tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47319725633366525422024-03-13T11:59:23.604-07:00Joy in the JourneyPatriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.comBlogger506125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-5744797505139711122020-11-24T05:33:00.000-08:002020-11-24T05:33:03.356-08:00My Father Saw That
She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me, “for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” Genesis 16:13
There’s a movie from several years ago that I absolutely love! It’s called “The American President.” The premise is that the president, who is a widower, has begun to date. He’s dating a lovely woman while running for reelection. His opponent is awful. He knows he doesn’t have much of a chance against the popular incumbent so he tries to make a mountain out of the molehill of the standing president’s romance.
At one point there is a news clip that shows the woman in a protest during her college days. After the clip plays the opponent refers to the president’s lady friend as “the president’s whore.” She groans and says to the president “My father saw that!” She is devastated, not because what is being said is true but because her father, who she loves and respects, saw the clip and heard those words spoken about her.
I thought of that line the other day while reading Scripture. “Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret…..” Matthew 6:6b Your Father who sees what is done in secret…. In the passage, that’s a good thing. It’s talking about prayer and doing good deeds, not for man’s approval but to honor God. There is a flip side though. Yes, God sees us when we secretly take care of a chore that isn’t ours or pay a bill for someone or do any kindness not expecting reward. Yes, our Father sees that. He also sees us when we’re not doing so well.
Our Father sees everything. He sees us when we refuse to acknowledge another person or their efforts. He sees us when we choose the ordinary over the sacred. He sees us holding onto that grudge or worse nursing it so that it can grow. He sees us when cheat, lie or steal. He sees us. Whatever we’re doing we have to know, my Father saw that.
We are told in the Scripture to be prepared because we don’t know when Jesus is coming back. What do you want to be doing when the Son of God returns? That’s an eye opener. Is this what I would want Jesus to, in a sense, walk in and catch me doing? Take that further. When we make a choice, any choice, we have to know that our Father will see it. He will see the results of it.
Do we want to groan with the president’s girlfriend, “My father saw that!” Or do we want to say, with great hope that we are pleasing Him, “My Father saw that!” ?
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-60424389579009568912020-11-14T05:19:00.004-08:002020-11-14T05:21:30.122-08:00Not Really god, where are you?
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Then they called on the name of Baal from morning to noon.”Baal answer us!” they shouted. But there was no response; no one answered. And they danced around the altar they had made.
At noon Elijah began to taunt them. “Shout louder!” he said, “Surely he is a god! Perhaps his is deep in thought, or busy or traveling. Maybe he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 1 Kings 18:26b-27
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Those who know me would be quick to tell you that I am a bit sarcastic. It’s a quality that I have passed on to my children and even some of my grandchildren. Some days I feel a little guilty. Is that really a quality that God wants to see in me? Certainly that cannot be my go to attitude but there are times that it comes in quite nicely. This morning, reading a totally unrelated verse, I was reminded of this account in the first book of Kings. (It begins at verse 16 and continues to the end of the chapter. I highly recommend reading it if you haven’t and it if you have reread it. It’s great!) In this passage Elijah is having a contest of sorts with the Baal worshippers. It’s a my God is bigger than your god thing which Elijah wins in a very dramatic way.
These verses here are just fun and absolute evidence that God does allow and enjoy a little sarcasm now and then. Here they are the Baal people calling, shouting, screaming to their god and Elijah says, “he might be busy or sleeping.” He also says, “he might be deep in thought.” One commentary I read said that the original wording makes that sound like a suggestion that perhaps Baal is in the potty. Oh my goodness! Sarcasm!
Elijah knows full well that this “god” they’re all about is not real. He further knows that his God is very real, complete omnipotent and ready to do battle for His people anytime, anywhere. So Elijah taunts. Then to add insult to injury when it’s his turn Elijah douses his sacrifice with water, not once but three times. Sarcasm? Maybe not directly but come on! “Hey guys, look while you god is in the potty or sleeping, mine is lighting a consuming fire on a flood!”
Our own little personality quirks can cause us to wonder if God is really okay with us. Do we have to be sunshine and flowers, never saying a questionable or funny thing? I don’t think so! Read this story and so many others where God’s people, working on God’s behalf say things that sound a bit snarky.
I’m not saying go out and make sport of any and every person you see, as with everything else there is a time and a place. However, if you, like my children and I, have a sarcastic streak, make it available to God. You never know how He might use it.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-40203470605758062682020-11-06T03:17:00.001-08:002020-11-06T03:18:26.349-08:00Applause, Applause and Protection
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, Hebrews 12:1
Reading some Scripture this morning I was reminded of a message that I watched from Louie Giglio. In it Louie described a child of God leaving her home for the day. He goes on about how the heavenly beings see it. With great excitement, he tells of the joy and applause going on in heaven as the woman gets in the elevator, gets to the parking lot and gets in her car. It’s hilarious and over the top, (remember I did say it was Louie Giglio!) but there’s a great lesson in it.
My husband and I were watching a TV show about a fictional former president. At one point the poor man is just over the Secret Service detail. He’s tired of them following him around so he fires them. It takes less than five minutes for him to start to see all that they’ve been doing for him. Reluctantly he takes them back, feeling less intrusion and more protection and encouragement.
So it is with us and all the heavenly beings, first and foremost the persons of the Holy Trinity. We get the erroneous idea that we can “do” life on our own. Then we try it and quickly see that it’s HARD!
Go back to Louie Giglio. What if we could see, in our mind’s eye, the heavenly hosts cheering us on as we move through our days? Here comes that dreaded conversation. “Oh look at our girl! She’s staying calm. She’s speaking the truth in love! She’s walking away! Go girl!” Or a more mundane task… “She’s putting away the dishes! She’s wiping the counter. She’s feeding the dog! You go girl! Our girl is so awesome!”
It’s over the top for sure but if we think about the cloud of witness, the constant beautiful presence of the Holy Spirit, it isn’t over the top or smothering. It’s perfect.
Picture yourself in a tough situation or a boring one. Now add the cheering crowd from heaven. Feels pretty good, right? Further, it enables us to live with a more positive attitude and be encouragers to those around us. We have the best support system ever imagined anywhere and far too often we forget that and try to make our own way. Today, at least once, picture that smiling, encouraging, cheering group. Then praise God for His constant, encouraging presence.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-86137045085344190852020-11-01T04:44:00.005-08:002020-11-01T04:50:34.497-08:00Whatever You Did <p>
<strong>The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40</strong>
This verse, to me is the ultimate in directions. In other places in Scripture we are told to love our neighbors and love our enemies. Of course we are told, which seems like it shouldn’t be necessary but it is, to love God. Love your neighbor, your enemy and God. Okay, got it. Do we? </p><p>
That to me, is where this verse and the ones that precede it, come into play. Prior to this verse Jesus has laid out what is important. Did you feed me? Visit me in prison? Give me a drink of water? Take care of me when I was sick? Clothe me? Befriend me when I was a stranger and alone? Ah! Read that and now it’s easier to understand what it means to love. In this passage love is not an emotion it’s action. To quote the overused phrase, “Love is a verb.” The phrase is overused but sadly the sentiment it contains is not.
</p><p>
Looking at my life from the perspective of Matthew 25:34-40, I can easily see where I’ve had success and where I have failed. However lately God has directed me back to that last verse several times. <strong>“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”</strong> </p><p>
In spending time with God the last couple of weeks this verse has come up, as I walk through my days this verse comes up. “Whatever you did” rings in my ears and in my soul. Finally light dawned. </p><p>
Yes, I’m proactive about doing nice things. I love, love, love to give. Well, yay me, right? No, not at all! That joy is a gift from God. I didn’t earn it or create it myself. I’m happy to give wherever and whenever I can. So what’s the message?</p><p>
“Whatever you did.” Oh! So the snarky remark? The snub in the hallway? The refusal to even consider another person’s perspective? The phone call/meal/ card that I should have made or sent? The put down I thought was so hilarious? The judgment I passed on that person about whom I know precious little? Uh-oh! </p><p>
I have no problem opening my home and my life to people. Beyond not having a problem with it I love the opportunity to pray with others. It makes my day when someone asks me to pray with them. That other stuff? Those negative responses? Oh yes, I’m doing them to or for God’s people as well.
The verses are about giving and serving others but our Lord showed me that the words “whatever you did” cover a lot more. </p><p> Now, in my dwindling years, now maybe I am truly getting a clue of how to love my neighbor, my enemy and my God.
Whatever is a word that has been overworked and abused, as you well know if you’ve ever even met a teenager.</p><p> Look at it again, in light of these verses and their deep meaning. <strong>“Whatever you did to the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did to me.”</strong> Then ask yourself, would I treat God this way?
</p>Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-70316560001480764062020-10-27T03:02:00.003-07:002020-10-27T03:02:45.730-07:00My Offering
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also love you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2
Standing in my kitchen, I was praying that what I was putting together for a friend would convey what I want her to know, that I so deeply appreciate her. As my mind spun around what can I add? What would she really like? Is this enough? I had to laugh. That is so often my prayer, “Lord, I don’t have anything to give. I don’t give enough. What can I possibly do?” and on, and on and…. Well, you get it, I’m sure.
May I just say, GOD IS GOOD! (Yes, I know the caps mean I’m shouting. Yes, I am shouting!) While I was preparing my “gift” I was thinking about how often I feel that I don’t do enough, for friends, for family, for my hubby and certainly for God. I had music playing, another pretty typical occurrence. The Third Day song, “Offering” started to play and I started singing along. The song was half over when I stopped, realizing what I was singing. “This is my offering.” “I will give you my life.” I looked around my kitchen and at first, I thought this was God’s way of showing me that what I was doing for my friend was enough. She wasn’t expecting anything, so whatever I was doing was going to be a blessing.
Then the bigger picture hit. I was doing for my friend because she is a blessing to me. She is a gift. It’s an offering to her, yes but I was giving to her also as a way of thanking God for her.
Never wanting to give a small gift God then turned my mind to the place where I feel least adequate, with Him. There’s a lyric in that same song that says, “I stand before You at this altar, so many have given you more.” Now that one I get. That hits home. In His amazing grace God showed me that I do give Him my all, not all the time of course but more often than I realize.
I stood in my kitchen and hit the replay button. I sang that song with all that I have. I am the offering that I have to give to Jesus. It’s small potatoes in comparison to what He’s given me but to Him, it’s exactly what He wants.
If you don’t know the song or even if you do… I highly recommend listening to it. It’s a great reminder that if we will give back what has been given to us, God is faithful to bless us by using us to bless others. In other words, He will happily accept our offering, no matter how small it may seem to us, it is the perfect gift to God.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-69891227630128444802020-10-24T05:04:00.002-07:002020-10-24T05:04:26.453-07:00Selective Sight
You shall not bow down to them; for I, the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me but showing love to the a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. Exodus 20:5-6
A precious little one that I know has a glass eye. We’ll call him Jack. Beyond the lack of his eye, Jack has a lot of other challenges. His brain hasn’t caught up with his chronology and it most likely never will. My expectation is that Jack will always need someone close by to help him through life. He’s a needy kid who is also a little bit on the naughty side. It was his uniquely naughty nature that taught me a spiritual lesson. You see, little Jack can pop out that glass eye and he does.
The other day while I was with him another child in the room was yelling, “Eye, eye, eye.” Not having experienced Jack’s particular talent I heard it is “I, I, I”. Just as I was about to ask her to please be patient, another adult in the room responded. First, she thanked the little girl for pointing out the problem. Then she scooped up the eyeball and placed it in a little pouch. Reinserting it would be addressed later.
I looked at sweet Jack and saw that eyelid closed as he continued with his very important task of spinning a cup on the table. So precious! It may not sound precious to you but if you could see this kid….!
Later while praying and reading Scripture I saw Jack’s antics in a different light. Jack was task avoiding, so he popped his eye out. For a moment I thought about that.
How often do I pop out or even just close my spiritual eyes? Answer: When I’m avoiding the Truth, when like Jonah before me I’m running away.
Jack can’t see with that glass eye, so removing it is really just a naughty behavior. I, we, can pop our eyes out or at least turn them away from what we don’t want to see. That’s great when it’s something offensive but it isn’t great when like little Jack, it’s a naughty (read sinful) behavior.
We read and sing about turning our eyes toward Jesus, toward our Father, toward heaven. When we do it may bring challenges but it also brings us closer to God. When we pop our eyes out or cast them away from God we miss out on so much. We look at lesser things. We deny the sacred in favor of the mundane or worse, the offensive.
Pray today to have eyes that see and to keep those eyes, not just in their sockets but focused on what is true, lovely and praise worthy. Let that sight lead us closer and closer to our Savior and Lord.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-61465057220501293122020-09-20T04:22:00.003-07:002020-09-20T04:22:47.656-07:00Limping and Running Like a Prodigal
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive grace and mercy to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him: he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20b
To say that I love the story of the Prodigal (Lost) Son is a vast understatement. I don’t even know how to express my deep appreciation and connection to that parable. I do know this, I have been the older brother, I have been the father (and in the sense of standing in an empty doorway, still am) but today I find myself in the uncomfortable but to me, enviable, position of the son.
For the past few days I have myself wandering in a desert of my own making. The lousy choices, though encouraged by others, have been my own. The phrase “lousy choices” isn’t even accurate. I’m finding myself revisiting the same sin pattern over and over. This morning I woke up feeling, “sick of it, done with it and over it” as my granddaughter Harper used to say. Today I fell at our Father’s feet like a dirty, hungry, miserable prodigal. For me this isn’t about wasting money or living a wild life. For me it’s been more of an ignoring God’s will and commandments to serve my own agenda. Now, serving my own agenda might not sound that bad but before you excuse my behavior let me avail you of the consequences in just a few words. I have felt apart from God. NO!
I am blessed to say that I’m not starving in a physical sense. We have a comfy home, plenty of food and clothes and my husband and I are very happy together. We can hope it was an empty soul but we know it was an empty belly that sent the prodigal back to his father’s house. That is not the case here. My belly is full. My soul felt broken.
This morning I went to our Father feeling dirty, ashamed and disgusted. I’ve wasted time and opportunities. I’m not giving specifics of my sin because I know how many people would minimize them with an “oh everybody does that”. Well, I don’t answer for everybody, only for me and my heart needed very much to confess and receive forgiveness.
How did God respond? Oh sit down sweet sisters and brothers in Christ because this is beautiful! I cried out, feeling guilty and ashamed and God answered with this,
“For I know the plans I have for you,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you.
Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
To me that is the exact equivalent of a cloak, a ring and a fatted calf. I cried out to be cleaned, forgiven and accepted and God, in His tender mercy, pulled me into His embrace.
If you feel at all lost or removed from God, take a look at your life. If there’s something there that causes you to cringe or try to escape, take it immediately to God’s throne. Go there with confidence, knowing that forgiveness is waiting.
My obstacle is lifted now. I can sit with God and there’s nothing in between us. You can do the same! Run (or limp) like a prodigal and fall into the only embrace that truly matters.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-43792110018134225052020-08-29T05:45:00.001-07:002020-08-29T05:45:05.694-07:00"I Said Please!"
But Jesus said, “It is written, ‘Man is not to live on bread only, but Man is to live by every word that God speaks.’” Matthew 4:4
Jesus said to the devil, “It is written also, ‘You must not tempt the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4:7
Our adorable youngest grandson, Luther, is about eighteen months old. A couple of months ago he discovered the power of the word please and he’s been using it ever since. When he asks for anything he quickly says, “I said please!” Which given his age sounds a lot more like “I said peas” but that makes it even more powerful. The problem is that in Luther’s mind, “I said peas” is an absolute guarantee of a positive response. Not so for poor Monkey, (my nickname for him). Imagine his reaction one day when he gave me his “I said peas” and I responded, “I said no.” He was shocked! How I dare I say no when he said please?
Luther’s please, as precious, adorable and sometimes powerful as it is, follows the pattern of Jesus’ response to Satan. The difference being, while I can, hard as it is, look at his face, that tiny face with the huge eyes, and say no, Satan cannot stand when Jesus says, “It is written”.
The way that Jesus responds to Satan is a perfect example for us. When we are tempted or tried we need to respond the same exact way, “It is written” and follow it with a promise from our Lord. What comes after “it is written” depends on our circumstances or situation but this I know, there is a Scripture for every temptation, problem or challenge that we will encounter.
When Satan taunts that you are alone, that no one cares, respond with this.
“It is written, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’” Take that Satan! Not only am I not alone but I am in the company of my Savior, filled with His precious Holy Spirit.
If you aren’t familiar with God’s promises to us, look them up in your Bible. Become familiar enough with a few of them so that even if you can’t recite it perfectly or offer the chapter and verse you can certainly stop Satan in his tracks.
Remember this, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5 Remind the enemy that you walk in the Light! Or simply say the Lord’s name. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and they are safe.” Proverbs 18:10
Follow Luther’s example, “I said please!” Say, “I said, it is written!”
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-35127001924434090712020-08-25T18:55:00.003-07:002020-08-25T18:55:24.709-07:00Encountering God Unexpectedly
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Genesis 50:20
The other day I heard the old song, “American Pie” by Don McLean. Toward the end of the song, he references, “the three men I admire most.” He goes on to identify them, “the Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.” If you look up the lyrics, those names are appropriately capitalized so, I suppose the writer has at least a passing respect for those precious names. I don’t pretend to know anything about his faith but I know his lyrics shine a spotlight on my own faith.
I love running into words about God where you don’t readily expect them. There’s another old song called “Get Together” which contains the lyric “when the One that left us here, returns for us at last”, referring to Jesus’ return.
I write fiction. Some of my characters are very strong in their faith and because of that, my readers come across Scripture and conversations about God. I know that my motives are pure. I want to point people in the direction of the marvelous Light, the One True God. I cannot speak for any other author or songwriter but I can say this, it doesn’t matter.
The motivation of the writer isn’t what is important. What matters is what happens to us when we hear God’s name or words about Him. I mentioned songs that seem to present God in a very positive light. There are plenty that misuse His name, His attributes and His Word. While I am certainly disgusted when God is not honored, I still can be thankful for the fact that He has been brought to my mind. I cannot answer for another person’s motives but I can stop and praise God every time I encounter His name or something about Him.
Look and listen to the world around you. There are so many people, too many people who ignore God with their lifestyles and behaviors but even they know His name. It amazes me that anyone can question God’s existence when His influence is so far reaching.
Enjoy the moments when God surprises you with His presence. Then try to live in a way that brings Him more and more into the world.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-42466683794619762432020-08-16T05:40:00.005-07:002020-08-16T05:41:42.206-07:00Hidden Gems
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him he said to Phillip, “Where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit on the grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). John 6:5, 10
“About five thousand men were there.” Five thousand men. That doesn’t even begin to address women and children. We have some pretty good indicators that there were women and children were there as well. The verses say, “people” not just men and they eventually get the starter food from a boy (verses 8-9). So how many people were there? If we say that even half of the men brought a wife with them that takes us to seven thousand five hundred. If each couple came with one child (highly unlikely that there would only be one child in each family) that adds another two thousand five hundred for a grand total of ten thousand and that is a low estimate.
Have you ever gone to an outdoor event where there is a speaker? We don’t rely on the voice of that speaker reaching through the crowd. They use all manner of sound equipment to make sure that the speaker is heard throughout the crowd. Even so, if you end up far enough away, back in the out edges or up in the nosebleed seats, you don’t always hear every word accurately.
In Jesus’ day sound equipment didn’t exist. Yet at least ten thousand people gathered to hear Him speak and to see His face. Think about that for a moment. Go back to the same crowded event of our day. How do we make sure everyone can see the action? Jumbo screens strategically placed. Jesus didn’t have cameras or screens. Still all those people walked some distance to catch a glimpse of Jesus and to hear Him speak.
We read the story and are amazed, as we should be, that Jesus took five loaves and two fish and fed an enormous crowd. Huge miracle for sure but not the only miracle in the story. Jesus drew all those people to Him and as far as we know it wasn’t because He was gorgeous. (Isaiah 53:2) Ten thousand or better followed Him to that place. How did they know where He would be? They didn’t have radio and TV ads or billboards along the road. No one was sending out social media blasts. So how did they know? Another miracle.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-88533494830419172632020-08-11T03:43:00.000-07:002020-08-11T03:43:08.449-07:00Enjoy the Gifts
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
The other day I was running low on paper towels. Realizing that fact, I became more aware each time I used one. Just the day before I would grab a paper towel and not think twice but once I knew that I was on my last roll, I became cautious. That made me think about God and how I handle all that He has given me.
In several places in my home you will see the first half of the verse above, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Those words are followed by the reminder, “Remember to thank the Giver.” I have one on the door coming into our house from the garage. There’s one on the pantry door, one on the door to our bedroom, one on our hall bathroom mirror and maybe one or two more. If someone stops to read it and gives thanks to God, that is great. That is not, however, why they are there. I put them there to remind myself that everything I have is a gift.
Too often we see God’s love and generosity as something to use sparingly, as I did with my dwindling paper towel supply. We don’t want to over ask God. We don’t want to sound spoiled or incapable. Too many of us have the idea that some of our needs or wants are too trivial, that God has more important things to do and care about, so we should leave Him alone. Wrong! God’s love is the complete opposite of my paper towel dilemma.
God’s love is endless and all encompassing. The more I ask of Him, the more I turn over to His guidance, the more I lean on His understanding and not my own, the more peaceful and joyful my life becomes. God cares about us to a level we cannot comprehend. Luke 12:6-7 says, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
God’s love and provision are endless, boundless. He wants to give us good gifts. Do we want to receive them?
While my paper towel usage may need to be limited based on supply, my use of God’s love should never be limited. I, we, should be open to receive whatever God sees fit to send our way. Don’t worry about being worthy. We’re not. Don’t measure today’s need or want against what may come up tomorrow. Tomorrow is a new day and God’s great faithfulness is new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
Perhaps there is some earthly possession that you need to use carefully but don’t approach God with that same attitude. His love is lavish (1John 3:1) and He wants us to receive it, use it and share it, all day, every day.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-32151813943970458482020-08-05T12:03:00.002-07:002020-08-05T12:04:37.467-07:00Behind the Masks Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
There is a list of words that I hope never to hear again, ever. Prominently on that list is mask. Wear the mask, don’t wear the mask, I hate the mask, the mask is necessary and on and on. Enough! In the last few weeks more and more places in our community are making the, well you know, mandatory. That has sparked more conversations, more use of the word. The other day as I was praying for complete transparency with God I had to give a little laugh. Masks.
As we walk through the world we make adjustments. I wouldn’t say that at work, wear that to school, talk to my parents that way or let my children hear me use that term. We carry ourselves differently depending on our level of comfort in our circumstances or with the people involved. We protect our hearts. We hide. How do we do this? Masks!
These may not be the over the mouth and nose kind of masks but they do the same thing. Our mental and emotional coverings (see that avoidance tactic?) help us hide. They protect us from hurt, embarrassment and judgment or at least we like to think that they do. That plan make work out well with our people but it won’t work with God.
Consider this. I’m going to see my friend today. She’s not a Christian so I won’t wear my Cross pendant or my Jesus t-shirt. She’s a little biased when it comes to race so I won’t mention how much I love my new neighbors who have a different skin tone. She’s in charge of the committee I want to be on so I have to be super nice.
What is that?
Or how about this one…. If the people in that room knew who I really am and how I really feel they wouldn’t like me. They would probably laugh me out of the room. So, I’ll paste on my smile, say as little as possible and hope for acceptance.
And worst of all… If God knew what I was thinking, if He knew how I feel and the things I like to do and think, that would be bad. I’ll just say the right prayers, give the right amount of money, be nice to that person I really don’t like. That will show God that I’m okay.
I honestly don’t know what the cloth/paper/heavy duty face protectors are doing for the current situation. I have no medical expertise at all. I do know that those other covers, the ones we all wear without protesting and often without even realizing it, those things are deadly. Far from protecting us or enhancing our quality of life, they keep us from being transparent, honest or at times, approachable.
Take off those disguises. Live transparently with your eyes fixed on our Savior and Lord. Be real with Him and the people He shares with you. Who knows? You might feel much better.
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-39709312809746420282020-07-29T17:58:00.002-07:002020-07-29T17:58:58.539-07:00Listen
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Call
to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do
not know. Jeremiah 33:3<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This
morning I was thinking about how little people see each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mean that we aren’t together. It’s
more of a level of observation thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are people in our lives who cross our paths every single day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we truly see them? Think of the person
closest to you, someone you see every day. What is that person wearing today?
What did he/she wear yesterday? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I will never forget picking my oldest
son up from Junior High, many, many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that time I worked in an elementary school and so, left the house
before he did. Getting to his school that afternoon I realized that I had no
idea what he was wearing and in the sea of faces pouring from the building that
would have been very helpful information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The longer it took him to come out to the car, the greater the need to
know grew. What if he didn’t come out and I was asked what he was wearing? I
had no idea but I was fairly certain that “red sweat pants and a big t-shirt”
aka pajamas, was not the correct answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I know what my husband is wearing
today even though it isn’t his typical work outfit only because I commented on the
shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Small details that we don’t
notice can make a huge difference in our relationships. So, I’ll ask again. Do
you really see the people closest to you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How about the Holy Spirit? Do you see
Him? Hear Him? While we may not be looking for a physical being, we should be
able to see, feel and hear God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I was humbled about eight years ago
when my granddaughter Faith shared something God had spoken to her. I asked if
God spoke to her often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said in her
sweet little six year old way, “Gram-gram, God talks to everyone all the time.
Adults just don’t listen.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then just last week my granddaughter
Margaret said that God tells her what’s important and what isn’t. In her
amazing five year old wisdom she said, “If God says it’s not aportant, I stop
thinking about it.” Wow! Good for you Margaret! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I asked her if she could hear God’s
voice and she told me no. She said that he talks to her, “in her heart.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went on to say that He talks to her the
same way He talks to everyone else. “Can’t you hear Him Grammy?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously not well enough angel girl and that
is on me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It’s on you too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our relationship with God should be the most
important or “aportant” one we have. No, I will never be able to tell you what
He’s wearing but I should know what He wants me to say, do or think about. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My
girls got it right. We need to slow down, listen and be more observant. We
should never take that relationship for granted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-19155149048615678662020-07-27T03:58:00.003-07:002020-07-27T03:58:57.152-07:00Spread Grace
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“You
have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemies.’ But I
tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew
5:43-44<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Let
your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may
know how to answer everyone. </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Colossians 4:6<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Grace
and peace be ours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our
Lord. 2 Peter 1:2<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There’s
a lot of talk, too much talk, right now in the world about germs and viruses and
the spread of both. This morning I am expecting to see five of my
grandchildren. As I was praying to be a blessing to them today a thought
occurred to me, it’s a little silly but hear me out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When some of the children are here it’s
as if I’ve grown a third leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
easily stop and have some little body slam into me, they stay that close. Often
when I’m washing dishes or washing my hands, there’s a little one at my
elbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be silly with them, I sprinkle
a little water their way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of them
love it, all of them anticipate it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Thinking of that and seeing the image
of one of my granddaughters right at my side I said a prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lord, please, let me sprinkle my grandchildren
today, not with water but with Your grace. Help me, in my words and actions, to
show them a glimpse of You. Amen.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if we approached everyone that
way? Certainly I want to sprinkle, splash, douse my grandchildren in grace but
what about their parents? My own children, all adults now, can get under my
skin quite easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t feel terribly
gracious toward them in those moments. I don’t feel grace toward them but what
if I sprinkled it anyway? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Further, what if I sprinkle grace
toward the irritating co-worker or the rude clerk at the store or…. Everyone? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The negative thought or comment is too
often easy to find in any interaction, at home, at work and in our social
events. I don’t want to bring the negative. I also don’t want to come empty
handed. Saying or doing nothing is often just as bad as saying or doing
something harmful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>After saying the prayer above I
realized that is how God wants me and most likely you, to live. We need to walk
around our world sprinkling grace, especially on the most graceless people we
see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As far as my grandchildren go, it’s
twofold. They will receive grace and love from me and hopefully learn from my
example as I am learning from Jesus, the personification of love and grace. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-13024684252687218692020-07-24T06:28:00.001-07:002020-07-24T06:29:00.393-07:00Think About Such Things
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But he
was pierced for our transgression, he was crushed for our iniquities: the
punishment that brought peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:5<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus
is perfect. He was perfect even when he walked the streets of this imperfect
world. He is/was perfect and also crushed and killed because of sin. Can you
make that make sense?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I bake. I love to bake! I especially
love it when one of my grandchildren asks me for something specific. When their
birthdays come around, actually weeks or even months before, I get the
request.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through the years and all the
grandbabies, I’ve done cakes based on movies, animals, toys, pirates, books and
whatever else they can imagine and ask. Sometimes along with the big cake I
make cookies or cupcakes to match the theme. When I do there always seems to be
one that just doesn’t look right (at least one) and that one, that photo worthy
one that is just perfect. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Perfect!</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now I have things that look great but
how do they taste? Bring in the always willing taste testers. Do I give them
the one(s) that may not look so great or the one that is perfect? Silly
question, right? I want that perfect one on display when party time comes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Read the verse above again. He, Jesus,
was pierced and crushed. He was perfect. We are not perfect, except in His
sight and that of His (our) Father. Jesus walked this earth and healed people,
comforted people, brought light to the darkness and through it all did not
commit a single sin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I can’t really speak for you, but I
know that I have never healed anyone. (Don’t tell my grandchildren. They
believe my kisses can heal their booboos.) While I have brought peace to
certain situations and comfort to some people, I can guarantee that I have also
caused angst and hurt innocent bystanders. I like to think that I can bring
light into darkness but I’m not the Light. So, I ask this. Does it make sense
that perfect Jesus was betrayed, pierced and crushed and I now get to live
under His protection? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If I need healing, comfort, provision
or love, I ask my Father, in Jesus name. Why? Jesus paid the price for me. The
perfect creation destroyed to protect the hot mess. How upside down is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Philippians 4:8 says, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Finally brothers, whatever is true,
whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about
such things. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">What
is truer, more noble, better, purer, lovelier, more admirable or excellent or
more worthy of praise than the knowledge that the perfect One suffered, died
and was buried so that you, not so perfect, could receive grace, mercy and
healing? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-3403626661119968362020-07-01T06:19:00.002-07:002020-07-01T06:19:58.808-07:00Being Liked
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great
delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you but rejoice over you
with singing. Zephaniah 3:17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Several
years ago my kids listened to a song that included the lyric, “we all want to
be loved.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In scripture we read over and
over again about God’s love for us. As our faith grows knowledge of that love
becomes a constant in our lives. God loves me. We wake up and we’re breathing.
We get out of bed and begin our day with ample amounts of food, clothing, water
and air and we know God loves us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
on the days when we feel ill or sad, somewhere in our heart we can grasp the
idea, the hope of God’s love. But…. Does God like me? Does He like you? Yes!
Yes, He does. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Think for a moment of that difficult
person in your life, parent, child, spouse, sibling, whoever he or she may be,
think of that person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love them,
some days you love them simply based on whatever relationship status they hold
in your life. “I have to love her she’s my _____.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But do you like her? Maybe. Maybe not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, based on the relationship, blood or
marriage, you’re compelled to show love to that person whether you feel it or
not. You’re called to be there for her regardless of your emotions in the moment.
You love your person, but you don’t necessarily like her or him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God is not like that. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In his book “Ruthless Trust” Brennan Manning
tells the story of a man celebrating his eightieth birthday. When asked by his
nephew why he was always happy he responded, “The Father is very fond of me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Manning goes on to say that our lives would
be much fuller if in fact we could grasp the idea that God not only loves us
but actually likes us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We know what it is to love and be
loved. Love is wonderful but in some ways being liked and accepted is even better.
Doesn’t it make you smile; make your heart expand, to know that God, the God of
the universe, likes you? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands; your
walls are ever before me.” Isaiah 49:15b-16 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-68018238622953292182020-06-25T04:29:00.000-07:002020-06-25T04:29:52.934-07:00Don’t Stop Short
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God Romans 3:23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For
some reason it seems this verse is popping up everywhere I turn. I’ve heard it
in sermons, at our family Bible study and read it in more than one devotional. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true, we have all sinned. I’m not denying
or arguing the veracity of the words. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those words on their own are the quick and
easy evangelism road. “Are you a sinner? Yes you are! ‘For all have sinned and
fall short of the glory of God.’ It says so right in the Bible. Now what are
you going to do about it?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Left alone, presented that way, that
precious verse is watered down, too easily ignored and basically just an ad for
fire insurance. “Do you want to burn in hell? I didn’t think so!” Yuk! That’s
what happens when we pull one little piece of Scripture and flail it
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look at it alongside the next
verse....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“for
all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified
freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There
it is! Where the first half, verse 23 is too often misused as a scare tactic,
it is truly a door opener for the amazing, beautiful truth of redemption. Verse
24 holds the key…. JUSTIFIED. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve heard a few sermons on that word
but one always sticks in my mind, justified, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">just as if I’d</i></b> never
sinned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just as if I’d never sinned.
Wow! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I don’t know about you but that is
grace, real, amazing, all encompassing grace to me. It is easy, very, very easy
for me to see myself in verse 23, all have sinned. Yes, unfortunately, that’s
me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin? Check. Fall short?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Check. Forget completely about God’s glory?
Check. So what can I do? If you read that and said a resounding, “me too” what
can you do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We can read verse 24. “All are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">justified </i>by the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">redemption</i> that came by Christ Jesus.” (emphasis mine)
Justified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my granddaughters love to
say… Wait! What? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s
right, all have sinned but all are justified as well. What’s the catch you ask?
You are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That justification is yours for the
taking but the price is humility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lay
down pride, accept that you cannot erase the sin and that you desperately need
a Savior and then there it is. It sounds simple and it can be but too often we
make it harder than it has to be, often by getting bogged down in verse 23.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Take a second and listen to the
heartbeat of Abba. Listen to the voice of Jesus whispering forgiveness and
mercy in your ear. Justified….. There it is! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-85344957488945138932020-05-18T05:22:00.002-07:002020-05-18T05:22:49.914-07:00Reminder
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Every
good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There
are few things in this world of which I am absolutely certain. One of those is
that I am saved by the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Another is
that He in His infinite kindness has blessed me with a wonderful husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband is not perfect and I can assure
you that his wife is not either. We are great together and as I said, that is a
huge blessing. I am thankful to need very few reminders of how blessed I am to
have that man in my life, so it was extra heartbreaking for me when I watched a
sad scene unfold in the grocery store yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As I entered the checkout line the man
in front of me, next in line, with his things sitting right next to the cashier,
went to stand a few feet away. Given that we are still in pandemic mode, I
checked my position. No, I hadn’t gotten too close. As I was wondering why he
moved, the explanation rolled up, a woman in one of those scooter deals. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Her husband stood bagging their
groceries and apparently there was a mix up about the payment method. The wife
had headed to the car but had to return to fix the problem. They were not kind
to each other, both were a bit snappy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but the husband was the worst. He bit her head
off every time she spoke. She wheeled away again and the gentleman in front of
me returned to the line. He looked at Cranky, who was just rolling his cart
away and said, “You should be thankful you have a wife.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Right there I felt my heart break.
That poor man! To speak that way to a stranger, I thought, his pain must be
deep enough, and maybe even new enough that he just couldn’t help himself. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also made an excellent point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>How often do we snap at those people
closest to us? Or ignore them? Or just simply take them for granted? My spouse,
child, parent, grandparent, friend will be there next week. Will they? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What about our stuff? Is it a given
that we have a home? Food? Clothes? What about our freedom? I live in a
military town which makes me more aware that our freedom is not free. I’m a
Christian which is an even bigger reminder that my freedom and salvation come
at a huge cost, not to me, but to Jesus my Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I hated being a witness to those two
people being so rude and cruel to each other. I hated much more hearing the
pain in the voice of the other observer but I am grateful to all of them. They
were reminders to me to look at my life and say THANK YOU, JESUS! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-11340699186463584232020-05-06T07:35:00.002-07:002020-05-06T07:35:59.148-07:00Power
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Be
alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Submit
yourselves then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">James 4:7
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For
some reason, don’t ask me, I couldn’t possibly tell you, I decided to do a
little renovation project. Due to the fact that it involves a fairly large
piece of furniture and some pretty noxious smells, I’m doing it outside on our
porch. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>When I first went out there this
morning, I had the lovely accompaniment of bird songs. I had my music playing
and the birds seem to just blend in with that, so precious. The second round
was the same but on my third time out there a crow decided to throw a party.
This may or may not be fact, but it appears that the way a crow summons his
buddies is to squawk as loudly as possibly. LOUD! First it startled me, then it
irritated me. “Shut up!” I yelled at it, loud enough for my neighbor to turn
his head. Oops, not you sir, not you. No, I was not yelling at my neighbor, I
was yelling at the ugly, disturbing sounds of that crow. That crow, which had
jarred my mind away from the beautiful praise song that was playing….. Oh!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>That’s when God really got my
attention. You see, the crow did shut up. Granted several of his little crow
friends arrived on the scene shortly after but there was no more squawking. Two
little words, spoken loudly and with authority that I don’t really have, I
mean, I don’t control crows, made the awful distraction stop. Message received
Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I need to speak to the devil that way.
When he intrudes on my thoughts, my faithful, joyful, God-honoring thoughts, I
need to say, “Shut up!” Then redirect my thoughts and place them right back on
God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In fairness, that crow and his buddies
have far more right to be in my yard than Satan has to be in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the crow was annoying but he can’t hurt
me. Satan can do huge damage in a very short amount of time with minimal effort
on his part, if I let him. Read that again. If. I. Let. Him. NO! Shut up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’m happy to report that on my next
foray to the porch, (this is a spray, wait, spray, wait, project) our very majestic
hawk was meandering in the yard, quietly, as is his nature. My music played, I
was able to keep my mind set on Jesus, pray that I am not totally ruining this
lovely piece of furniture and praise Him for reminding that where the enemy is
concerned, I do have power, the power of the Holy Spirit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-42919599828786637332020-05-03T05:40:00.001-07:002020-05-03T05:40:59.119-07:00There She Is
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This
is a rerun of an older message. I was reminded of it this morning and it seems
that someone needs to hear this, to know that God loves you and is delighted to
know you. So….. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">There
She Is <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Now
we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">1
Corinthians 13:12<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Reading that verse this morning I was filled with joy at
the idea of being fully known by God. This is a new experience for me. Any
thought of God, of my Father knowing all about me has, up until very recently,
made me quite uncomfortable, even ashamed. I’m human, all the way through and
as such have done and said things I so very much wish I hadn’t. But God loves
with perfect love. In the verses just prior, the very well known section of 1
Corinthians, it says, “it [love] keeps no record of wrong.” Thinking about
that, about always, always, always being welcomed into my Father’s presence
reminded me of a little friend of mine, Brittany. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Brittany’s mind doesn’t work in what we refer to as the
“normal” way. She tends to grab hold of a phrase or two and repeat them over
and over until something else catches her attention. The crazy part is that
every now and then she gets a hold of one and uses it semi-appropriately. One
of her current favorites is “There she is!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My guess is that she hears it from her daddy, a man who clearly adores
her. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Thinking about being fully known and at the same time fully
loved by my Father I could see him, looking at me, catching my eye and saying,
“There she is!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Beloved, our Father feels that way about us all the time.
It doesn’t matter who we think we are or what we are doing, through the sacrifice
of Jesus we have been made beautiful and forgiven. I have no idea what details
Abba sees when he looks at me. Tall? Short? Talented? Awkward? I couldn’t tell
you. I barely know what I see in me. This I do know, whatever he sees, he
loves. How great is that?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I am very grateful to Brittany for shedding a new light on
this Scripture for me. In my hardest, darkest moments as well as my happy ones,
I plan to picture my Abba looking at me and saying, “There she is!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-677535648813330732020-04-21T05:21:00.002-07:002020-04-21T05:21:21.907-07:00Who Are You
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus
was in the stern sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him,
“Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He got
up, rebuked the winds and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind
died down and it was completely calm. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">He
said to the disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">They
were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves
obey him!” Mark 4:38-41<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you
ever tried to put yourself in that boat? I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What were the disciples thinking? “We’re all
gonna’ die. We’re all gonna’ die!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
someone has the brilliant idea to wake up Jesus. By their reactions to his
action, I can’t think they expected what happened to happen. I think they woke
him up because he was the leader. It was his idea to go to “the other side.”
Now it was his responsibility to get them there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And he did! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>At that point everything changed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Picture those same men once Jesus had spoken. “What
just happened?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Did he just tell the
wind and waves what to do?” “He sure did and they did what he said!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Now they’re in shock. They exchange
looks of total amazement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Who is this?”
How can they not know the answer to that? Seriously, they’ve been with him for
some time, heard him preaching, seen him drive out demons, heal the sick and
offer forgiveness of sins. Still they are in awe. “Who is this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Have you ever experienced a moment
like that with a friend you’ve known for at least a few years? You’re together
and suddenly she’s singing, singing in a voice that should be recorded and shared
with the world. “You can sing?” You ask, astounded that you never knew. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe you’re visiting another friend and comment
on a beautiful painting or sculpture only to find out that she is the artist. To
say you’re surprised is an understatement, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What if you were leaving that friend’s
house just as the sky opened up to rain and that same friend said, “Stop!” and
the rain stopped? Is she calling 911 at that moment? Or maybe giving you CPR?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We think we know people and then…
SURPRISE! The disciples <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">did know</i> Jesus.
They had seen miracles but some of them were fishermen, subject to the mercy of
the weather. They knew the dangers of a bad storm. They also knew that once it
set in, there wasn’t a big chance that it was going anywhere anytime soon. Then
Jesus said, “Quiet! Be still!” and that happened! “Who is this?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Take a minute to look at your life.
Have you ever had a “who are you” moment with Jesus? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Write him a note of thanks for the times he
has surprised you with his mercy, grace and amazing power. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-9863827479174976522020-03-31T03:40:00.006-07:002020-03-31T03:40:50.828-07:00Safe Zone
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Some
trust in chariots and some in horses, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">but we
trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
name of the Lord is a fortified tower,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">the
righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Did
you play tag when you were a kid? Do you remember home base or the safety spot?
If you could get to that space before being tagged, in any given round of the game,
then you were safe. No one could touch you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ve watched as my students play that
game and have even, on occasion been the “safe” space. They run and try as hard
as they can to stay safe, to elude the catcher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sometimes I feel like my life is a bit
too much like that childhood game. Running to evade or escape the plans of the
enemy. Fortunately I have the same option as the players of the game, find the
safe zone. Even better I don’t literally have to run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The proverb says that the righteous “run
to it [the name of the Lord] and are safe.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The running in this sense, thankfully, can be done on my knees. It can
be done in my car, shower, kitchen or anywhere I find myself feeling under
attack. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have the same safety net,
the same spot that is out of harm’s way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the name of the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In these trying times, as we face
uncertainty, one thing remains, the name by which we are saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Call on the name of Jesus. Cry out to Yahweh
or Abba. Claim the protection and provision of Jehovah Jireh. Claim the peace
of Jehovah Shalom. Trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to lead you home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are facing a challenge right now
that we can’t comprehend or predict. We can trust, believe and hope in the name
of the Lord. He will guide. He will protect and provide. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t panic if you can’t trust the news, the
government or even your own thoughts. Trust in the name of the Lord and be
safe. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-22128625011204311932019-12-23T04:24:00.002-08:002019-12-23T04:24:23.238-08:00Come to Jesus
<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Come
to me all you who are weary and burdened <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">and I
will give you rest.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Matthew
11:28<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">For it
is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves,
it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Ephesians
2:8-9<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Just
moments ago I read a message about the things God could have asked of us in
order to secure our salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made
me laugh because of course, the point was that grace is a gift. Grace is not
something to be earned, thankfully, because none of us is capable of earning
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also made me laugh because of
some experiences my husband and I have had at different churches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In our search for a church home we
visited a few places. One stands out as we attended there for several months.
We were considering becoming members even though we weren’t quite sure it was
the place for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very quickly we would
find out that it was not, nope, not at all. We met with the pastor and he
outlined the things we would need to do to “qualify” for membership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were several items on the list one of
which was to be “rebaptized.” Excuse me? Apparently the baptism that my husband
and I received wasn’t “good enough.” Given the many ways I’ve seen the Lord
work in my husband, in me and in us as a couple, I know that I am his child. God
has already accepted me, adopted me. I’m good enough for God but not for this
particular church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Reading that message this morning I
was reminded of that and of conversations with other believers who have left
churches for similar reasons. Those churches have standards and some of us just
don’t meet them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>God, who could, as the message I read
made very clear, ask anything of us before allowing us into his family, asks
only one thing. He asks us to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior. He asks us
to accept a gift! There are no hoops, no strings, no dotted lines on which to
sign. There is simply grace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Our pastor is fond of saying, “All
means all, y’all.” (Yes, we live in the South.) He says it over and over
because we need to hear it over and over. Yes, Jesus loves me and that person
over there who makes me </span><span style="font-family: Chiller; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">crazy</span><span style="font-family: Chiller; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">. </span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">All means all and all are invited in by
GRACE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Father, Son and Holy Spirit
require less of us than most churches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a pastor I once knew used to say, “Now that’s good news!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-9452460619565629512019-12-15T17:58:00.003-08:002019-12-15T17:58:47.092-08:00Losing My Head <br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Martha,
Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried about many things, but only one
thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away
from her.” Luke 10:41-42<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQbRm1GsQqY/Xfbkow6CskI/AAAAAAAAAKk/g2QUoM395PkFG1apjkmeBrimoGJshMEnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191204_170506785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oQbRm1GsQqY/Xfbkow6CskI/AAAAAAAAAKk/g2QUoM395PkFG1apjkmeBrimoGJshMEnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20191204_170506785.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75"
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
little lady in the picture is the true representative of what too many of us
feel at Christmas time. Every single year for the past four or five years, she
has lost her head. (I was going to include the picture of the headless body but
that felt a little gruesome.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Each
year when I set up her beautiful town house she somehow falls or jumps to the
floor, causing the loss of her head. She has friends on her little perch, a
young boy and another woman. Neither of them has ever lost a head or any other
body part. They remain serenely on the house while poor Sally crashes to the
floor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I call her Sally because it goes with
stress and she reminds me of stress. Sally Stressed is freaking out over all
that needs to be done while Susie and Sammy Serene serenade the
neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Can you relate to Sally? I personally think
she is the epitome, the poster child, of secular Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She should be happily caroling but as she
tries to sing she’s thinking of the cookies, the presents, the out of town
relatives impending visit and the teacher gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Rather than taking a few minutes each
day to think about, read about or pray about the event that took place in
Bethlehem, Sally is focused on the externals, the must haves and have tos. Sally
has a huge family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is very involved
at her job and her church. Her plate is full and rather than let a few things
go, she runs and runs until she’s dizzy and exhausted and then….. Her head pops
off! Sally is a Martha.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>If she had taken a few minutes in each
of those busy days to sit with Jesus, to think about what his birth means in
her life, she just might have avoided the repair bench in my hubby’s office.
Which is the inanimate objects version of the doctor, the psychologist, the
wine aisle or the pharmacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christmas is coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The anniversary of the birth of Jesus will
occur and be celebrated whether we are ready or not. Too many of us will run
around like Sally and become Fill<u> in Your Name</u> Stressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many of us will have prepared our hearts
so that we can keep our heads? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4731972563336652542.post-3958685290270125632019-12-07T06:17:00.002-08:002019-12-07T06:17:19.641-08:00Make Room
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b> </div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">While
they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to
her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger,
because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">No
room available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In reading an Advent
devotional I came across this phrase, “Yet when the Son of God came into the
world, there was no room for him.” Did you just gasp? I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My gasp was not based on events from
thousands of years ago but on the state of the world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think it is because of the way the sentence
is written, “When the Son of God” (a name/title important enough to be
capitalized) “came into the world” (a place in desperate need of help) “there
was no room for him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>No room for Jesus? Why? Who or what
could be more important than Jesus? In defense of the inn keeper of Bethlehem,
he didn’t know who he was turning away. Can we say the same? No, no we cannot. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Maybe you’re saying to yourself, “I
love Jesus. I make room for him.” Me too! Right up until I don’t…. In all
things, all things, Jesus should come first. The crazy part is that some of the
very things that supplant Jesus’ place in our lives can also be things he is
calling us to do. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A prompt to spend some
time in prayer or reading Scripture is pushed aside because we want to call a
friend. No room… A prompt to call that same friend is pushed aside because I
don’t feel like talking to her and I’d rather just watch TV/check social
media/anything else. No room…..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We read the story of the birth of
Jesus and we think “Oh if that inn keeper had only known who was at his door!”
Then Jesus knocks on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our </i>door. We
know full well that it is him but we pretend we’re not home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We’re not bold or honest enough to
say, “No room here. Sorry.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We say, “Oh
I just didn’t have time!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I was going
to but something came up.” Translated, when the Son of God knocked on our door
we said, “There’s no room here.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Make room! More and more lately I have
stopped to make room, to choose the better over the lesser and to swing open my
door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so worth it! There is
nothing that can compare to spending time with Jesus. Nothing! It’s also pretty
amazing because when I set that time aside, when I open the door, when I say, “Of
course I have room for you!” Jesus answers by filling me with joy, peace and
energy. That task I was dreading is not so bad. That scary event goes off just
fine. Sometimes I even feel like I have more time not less. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I’ll say it once more… MAKE ROOM!
(Yes, I understand that all capitals means I’m shouting.) You will never regret
opening the door to Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Patriciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12916316253134034643noreply@blogger.com0