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2YUdlyXBe94SEWllmdS8TCCFXXWAGaNpFube-9YE4XfmKM1NDwl7ZAziCwhWBKvozomXnJO_78SE2x-PJ5lCAQwEloJr9A-MbXGRUJ-Goe6efMl3peG5yI9srkgHDOTJg31WTtx8fh-_/s400/2+Timothy+1.7.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I spent a couple of days pondering and studying today's class verse. I really felt the Lord encouraging me to spend time with it. It seems there is a lesson here that I need to reinforce in my life!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For years, I have been a 'closet' anxiety sufferer. I think I just didn't realize what it was, or that 'it' had a name. I deal with frequent adrenaline rushes, stress, and sometimes crippling fear. Social events and even things that I enjoy lately bring on anxiety issues. When I teach an art or Zentangle class at the local town hall, a church or library, I stress about it for weeks before. I love to lector at our church, but I start tensing up days before I am to read.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I feel embarrassed talking about my 'condition.' But I have discussed it with a couple of close friends. I'm not sure they really understand, however. I feel that people think it's something I can control, or that I allow. It's neither. I certainly don't <i>want</i> to feel this unmitigated fear and stress daily. If I could control it, I would. I have tried medication, however, that brought it's own little series of issues (even worse than the anxiety). </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am trying some relaxation techniques. With the help of my doctor, diet and exercise, and lots and lots and LOTS of prayer, I am working through my anxiety issues. It's a daily struggle, and an uphill battle. But, through God's love, and the Holy Spirit, I have hope. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Which brings me back to today's verse. God wants me to be courageous and brave. He gives me power daily, through His gift of the Holy Spirit, to overcome my fears and anxiety. I do a better job some days than others calling on His power. He wants me to serve Him, and has gifted me with time and talent to do so. I want to serve Him with power, love, and self-control. I can do this by staying close to Him, reading and studying His Word, and calling on the Holy Spirit. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am sharing my story here, as I know that others suffer from this condition, as well. I pray my story will help others find the hope that I have found. If you are a fellow-anxiety sufferer, know that there IS hope. And you don't have to do it alone! I would love to hear from you. Please comment below and I will get back to you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"The Spirit of God does NOT make us timid (fearful), but gives us POWER, LOVE, and SELF-CONTROL."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I believe this with all my heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">JOURNALING NOTES: For my page, I used Gansai Tambi watercolors, painting them on randomly around a hand-drawn dove that I penciled in. Then I added my notes and the verse with a micron pen. I dried the page with a heat tool, then pressed it with an iron to flatten the page and remove some of the wrinkles.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" 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/></span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-15304850964124863462018-07-02T11:56:00.002-04:002018-07-02T12:14:39.501-04:00The Restorer Of My Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But you, LORD, are a shield around me,</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">my glory, the One who lifts my head high."</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Psalm 3:3</span></b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKZVhoSvsWKv3yg_5rhYj6ROkYi0K72aVj2YOno9_1j0IATlXgxW6JPkMH570zUCe6TY8_Ss119lBxZM5ZmZPnFHUkOvHX-I2lhwY4PINjj-XFs50NlQAhiz8YMzAZVQ_nzgE4TdQaH_L/s1600/IMG_9363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKZVhoSvsWKv3yg_5rhYj6ROkYi0K72aVj2YOno9_1j0IATlXgxW6JPkMH570zUCe6TY8_Ss119lBxZM5ZmZPnFHUkOvHX-I2lhwY4PINjj-XFs50NlQAhiz8YMzAZVQ_nzgE4TdQaH_L/s640/IMG_9363.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These 17 words are packed with meaning. </span></span>Isn't it interesting that the short verses often have so much 'meat' to them...so much meaning, filled with nuggets of wisdom?! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I thought of a sunflower when I studied this verse. The sunflower follows the sun. It keeps its corolla upright. It's radiant beauty shines it's brilliance outward.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's how I want to be. Keeping my eyes upright, firmly planted on the Lord. I do not want to stray. I want to glow with my love for Him, through His love for me. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When there are storms in my life, I will remember that nothing comes through God's shield around me that He does not allow. God has a purpose for the trials He allows in my life. I purpose to trust Him, and sleep content in His glory!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am adding my page to the <a href="https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july/">World Watercolor Month challenge.</a> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I used Lyra Aquacolors to watercolor my sunflower. After painting, I outlined with a micron pen.</span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-55354791795904456812018-06-25T12:22:00.000-04:002018-06-25T12:24:21.062-04:00A Rainbow Promise<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life."</i> Genesis 9:14-15</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqS52-DLnN2vMX1xjf-DWmWITmhD4n3xdTxIXq6m96-b4jAX8Emvi4VT-Or-csC0RtrLV9iZq0mL4dtFGv_QpXj2cimaP_Qz90N4jb-rpvW7Q1HCuRLeHBbQRIeM4AsWtDM318D6k9OUQ/s1600/IMG_9328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqS52-DLnN2vMX1xjf-DWmWITmhD4n3xdTxIXq6m96-b4jAX8Emvi4VT-Or-csC0RtrLV9iZq0mL4dtFGv_QpXj2cimaP_Qz90N4jb-rpvW7Q1HCuRLeHBbQRIeM4AsWtDM318D6k9OUQ/s640/IMG_9328.JPG" width="478" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wonder why God chose a rainbow as a sign of His covenant with us. Could it be because </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...of it's brilliance and beauty? Who doesn't love to look for the rainbow after a rainfall?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...A rainbow reaches across the sky, encompassing everything, and can be seen by all those around. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...A rainbow appears after a storm, or rainfall. This speaks to us of hope. The rain is over, the sun is out! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">...Perhaps
because, like us, each color is different, yet they are all necessary
to create the rainbow. The colors each blend together. Their hues
compliment each other, and create infinite possibilities when they are
mixed. What wonders we, God's people, can create when we all work
together, using our unique gifts, to share His love with those around
us. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God's grace is evident in this covenant. Through his rich provisions, we look to the rainbow and to the empty cross and remember that God has not forgotten us. What a glorious sign of peace and comfort! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For my Bible journaling of these verses, I used Polychromos colored pencils. I drew 'God's' hand with a string around His finger. In the verse following these, God says that whenever He sees the rainbow, He will remember His covenant. I find it interesting that even God needs reminders!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" 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" /> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-90320806471502022018-06-04T21:47:00.000-04:002018-06-04T21:47:05.634-04:00Bible Journalng - John 14:2<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"My Father's house has many rooms; </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">if that were not so, would I have </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">told you that I am going there </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">to prepare a place for you?"</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> John 14:2</span> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF37jIRSgRDfxgb9HzMsYLLetGGmrwg_q5rg9GtPSaM7-Ylb7uGoXL0sNBmD-6zYW26y3Ea_3CMdZmiWkGC4N4MDke8dd5t74esO4gqI7x95JMNhhRwBlKr4Kt4NZ5MavqYEK8U1-MpwE/s1600/John+14.2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRF37jIRSgRDfxgb9HzMsYLLetGGmrwg_q5rg9GtPSaM7-Ylb7uGoXL0sNBmD-6zYW26y3Ea_3CMdZmiWkGC4N4MDke8dd5t74esO4gqI7x95JMNhhRwBlKr4Kt4NZ5MavqYEK8U1-MpwE/s640/John+14.2.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What joy fills my heart when I read this verse in John 14. I rejoice in Jesus's promise of an eternal heavenly home for those who believe!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What comfort to know that He will come for me to be with Him. That He is preparing a place for me! And for you!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I cannot fathom what Heaven must be like. I only know that Jesus will be there. And all those loved ones who have gone before me, and will come after me. We will all be together again on that glorious day when He comes to take us there. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I like to think of Heaven as a garden. It is where I feel so close to God. My garden is my happy place! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In my garden I...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- find rest for my weary soul. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- rejoice in the beauty of God's creations.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- tend to the flowers and vines.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- watch the birds flit and butterflies dance.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- enjoy the creatures who visit there often. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">- <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">talk to God, and feel His presence.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I do hope the Heavenly place He prepares for me is in a garden! To be with Him, and all the people I love, in that place of peace and beauty. I can only imagine! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-62945218012613498802018-05-07T13:48:00.003-04:002018-05-07T13:49:30.916-04:00Bible Journal - Matthew 5:16<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 5:16</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbIwv1LncBZqf2ru32RgU1mnp7LugeljV1gYYHVUeLMfJRn3CscM3ZA9eCIr1KQ8AQhB0noMlr9RcrtesVl6ki-CYNkf2HUHD4GhLl4sfJJmdKQyTbDDcLveQZ7JNvux5NKmWKuG16snB/s1600/Matthew+5.16+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJsyQU8E1YY09Hw1rkQxWBqtl6Piazrh7JxntOK9_XdaT61xf8AxXX1YnNV03JwOk8mhfHpbPCFSTx1tXQwBKzY_UNjv5v0urmPxboReOyx5Qy1olbIIeT-UEASwMuA-hgL5L0Zlgl7OB/s1600/Matthew+5.16+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJsyQU8E1YY09Hw1rkQxWBqtl6Piazrh7JxntOK9_XdaT61xf8AxXX1YnNV03JwOk8mhfHpbPCFSTx1tXQwBKzY_UNjv5v0urmPxboReOyx5Qy1olbIIeT-UEASwMuA-hgL5L0Zlgl7OB/s640/Matthew+5.16+copy.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really enjoyed my study of this verse. In my study, I saw many references to the moon and sun. The moon, especially, because the moon lights up the night sky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We know that the moon <i>itself</i>, however, does not shine. The moon gets it's light from the sun, hence it actually <i>reflects</i> the sun's light. As I reflected (no pun intended) on this, I had an aha! moment. I cannot shine and show God's love to others on my own. God gives me His light, and I must let it shine through my attitudes, words, and deeds. Hence, when I do that, I am reflecting Jesus's love, compassion, and forgiveness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I share His love with others, and let His spirit shine through me, God is glorified. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>I am a glorifier!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lord, You are my light. Help me to be a beacon of love, truth, hope for you by letting my light shine in a sometimes dark world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Blessings,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For my Bible Journal page, I used Gansai Tambi watercolors for the picture. For the actual journaling, I used a Micron .01 pen.</span></div>
lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-56156677782905114702018-04-25T19:11:00.001-04:002018-04-25T19:11:31.484-04:00Psalm 51:10 Bible Journal<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"Create in me a pure heart,</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">O God, and renew a steadfast</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">spirit within me."</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Psalm 51:10</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm finally getting back to my 'Seeing The Scriptures' class. Here is my page for Lesson four.....</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdozeRMz2r4MMRSLxAGu4QbvMXycP_TEOOtRAtiD9n3nQGmzyvnLS5X9hGtMuNVaRBaOEGWY1ZXN0OkyQMFYE3YYqq5WdYjRO2JkupaS6GTSpLitf3k87uo7yUdm82tsRUgMdQzWY6a3rv/s1600/Psalm+51.10+Bible+Journal.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdozeRMz2r4MMRSLxAGu4QbvMXycP_TEOOtRAtiD9n3nQGmzyvnLS5X9hGtMuNVaRBaOEGWY1ZXN0OkyQMFYE3YYqq5WdYjRO2JkupaS6GTSpLitf3k87uo7yUdm82tsRUgMdQzWY6a3rv/s640/Psalm+51.10+Bible+Journal.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I used Polychromos colored pencils on my page, with a Micron .01 pen for my lettering.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is another of those Psalms which has been put to music, and which we sing in church! I love when I come across one of those in my Bible.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In this Psalm of David, he describes forgiveness as a cleansing and purifying. He seeks God's purging and purifying grace. He realizes that the weight of his sins has kept him from living in the joy of the Lord. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I drew the old, beaten-down, torn, bandaged, sin-laden heart in my page, with the sparkling clean and shiny new heart to remind me that God is always ready to renew my spirit and cleanse my heart. I only need to ask, and to acknowledge that I have sinned, repent, and ask for forgiveness. I cannot cleanse my own heart by doing good deeds, or by sacrifices or almsgiving. It is God Himself, and only God, who creates a pure heart. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By His grace, I can walk in the joy of the Lord, and let His light shine from within my being. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When my heart is right, everything else will fall into place. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-8793512858322518742018-04-12T22:18:00.000-04:002018-04-12T22:21:19.086-04:00Bible Journal Psalm 23<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Psalm 23 is a familiar and favorite scripture passage for many. We sing verses from it in our hymns and songs at church. We have heard sermons and homilies on it. There are posters and mugs and plaques with the familiar poetic words everywhere.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Each
time I read the words, I find a new insight. Isn't that the exquisite beauty
of reading the Bible? Having it be new over and over again! No wonder
it's still the world's best selling book!</span></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92FA1Hu2wms4Z9H4sapS2ZjW9zrNOEbMQVKtKN_xHpHLkFDClBmLRdzj9uaBwgN47OGtNecO5ip9DdlxPn4Van3yW_wHbKeY9uGXwVa5COCZMdWT6MArrGbxg1voTPq_-X3kTmpANsOgw/s1600/Psalm+23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92FA1Hu2wms4Z9H4sapS2ZjW9zrNOEbMQVKtKN_xHpHLkFDClBmLRdzj9uaBwgN47OGtNecO5ip9DdlxPn4Van3yW_wHbKeY9uGXwVa5COCZMdWT6MArrGbxg1voTPq_-X3kTmpANsOgw/s640/Psalm+23.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This time, the reading really spoke to me about how well God knows <i>me</i>. He loves me in spite of myself! He cares about me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He calls me by my name! <span style="color: magenta;"><i>The Lord is my shepherd</i>.</span> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He is aware of, and provides for, my needs. <span style="color: magenta;"><i>I shall not want</i>.</span> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He provides rest when I am tired and stressed. <span style="color: magenta;"><i>He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>....</i>He soothes me when I am weary<i>. <span style="color: magenta;">He restores my soul.</span> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i> </i> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He gently calls me back when I wander. How patient He is with me! <span style="color: magenta;"><i>He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake.</i></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i>....</i>When I am afraid, He calms me.<i> </i></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="text Ps-23-4" id="en-NIV-14240">Even though I walk</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">through the darkest valley,<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="text Ps-23-4">I will fear no evil,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">for you are with me;</span></span><span class="text Ps-23-4"> your rod and your staff,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-4">they comfort me.</span></span></span> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He gives me hope and abundance. </span><span style="color: magenta;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-5" id="en-NIV-14241">You prepare a table before me</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-5">in the presence of my enemies.</span></span><span class="text Ps-23-5"> You anoint my head with oil;</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-5">my cup overflows.</span></span></span></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">....He promises to be with me always. </span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span class="text Ps-23-6" id="en-NIV-14242">Surely your goodness and love will follow me</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-6">all the days of my life,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-23-6">and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-23-6">forever.</span></span></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was contemplating how I wanted to journal this section in my Bible. As I was leaving a meeting at church this week, I stopped by our secretary's office to say hello. As we talked, I saw my answer. There on a couch in her office were several little stuffed animal lambs and sheep. Around each was a little tag with their names on the tag. She had given each one of them a name based on the the 23rd Psalm! I knew immediately that was what I would do for my page. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I love that God is in the details! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Blessings,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-41776245792079319182018-03-26T21:20:00.000-04:002018-03-26T21:23:33.026-04:00Many Seeds<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"Very truly I tell you, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and dies, it remains a single seed. </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But if it dies, it produces many seeds." </span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">John 12:24</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlPfzEKkNHdcfMmlsp9CAWdxaG6UTal9BcNQ4YkC5ZqV7XV1U-cDQIjbc8l6tbiIlJLoLfNkIS3z6eNZKZOcAXV782kBjsRMo7jlClJBt1zJBJT2l17py7RKRZRtfzQ9bcuiGe0nlHXg-/s1600/John+12.24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKlPfzEKkNHdcfMmlsp9CAWdxaG6UTal9BcNQ4YkC5ZqV7XV1U-cDQIjbc8l6tbiIlJLoLfNkIS3z6eNZKZOcAXV782kBjsRMo7jlClJBt1zJBJT2l17py7RKRZRtfzQ9bcuiGe0nlHXg-/s640/John+12.24.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In my Bible journaling page today, I drew the wheat with the cross behind it, and the little sprouting wheat seed at the foot of the cross. My intention was to create a visual reminder of the supreme sacrifice Jesus made for me; for us. Jesus is the seed, the cross represents His death (the seed dies). The sprouting seed at the foot of the cross represents the fruit resulting from the fallen seed's death, reaching deep into the ground, and opening to new life (resurrection) to produce many new seeds. The stalk of wheat contains the many seeds (us).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In my study, I learned some interesting facts about wheat. Two bushels of wheat seeds produce 40 to 50 bushels of yield! One grain of wheat yields eight or more heads, with over 40 seeds per head. That's 320 new seeds from just one seed! Impressive. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Jesus wants us, you and me, to die daily to our sinful nature, which will cause new life to spring up in us. But, often, we want to cling to our old life, don't we? That old life needs to be threshed and buried. We cannot get life, and we cannot give life, without a little bit of dying. Jesus gave up His very life in obedience to the Father. But the last word, the Easter message, is not the suffering, but the resurrection!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When arrogance and pride dies, humility arises.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When selfishness dies, generosity of spirit arises.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When a judgemental and critical spirit dies, love and acceptance arise.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I want to bring honor and glory to God. With God's grace, and the Holy Spirit's help, I can do that by my obedience to Him. By dying to my way, daily, and going the way He leads. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God bless!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <img alt="" 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NscSada1UwFsd2/f7/K11NO2onMAXqt7U0mj73N1fzqyJ7Zt8bSSSsGJVq2HwBPDG3SdQrgszBrxGhJK7C2Ii96Whxz5PelbEkABNva+VMgrWLCF+LU/doWYk0tBtkqOZOyyI7xFeVaPI4mv1WlUACnRFrr01ryQkaIRXzSm2q1k2Evh8DaFchDzvyUzcvct+ppjaGKrH5CH3p4KiFPCzy1P9EJKfgTo52Pi+OEhDx9cUlc2OPJjHq6JE9ltC/bj0+nhpf19aSvz2WbI04WGO2hCscYhM2psjmJRR/Vlfchuzm6rtKcVRVXQAAoVYnqkFMFSAJVhVeX5EtVNfC9e+7tUBGFgVo9v/ZsnxMrICq3mxBXPkJg3+aEhrc1EdiUuLGjENmeyfw8FiPk946AI+AIOAKOgCPgCDgCjoAj4Ag4Ao6AI+AIOAKOgCPgCDgCjoAj4Ag4Ao6AI+AIOAKOgCPgCDgCjoAj4Ag4Ao6AI+AIOAKOgCPgCLRH4F+vFlPsIaS6ygAAAABJRU5ErkJgggA=" /> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-48934184224012316392018-03-20T21:51:00.001-04:002018-03-20T21:51:31.225-04:00This Path I Walk<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">"But He knows the way that I take;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">when He has tested me,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will come forth as gold."</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Job 23:10 </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This verse really opened up for me as I studied it </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">for my Art Classes Bible journaling homework this week</span></span>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are countless nuggets of wisdom in this chapter, and even in this verse. I have taken two pages of notes and a brainstorming page map from it. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Here, I would like t<i>o</i> share just one of the lessons I took away from this verse. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God tests those whom He loves. He knows every little detail of the path of our lives. He is aware of our past, where we are now, and where our future path will lead us. He knows the trials we have endured, and have yet to endure. He uses those trials to strengthen and guide us; to purify us. Just as gold is heated in fire to make it pure, we shall come out purified when our trial is over.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Job did not walk away from God. He walked toward God, with an attitude of trust.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I pray, as I walk the path life has for me, that I never lose sight of God. When the way is difficult, may I know that He is there, walking with me. And when the trial is over, may my life bring glory and honor to God. May I be changed profoundly, to be better equipped to be a witness to His grace and mercy.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The Bible journaling page resulting from my study...</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08_S1KlhQsmu7eqTAnKRDkQ7ODHXLZY0Za1sIFHFhBU8VKQTTNOrIwE17d-czOabWdTQ8xSW7HgvNCBw1c86KRKmR75VM92NDzfzrd9LYFdOpBfWfHESK2cFLVAV1GpJPRUQpMSfG5E3/s1600/IMG_8809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid08_S1KlhQsmu7eqTAnKRDkQ7ODHXLZY0Za1sIFHFhBU8VKQTTNOrIwE17d-czOabWdTQ8xSW7HgvNCBw1c86KRKmR75VM92NDzfzrd9LYFdOpBfWfHESK2cFLVAV1GpJPRUQpMSfG5E3/s640/IMG_8809.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Be blessed!</span></span><br />
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/>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-86948687188611422352018-03-11T22:02:00.001-04:002018-03-11T22:20:06.959-04:00Be Still, God's Got This!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"The Lord will fight for you;</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">you need only to be still."</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Exodus 14:14</span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">This verse appears around the middle of Exodus 14. The Israelites were terrified at the approaching Egyptians, and crying out to the Lord. They were complaining to Moses, who was leading them out of Egypt. They would rather have stayed in bondage and service to the Egyptians than risk dying in the desert trying to escape.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">But Moses told them not to be afraid, that the Lord would deliver them. He told them that the Egyptians they see today they will never see again. "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;">You know the rest, the parting of the sea so the Israelites could pass through, then the closing of the path through the sea so the advancing Egyptians were engulfed, and the Israelites were saved. The Israelites did not have to fight. They just needed to be still, to trust in the Lord to fight for them.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I dug deeper into this story, I began to think about my personal 'Egyptians.' What am I a slave to? The areas in my life where I cry out to God and complain. The fears, doubts, issues, and times when I am afraid to take the steps God is asking me to take, and so remain hopelessly in bondage. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">'Be still,' God says. Still: unruffled, calm, not moving, deep silence, fixed, stable, at rest, untroubled, tranquil. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">He will fight for me, he says. Fight: battle, go to war, deliverance, put to right what is unjust. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And my favorite promise from this study; "The Egyptians you see today you will never see again." That tells me that when God fights for us, he breaks the chains that hold us bound, and leads us through our fears. We need only to be still. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I purpose today to give God my battles and let him fight for me. I will rest in his grace and take comfort in his love for me. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have created a Bible journaling page for this verse....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thank you for your kind comments and encouragement. I always enjoy hearing from you. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be blessed,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span> </span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-23480187463539597592017-12-28T18:41:00.003-05:002017-12-28T18:41:57.456-05:00St. Francis of Assissi Prayer today is the feast day of St. Francis of Assissi<br />
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On my way to a staff meeting at church today, I was listening to a David Haas CD that I had recently purchased. The St. Francis of Assissi prayer was just finishing up as I pulled into my parking spot, and I felt that glorious peace just filling me up. Then Fr. John chose that prayer as the opening prayer today, and finally we finished with St. Francis' prayer yet one more time. Hmmmm...me thinks God was trying to tell me something!<br />
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I call these times 'God-incidences.' <br />
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The line "to be understood as to understand" particularly resonates with me today. I have been thinking about a particular person, and was feeling hurt that she doesn't understand, or seem to care to understand, how I feel about a certain situation. I realize that I have not taken the time, or effort, to truly listen and understand how she feels, and her own particular set of circumstances, either. I think I've got it now, God! You don't have to hit me over the head...well, yes, I guess you do. Thank you.<br />
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It reminds me of a blog post I had posted earlier last week. I posted a picture of a card I had made, and the verse on the card said "God knows, and will comfort you." Someone commented on my post, saying, "When I first read the verse on your lovely card, I thought it said 'God knows, and will confront you.' We got a chuckle out of that! While God may not have literally hit me over the head, he sure got my attention this morning when he 'confronted' me. <br />
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What a loving, involved, and truly compassionate God we serve. My choice to listen to that CD this morning, and Fr. John's choice to use St. Francis's prayers today....coincidence? No, not at all....God is in the details! <br />
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I invite you to read that prayer again today, perhaps before retiring tonight. Really listen as God comforts and/or confronts you.<br />
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<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c9-FlrMTLn8&feature=youtu.be">You Tube of Ryan Cayabyab singing Prayer of St. Francis</a><br />
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src="data:image/png;base64,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lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-88086342416190945232014-03-30T19:09:00.001-04:002014-03-30T19:16:17.795-04:00Jesus Heals The Blind Man - Fourth Sunday of Lent<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Today we hear the second of three lovely stories from John’s Gospel. It is the story of Jesus restoring sight to a man born blind, and we are invited to think about what it is to be spiritually blind. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Jesus said, <i>“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.</i>” He is alluding to the time when he would no longer be with his followers. Jesus was teaching them, and even now is calling us, to be His light in the world. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"> <i>Questions -</i> Jesus’ followers questioned why the man had been born blind. Was it because of his sins? Was it the sins of his parents? Jesus, told them he was born blind so that God’s power could be shown in him. Then Jesus talks about doing the work of God while it is still light. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><i> Healing - </i>The disciples must have been excited. Knowing Jesus as well as they did, they probably knew He was going to heal the blind man. Perhaps they wondered how he was going to do it. Would there be a flash of lightning? A ball of fire? A boom of thunder? No, Jesus used what was at hand. He made mud from his own spit and dirt from the ground, and pasted it over the blind man’s eyes. Just as he had once used a young sheep herder with a simple sling and stone to defeat Goliath and the Philistines, Jesus chose ordinary mundane elements to heal this man. God’s power was shown through this miracle, just as Jesus had said.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><i> Doubt - </i>The Pharisees questioned the blind man, but despite the obvious evidence, they refused to believe that Jesus had healed him. They said he could not be from God, because he did not keep the Sabbath. They even asked the man’s parents if he had indeed been born blind. They became indignant when the man insisted that Jesus had healed him, and they threw the man out of the Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"> When I or someone I love is going through a painful or difficult circumstance, I question why it has to be. Yet, I do know that God gives us grace to carry us through our trials. When we handle our afflictions with grace and trust in God, we are a testament to His faithfulness and His love. I often find that God puts someone in my path who is experiencing a trial that I had previously endured. I am able to empathize with that person, and offer support and ideas that have helped me through.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"> What is God calling me to do for him? What is he calling you to do? Am I ready to do what he asks of me? Are you? We may feel inadequate. Indeed, on our own, we are. However, God doesn’t call the able, he calls the <i>available.</i> If he calls us to a particular task or purpose, then he will be faithful to supply us with the means and strengths and talents to do his will. If God used sticks and stones and spit to do his will, then he surely can use us. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"> Jesus’ miracles seem hard for us to believe. We live within the structure of time and space. But God created the time and space, so he can certainly defy them, and easily perform miracles. We serve a powerful God. Go to him, tell him how you need his help today. Ask him how he can use you today to be his light in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;">Blessings, </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"> lynda</span></div>
lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-67569531742791155252013-12-08T21:25:00.001-05:002013-12-09T08:38:35.457-05:00Advent - A Time of Hope<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">IIn the gospel today, we hear about John the Baptist, living and preaching in the wilderness, dressed in rough clothing, eating locusts and wild honey. His harsh warning that the kingdom of heaven is<br>near urges people to repent, as he points to Jesus as the mightier one. He calls his hearers a bunch of snakes, telling them that axes will cut them down, threatening the Sadducees and Pharisees with hell.<br><br> This gospel certainly contrasts the warm feelings we have enjoyed in our holiday preparations as we anticipate spending time with our loved ones this Christmas season. The nearness of God's kingdom calls us to action - to repent, to be converted, to have a change of heart. John's words<br>should raise questions we need to face and answer. It is likely we have areas in our lives that have been neglected and that need attention.<br><br> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">How have we shown </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">love to the people closest to us....our spouse, our children, our parents or friends? How have we failed to show them love? Have we neglected </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">someone or failed to treat them as we should have? What about ourselves? </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do we care for ourselves by staying in shape, physically and spiritually? </span></span><br>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-size: large;"><br> We often take those closest to us for granted. We may assume they know we love them, even if we haven’t told them so in a long while. Perhaps our daily cares, routines and habits leave us little energy to give our families and friends the time to show them that we love them. As we celebrate the love of God for us this Christmas, maybe we can be a little more kind to ourselves and begin taking care of ourselves. Then perhaps we can give those we love more of our attention, more of our care, concern and love, more of ourselves.<br><br> We say we have faith in Christ, but does what we are doing reveal our faith and love in Jesus? What we <i>do</i>, our actions, gives meaning to our love. If we are truly repentant, we want to change, to act on ways to improve. We can let this Advent be a time to make some changes. We know we cannot do this by our own will. Advent, however, gives us what we need to act...it gives us hope...it gives us a Saviour!<br><br> It has been said that where there is life, there is change. Change requires action. Think of a tree, whose glorious colored autumn leaves wither and fall when winter winds blow, only to return once again when spring bursts forth new buds which form new leaves. This cycle would not be possible if the tree refused to change and let go of its leaves. Change is difficult for us because it comes with no guarantees that things will be better as a result. The only guarantee we have is the blessing of a life<br>lived close to God.<br><br> Advent is hope. It is the promise and certainty of God’s presence in our lives in the ultimate gift of Jesus. If we receive Him in our hearts, really receive, then His love will abide in us and give us the grace to love ourselves, and to fully share His love with those around us.<br><br> May this Advent be a time of growth for each of us, and bring us to the fullness of God's love for us, as we pray, "come, Lord Jesus."</span><br>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> <i>lynda</i></span></span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-39684294101768638432011-06-03T00:36:00.002-04:002011-06-03T00:50:54.841-04:00Allow God To Interrupt!<div class="oneBlogText fullTextContent"><span style="font-size: large;">My June calendar page on my Joyce Meyer Ministries calendar has a quote that I'd like to share:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59sMCbqWjHOkM70S98_gOxmBZygc3dLCmQBgJUIBota1lW87qBBDdcrfQDCTWgAXwXYMNdZx_BLRZReFpetkaahpyd3c_x72dN5k31fBR6ujSBRdkpgSf4iW18Mo0dr0VNAvINgctz0XN/s1600/people-helping-people1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59sMCbqWjHOkM70S98_gOxmBZygc3dLCmQBgJUIBota1lW87qBBDdcrfQDCTWgAXwXYMNdZx_BLRZReFpetkaahpyd3c_x72dN5k31fBR6ujSBRdkpgSf4iW18Mo0dr0VNAvINgctz0XN/s320/people-helping-people1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>"If you will make the decision that you don't mind being inconvenienced or interrupted, then God can use you. You can make a difference in the world!" </i></b> by Joyce Meyer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wow! That one really hit home. I pray daily to be used by God, and have missed some opportunities because it simply wasn't "convenient." I didn't take the time to call that friend, or stop to chat with an elderly neighbor, because I was in a hurry to get somewhere, and had so much to do. Not that what I had to do wasn't important, or necessary. But, in missing the chance to bring a little sunlight into the lives of the people God had placed in my path, I missed being the blessing He wanted me to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I resolve to keep my eyes and heart open. I am deciding, right now, to allow inconveniences and interruptions into my life, for God's purposes. I do want to make a difference in the world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My prayer for today: </span><span style="font-size: large;"><i> <span style="color: blue;">Lord, please take these hands of mine, this mouth, these eyes and ears, feet and arms, and use them for Your good, for Your purpose, and to deliver Your word and works to those whom you place in my life. Amen!</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>lynda</i></span><br />
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<div class="oneBlogOwnerLinks"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><a class="oneBlogOwnerEditLink" href="http://community.beliefnet.com/lyndajoy/admin/edit_post.one?pid=18387989" title="Edit Post"> <img border="0" src="http://fast1.onesite.com/resources/images/icons/icn_edit2.gif?ver=11.06.02" /> </a><a class="oneBlogOwnerDeleteLink" href="http://community.beliefnet.com/lyndajoy/admin/manage_posts.one?a=rm&pid=18387989" title="Delete Post"> <span class="trashcan"> <img border="0" src="http://fast1.onesite.com/resources/images/icons/icn_trashcan.gif?ver=11.06.02" /></span></a></i></span> <a class="oneBlogOwnerDeleteLink" href="http://community.beliefnet.com/lyndajoy/admin/manage_posts.one?a=rm&pid=18387989" title="Delete Post"><span class="trashcan"> </span> </a> </div></div>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-57567759159080286212011-05-10T22:43:00.001-04:002011-05-11T16:50:44.045-04:00Six Ways To Be Kind To Yourself<span style="font-size: large;">I'm sure you have had "those days," the ones where you feel trodden on and pulled in different directions, stretching to your absolute limits. I have had a succession of these days lately, and today I finally remembered to stop, and renew some promises I made to myself. These promises have been a great help to me in times of overwhelming responsibility and stress. I am sharing them here with you, in the hopes that, you, too, might make yourself a list of promises or ways to be kind to yourself.</span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to dream more and hesitate less.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to believe in myself and stop judging myself on my shortcomings.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to accept what life brings each day, and make each moment special. This is the day the Lord has made, I WILL rejoice and be GLAD in it!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to really appreciate my family and friends....they are God's gift to me, and I cherish them.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to be less resistant to change, and grow in my independence.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise to fill my life with special times, and share them with others.</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: large;">These promises to myself aren't always easy to keep, but I'm working on them. And each time I read them over, and pray about them, I feel recharged and energized, able to take on the cares of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">May you, also, find peace in your list. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">God bless,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">lynda</span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-10364747988535586532011-02-20T20:36:00.001-05:002011-02-20T20:39:03.115-05:00A Glorious Day!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GM6WMfsTGqVRhEdWm1yfewHG2pwllBVytfMuaybu6F9cHm5tlb77UoJD_H3ucP9sUl_Kv0sjdVHrXx2eLUrditV3jI8iE5Tw54esPJ8X2T0g3HUpLWT0cEvG5pvTZKegw-QfXywjcYUq/s1600/100_0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GM6WMfsTGqVRhEdWm1yfewHG2pwllBVytfMuaybu6F9cHm5tlb77UoJD_H3ucP9sUl_Kv0sjdVHrXx2eLUrditV3jI8iE5Tw54esPJ8X2T0g3HUpLWT0cEvG5pvTZKegw-QfXywjcYUq/s320/100_0812.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8iJ3yQPGB-Hrye_HcE7EcsoKeuMgpRC6-VMnKwgu9VhSXPB7hFlNeDtrpZoBCi0HbSB_4t0rE2uC6FDazOrn3VI9FPVG180rTozO1YBIZcLgL5u-4rGAc6meEAkKWr6X_dUO3yzi3oJo/s1600/100_0791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8iJ3yQPGB-Hrye_HcE7EcsoKeuMgpRC6-VMnKwgu9VhSXPB7hFlNeDtrpZoBCi0HbSB_4t0rE2uC6FDazOrn3VI9FPVG180rTozO1YBIZcLgL5u-4rGAc6meEAkKWr6X_dUO3yzi3oJo/s320/100_0791.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">What a glorious day it was today!! The weather was pretty rough yesterday, and forecasts are bad for tomorrow, but <i>today </i>the weather was sunny and pleasant (albeit a bit cold), and perfect for the drive to Buffalo. Not only was the weather cooperative, but today was grand-baby Kennedy Grace's baptism. The sunny day was a special smile from God as He watched this fresh, pure baby soul be baptized and dedicated to Him!</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR7BGALkQjB5TDSR-Bvuy1R24FnO4awKpTqwpw9xDXTRD0pXHTuzpGVw1nNImjhVnRfyQasLuV2BcqyFtGkUg5vCeNRH61tafh4UJb5uxzB1KXBtRbPE7aP5klmu2YEcWQm5QhJ55VPtX/s1600/100_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglR7BGALkQjB5TDSR-Bvuy1R24FnO4awKpTqwpw9xDXTRD0pXHTuzpGVw1nNImjhVnRfyQasLuV2BcqyFtGkUg5vCeNRH61tafh4UJb5uxzB1KXBtRbPE7aP5klmu2YEcWQm5QhJ55VPtX/s320/100_0762.JPG" width="254" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proud big sister Keeley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">Kennedy's big sister, six year old Keeley, greeted us at church. As she ran to me, she excitedly said, "Nana, Nana! They're going to pour water all over Kennedy, then we're going to get cake!" Don't you just love children! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There were <i>three</i> baptisms at the same time...quite a process. That's after Mass, and blessing of marriages and renewal of marriage vows for the parish couples (World Marriage Day). We all sure did get our "church" today!</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fsp3F51PYmOseQ_Ht73-e5QRJ37I6cPhNC40tp5Nm4xztYMso7pBJ3jA4DUWHMCvIzJ54Hymz8baKJesqJAAmpgivME50l1nZIYq2luWrJ_cZHYU7bYRkzBDfYJ66gWNAt2WFPFSiVSN/s1600/100_0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Fsp3F51PYmOseQ_Ht73-e5QRJ37I6cPhNC40tp5Nm4xztYMso7pBJ3jA4DUWHMCvIzJ54Hymz8baKJesqJAAmpgivME50l1nZIYq2luWrJ_cZHYU7bYRkzBDfYJ66gWNAt2WFPFSiVSN/s320/100_0765.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there really IS a baby in all that dress!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqgNqM1eQU2Vec5GXoAyL5hUnxC5lvtxfK-_SPhyphenhyphen1CT6X66ip4VybieP7Hi_czNsW_S_slr2nLSQlbtdRhst4kJIPGl7I4iRFoF6efLklVunRUZJ1T0LeT9xwMc23mMdTBAj68V8K7tnq/s1600/100_0769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqgNqM1eQU2Vec5GXoAyL5hUnxC5lvtxfK-_SPhyphenhyphen1CT6X66ip4VybieP7Hi_czNsW_S_slr2nLSQlbtdRhst4kJIPGl7I4iRFoF6efLklVunRUZJ1T0LeT9xwMc23mMdTBAj68V8K7tnq/s320/100_0769.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Kennedy Grace</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Although I complain about living so far from my daughter, Faith, her husband, Dan, and their two sweet girls, I realize how blessed I am. Many of my friend's kids live many states away. Mine is only an hour and a half away....but it's still too far. We see them frequently, but it sure doesn't seem enough. And dd is so good about calling frequently, and we Skype with Keeley, and the family. But I miss them during the two weeks or so that go by without seeing them. OK, I know...I said I shouldn't complain, and I am. I will stop now. </span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak3bVo196nHbDJYvHu89jbDxdjue_NfVTCn_QgCDheHs5MKQTAWUiUQOGD8fWRu17BKHOK2kdn3i6FG7bydt8M1CBd66HEycl5MBe-yigBWQZnbEeHHEX2XdPt4RzTot-eymf7ohLwNtR/s1600/100_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiak3bVo196nHbDJYvHu89jbDxdjue_NfVTCn_QgCDheHs5MKQTAWUiUQOGD8fWRu17BKHOK2kdn3i6FG7bydt8M1CBd66HEycl5MBe-yigBWQZnbEeHHEX2XdPt4RzTot-eymf7ohLwNtR/s400/100_0780.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite girls and son-in-law</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;">My heart is full, and I feel so blessed. Days like today are such a beautiful gift and a joy to celebrate. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Forgive me, Father, for my whining. And thank you, thank you, thank you for the gift of my loving family! And <i>thank you </i>for this day. And forgive me for my whining...I know I am where I am supposed to be, and I don't mean to question You! I will trust Your plans for me, and I will be thankful, even when I miss my family. It's these special times together that get me through!</span><br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is the day the Lord has made, </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I <i>will</i> rejoice and be <i>glad </i>in it!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Blessings,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;">lynda </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div></div>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-1030963594275259182011-02-18T19:04:00.001-05:002011-02-18T19:06:05.545-05:00Perfectionistic Thinking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://irvinerealestateblogger.com/files/2008/08/perfection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://irvinerealestateblogger.com/files/2008/08/perfection.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is perfectionism a good thing? </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You know how during an employment interview there is usually a question about what you consider your most negative characteristic? The interviewer does not really expect you to tell him/her that you have a problem with tardiness, or that you couldn’t find your way out of a paper bag. I think, perhaps, it may be their way of seeing how well you think on your feet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The first time I encountered this question during an interview, I became flustered and a little unnerved. After a few seconds (which seemed like an eternity) I muttered something about being “detail oriented.” Since that interview, I have polished my answer to this question. I still answer that I am a detail oriented type of person, but I embellish it with examples that show this trait in a positive light. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">An honest evaluation of this question, and one which I will never reveal in a job interview, brings me to the answer that I am a *gasp* perfectionist. You may be thinking, “That’s not so bad, perfectionism is a good thing, isn't it?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I agree that some people’s work could use a little polishing (like that hand-made scarf that starts out wide at one end and is four inches narrower at the other, but is ‘good enough’ in the maker’s eyes). I, for one, am tired of accepting slip-shod service and/or craftsmanship from people in service or retail establishments, which passes as acceptable by many standards. There are many times I think a little “perfectionism thinking” is in order.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">However, and here comes the big BUT, what I’m talking about is when perfectionism becomes a negative force. Yes, I said negative. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You may ask, “When is wanting to be perfect a bad thing?” </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My answer: When it hinders progress, or stops you from moving forward entirely! Let me explain by some examples in my life. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://imperfectaction.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/perfection_1_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://imperfectaction.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/perfection_1_05.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>My Perfectionist Ways Were Causing Me Stress </i></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">A friend helped me to see that I have been putting an extreme amount of (unnecessary) pressure and stress on myself by trying to be all things to all people as far as my crafting blog goes. She helped me to appreciate my own unique style, and how that is what is attracting people to my craft blog, <a href="http://www.paperartscafe.blogspot.com/">Paper Arts Cafe</a> . By trying to accommodate everyone’s requests, I am going against what comes naturally, and adding stress to my life. Yes, I will occasionally try something different (often as a challenge to myself so I don’t get stale in my own style), but I will mostly be true to my style, to myself. That is, after all, where my gift lies (and I say that with absolutely no haughtiness or self-importance. I say it with respect to God, the One who gave me my talents.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perfectionistic Tendencies Can Stop Creativity</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Another negative symptom of perfectionistic expectations is that it often stops my creative process. Let me explain. When I started this blog, for example, I had so many ideas and thoughts I wanted to write about. Then, as I sat and wrote, my own feelings of inadequacy made me start over and over, until writing became a chore to endure, rather than the pleasant, uplifting experience it has always been for me. I was trying too hard to make everything I write “fit in” with what I had idealized this blog to be, in my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I prayed about this, I began to see that the One who leads me to write, the One who supplies the creative power, THE ONE who is my whole reason for writing, simply instructed me to write. No parameters, no carefully confined guidelines or outlines to follow, just write! So, that is what I am doing. And, oh, how freeing that is! I simply sit down at the keyboard, and find, if I take a few moments to get myself out of my way, the thoughts and ideas do come. And if they don’t always “fit” with my own ideas of where this blog thing is going, then so be it. It is, after all, for His glory.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, perfectionism can also lead to procrastination, And <b><i>that</i></b> is a topic for another post. For now, I will work on writing more often, and when inspired. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, bear with me, please. I am a work in progress. I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up yet. God is working on me, and I am trying my best to stay out of His way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">lynda</span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-36676263387315836302011-01-19T17:19:00.006-05:002011-01-19T17:32:27.148-05:00The special blessings of friends<span style="font-size: large;">Last week I had breakfast with my friend, Arlene. We get together once a month and go to our favorite haunt, where we share breakfast, coffee, and friendship. We talk and laugh, sometimes cry, and pray. Then we talk, and laugh some more. The lunch crowd is usually beginning to arrive by the time we leave! It’s not easy for us to get together, as we have different work schedules, and other demands on our time. But, because we are friends, we have purposefully set this time aside to be with each other. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHNbbTREyMzGrHkdLQLDijjHRo29hxSkd_RRruLEdSYuVinvlRZFjamCbjYfNPBz1KFAYdwu8OJP0Ciw3SLEcUMPs2iAuRc1d61Lp325L1bLptPckWWbSqUewKawJLQ6LDbBB-OtppHpV/s400/frosch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieHNbbTREyMzGrHkdLQLDijjHRo29hxSkd_RRruLEdSYuVinvlRZFjamCbjYfNPBz1KFAYdwu8OJP0Ciw3SLEcUMPs2iAuRc1d61Lp325L1bLptPckWWbSqUewKawJLQ6LDbBB-OtppHpV/s400/frosch.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Another friend, Karen, and I get together at least twice a month to share our love of scrapbooking and card making. We share ideas, inspiration, and laugh, a lot! We share our hopes and dreams, and encourage each other. Again, making the time to do this together is a challenge at times, but we make it work, because it is important to our friendship.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet another friend, Sylvia, and I see each other frequently, as our husbands are also friends, and we get together often to socialize and play games at either their home or ours. We have known Sylvia and Richard for over 27 years. Sylvia and I have a special bond, and I cannot imagine these past almost three decades without them in our lives! We have been there through each others' ups and downs, through child-rearing, special occasions, sadness, and joy. We’ve supported each other’s choices and decisions, and helped each other through crises. Our friendship brings us both much joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My friend, Linda, and I like to go to the movies, and sometimes out to lunch or dinner, about once a month. We also socialize with Linda and her husband, Bob, having been friends with them for over 30 years. Linda was the first friend I made when I married my husband almost 33 years ago and moved to Rochester from Marcy, New York. She and I worked at the YMCA corporate offices together, and became fast friends. We, too, raised our families together, sharing joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, often talking till late into the night about our plans and hopes. For me, Linda has been my rock, and a dear, special joy in my life.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKoax09yi2wRF07zCI0BVpmW-VhKkoVr9epW1mtzVpNjEk2TAwKhxq_xU2mrhxbFhPGY1zyB_UX5ltS5QXSxmwAvN5BmEtqKLlTBuKry-pVht4tZqeWhBrz-9cukqGYqbmEMVtlgKRwk/s400/Pony+_+Cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LKoax09yi2wRF07zCI0BVpmW-VhKkoVr9epW1mtzVpNjEk2TAwKhxq_xU2mrhxbFhPGY1zyB_UX5ltS5QXSxmwAvN5BmEtqKLlTBuKry-pVht4tZqeWhBrz-9cukqGYqbmEMVtlgKRwk/s320/Pony+_+Cat.jpg" width="198" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I share other experiences and times with several other friends, as well, albeit not as frequently as the above. Distance (other cities and states), family obligations, and other circumstances keep us from getting together as often as we would like. We do, however, talk with each other, and keep in touch via telephone and email.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been thinking about how important my friends are to me. I believe friends are special people whom God brings into our lives. Sometimes a friend is for a season, and then is gone. Sometimes they are deeper friends, and stay with us for the long haul. Each one touches our lives in their own special way, leaving their unique imprint on our life story. We, in turn, leave our imprint on their lives. This is no trivial thing, if we are to believe, as I do, that people come into our lives for a reason. Sometimes the reason is really evident, as in the case of those friends who are in it for the long haul. Other times, the reason someone touched our lives briefly may not be known to us for a long time, sometimes never. Perhaps it is we who imparted something to them. It is not for us to know. I do believe, however, that it is all in God’s plan. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4580/443/1600/birdmouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4580/443/1600/birdmouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">God uses us, and He uses our friends, to bring us, and them, special blessings. He never leaves us alone, as He is always with us. I believe our friends are given to us, chosen by Him, to be a reminder of His presence in our lives. I truly appreciate every one of these special people God has put in my life.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I resolve to try to be a better friend this year. I will take time from my busy life to be with them, to confirm our friendship through our time together. I will pray for them, and thank God for the gift of love He has given me through them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Lord, for those special people you have placed in my life. Thank you for those angels I call “friends,”and help me to be a blessing to them, as they are to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Blessings,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">lynda</span>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1307204345630081632.post-38868967401356475832011-01-06T18:26:00.002-05:002011-01-07T06:42:53.912-05:00Never Give Up Hope<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Each year, at Christmas, I introduce a theme for the following year. I am not a fan of making new year's resolutions. Instead, I choose a value, or a virtue, an area in which I feel the need to grow, or change. During the Christmas holiday, I decorate my home and tree with symbols, signs, and colors that get me thinking about the new theme. My Christmas cards are designed (I make my own) around the new theme, as are many of the gifts I choose. This year's card (click on images to see larger):</span></div><span style="font-size: large;">Card Front: Inside of Card:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB_Sq77VOPsUwbLIGPlUHFlRuqj_irJNALtal4SLcIYRGieQX-9Si_CDloB6U7k5P6fm68FVAr3_jYUjV-aW-oDDy_214udvLFC9Rm-K0hSadzYdR4CPqntZMx6V4L_AMLEv-9yC6VZgi/s1600/100_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJB_Sq77VOPsUwbLIGPlUHFlRuqj_irJNALtal4SLcIYRGieQX-9Si_CDloB6U7k5P6fm68FVAr3_jYUjV-aW-oDDy_214udvLFC9Rm-K0hSadzYdR4CPqntZMx6V4L_AMLEv-9yC6VZgi/s200/100_0283.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2I15plnyJs9A9rgW-1qIvstgxgFcQG8zQRufxvleAsgHpsYdDqxrafu3gggOJwmSTm38rVJLHKrfaWZtYTDg_kVn2CzqhP6B0gXPC0UIGKDAP_IeR7LqYJySfeBLbME-1M9qx2uzMdIp/s1600/100_0285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK2I15plnyJs9A9rgW-1qIvstgxgFcQG8zQRufxvleAsgHpsYdDqxrafu3gggOJwmSTm38rVJLHKrfaWZtYTDg_kVn2CzqhP6B0gXPC0UIGKDAP_IeR7LqYJySfeBLbME-1M9qx2uzMdIp/s200/100_0285.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With the dawning of the new year, I begin to study and learn about my theme for the year. I continue focusing on this theme throughout the year. Last year's theme was peace. </span><span style="font-size: large;">This year, I chose HOPE. As I look at the world around me, it's easy to feel despair. Life seldom gives us our own way, and joy sometimes seems far off, or only meant for others. In choosing to look for the beauty around me, in nature, myself and in others, I find hope. I choose to believe in the goodness of others, even if it's difficult to see sometimes. Love and hope counter anger and depression. It's in giving love that I find joy, happiness, patience, and empathy. I'm finding that I can make a difference, one person at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cannot always change someone's unhappiness or problems, or even my own, but I can always do a little. A smile or thoughtful gesture, a kind word, or a helping hand brings hope and love. I look for ways to bring these gifts to others. It costs nothing and is easy to do. And when someone takes the time to be kind to me, or smiles, it immediately makes <i>me</i> smile, and I want to pass that feeling along. Then an amazing thing happens....<i>I </i>start to feel better about <i>myself</i>, and find a renewed hope. </span><span style="font-size: large;">My article <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/KindnessandCompassion">http://hubpages.com/hub/KindnessandCompassion</a> gives some ideas of ways we can bring blessings to others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Baby steps. It's in living with hope, and doing what I can to share the message of hope whenever I can, a little at a time, that eventually makes a big difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I start to research this subject, I'm finding so many resources. Of course, God has lots to say about hope in the Bible (Romans 5:3-5; 8:24-25;15:4-2; 2 Thes 2:16; 1 Peter 1:13; Col 1:5; Hebrews 6:18; Jer. 29:11. There are volumes of articles and books written about hope. Joyce Meyer often speaks about hope, and it is the thrust of her ministry, <i>Enjoying Everyday Life</i>. Here's the link to Joyce's website <a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org/">http://www.joycemeyer.org/</a> if you really want to be blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I leave you with this scripture, which brings me comfort and encouragement:</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">For I know the plans I have for you</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">declares the Lord, plans to prosper you </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="color: #351c75;">and not to harm you, </span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>plans to give you hope and a future.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><i>Jer 29:11 </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="color: black;">Blessings,</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> lynda </span><i> </i></span></span></span></div>lyndahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13402278253638308259noreply@blogger.com5