tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77361787259643661442024-03-13T09:28:46.077-05:00Aunt Di's Experimental LifeMy musings about this wonderful existence I lovinly call "my experimental life". I try to follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, but I sometimes end up in a conundrum, wondering how I got there and how I'm gonna get out. So, you will learn of my experiments in getting it right. I hope it is entertaining, inspiring, and, most of all, a witness to the precious mercies of a loving and forgiving Heavenly Father who lets me learn as I go.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-39566043621632777332019-03-30T01:08:00.001-05:002021-06-09T18:21:27.206-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>PRESSING FORWARD</u></b></span></div>
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<b><span class="text Phil-3-12" face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-29434" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29434W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29434W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but I press on to take hold<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29434X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29434X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29434Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29434Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-13" face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-29435" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29435Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29435Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and straining toward what is ahead,</span><span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-14" face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-29436" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>I press on<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29436AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> toward the goal to win the prize<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29436AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for which God has called<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29436AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</span></b><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">I have discovered that "letting go and letting God" is a very difficult task indeed. My house has sold; my divorce will be final in early May. Moving forward, that's what people say I am doing.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">As much as I know that is the place I should be, I find myself wanting not only to look back but to go back. Back to the time when Terry was here, Momma and Daddy were here and our family was held together by their glue. Now, there is a great void where once my life was filled with love, laughter, and deep, abiding joy.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">It seemed that all had escaped me when this marriage fell apart and my health began a slow, but steady decline. Lately, that joy seems to be returning to me. What a wonderful feeling to feel alive and joyful again!</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">God has reminded me in various ways and through various people that he still has a work for me. I'm not done yet and He isn't done with me yet. Let me tell you, when you have felt shelved for so long, that is a wondrous thing to KNOW!</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">I haven't forgotten those I love so dearly, but I am letting them go in a way I had not until now. As verse 14 says, it is time for me "press on" in order to "win the prize" that God called me into.</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">I do pray this blog can become joyful again. I want to touch people's lives and make an impact on people for Jesus. That has been my goal since I accepted Jesus at the age of eleven. I have let that calling fall down the list while I sat and whimpered "Oh Lord, why me? Why must I endure all of this"? What arrogance!</span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white;">Easter is coming quickly and it has reminded me that nothing I can lose is greater than Jesus Christs' sacrifice for me. Dear Lord, please forgive me for being so defeated. I have no excuse, I ask only that you help me rise above it and PRESS FORWARD. In Jesus' name, AMEN.</span></span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-25830131359624481452019-03-09T16:32:00.002-06:002019-03-09T16:32:31.837-06:00MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine (Official Music Video)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Heaven.....exactly <i>what</i> do I know about heaven??????</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>As I come closer to the day I enter heaven, that question is more pressing each day. I have lived basically my entire life "churched". Some of my earliest memories revolve around going to church with my family. I honestly do not remember a time when we were NOT in church.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I have heard about heaven, I have studied heaven, I have prayed about heaven....basically anything that I could do to learn more, I did. Yet, I find myself these days questioning some of that.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I think it's somewhat like a journey as a child. You are told about the journey, you are busy with the preparations, pictures are shared of others who have been there, yet you still cannot IMAGINE what it is really like to BE there.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I asked Jesus into my heart when I was eleven years old. I remember the experience as though it were yesterday, not 50 years ago. I remember the praying and weeping, I remember the joy of knowing, KNOWING, that I was going to heaven when I stood up in that old country church altar. I couldn't explain the knowing at that time, but I KNEW.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Over the years, I questioned that many, many times. I questioned whether a child could really understand that decision? I questioned whether my heart was sincere when I did it? Questions, questions questions.....Yet, when all was said and done, I KNEW, I KNEW, I KNEW! </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No one could convince me I was wrong, no one but myself.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That seems to be Satan's M.O. He works in our thoughts to try to make us doubt all we know about God, about salvation, about heaven. Yet, time and time again, I come back to that time spent in fervent prayer with tears, asking Jesus to forgive my sins and wash me clean. To help me be more like Him and less like me.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After all, isn't that the truth of salvation and of our promise of heaven? It has little to with ME and everything to do with HIM. He said if I believe with my heart and confess with my mouth then He will give me eternal life.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I get so upset with myself for going back to him time after time and asking him to reassure me. Yet, he always does, with love and tenderness. He holds me and fills my soul with that wonderful "knowing" that only walking with Him can give you. </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, what do I know about heaven? I know He is there. I know my sins are forgiven, to be remembered no more. I know His promises are true and dependable. Life is fleeting, people can fail you but He never will. JESUS NEVER FAILS.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am so thankful I know that. So thankful my heart is at home with Him and my spirit rests in His reassurance of joining Him when this life is through.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> "<span style="color: red;">Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. </span></b></span><span style="color: red;"><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? </b><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. </b></span><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">You know the way to the place where I am going.</span>" </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> St. John 14: 1-4 NIV</b></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>"If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. </b></span><b style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."</b></div>
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<b style="color: red; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </b><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 10: 9-10 NIV</b></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-39837424934378033262019-02-06T17:09:00.000-06:002019-02-06T17:09:07.310-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been so sick. Nothing particular, just could not stay out of bed for more than a hour at a time. I DO NOT LIKE THIS! I talked with my liver doctor and she assured me this was normal. Seriously? Normal? Not to me, it's not! She says it is just a liver flare, that these will happen and the duration isn't predictable. My word, did I say I don't like this?!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Charlotte took me over to Jackson yesterday. It was an all day trip and I was already exhausted. Special labs at 11 a.m., Cardiologist at 3 p.m and Nephrologist at 4 p.m. We left after labs and had lunch at Olive Garden then shopped at Marshalls for about an hour and a half. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I did accomplish something though. Bought a new chair and storage ottoman, for which I am wonderfully thankful! It snuggles right into the corner of my room and provides a place where I can watch TV without having to lie on the bed and hold my head in an awkward position. I can store my Bible, Sunday School periodical and Devotional Book in the ottoman, as well as a light throw. I have to find the perfect throw pillow to support my back, but that will come.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have my house under contract and am still moving things from there. My cousin is buying it. He spent a lot of time there while growing up and now has a daughter of his own. He was so excited to learn I was going to sell. That makes me happy. It will be owned by someone who appreciates the place almost as much as I did.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>All in all, I am good but I just needed some separation from Facebook for a while. I am still somewhat in a mental fog from the liver thing, but it is getting better. I tire so easily these days. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Please forgive me for not commenting on your posts. Deb, I have been praying for Olivia and for continued healing and progress. I pray for each of you every day, sometimes more than once a day.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's a pic of the new chair and ottoman......</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The ottoman is actually more gray but for some reason it appears almost white here.?I still have to bring a small table from home and a lamp, but it's getting there.</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> Phil. 4: 19 NIV</b></span></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-83724800934408465582019-01-26T22:43:00.001-06:002021-06-09T18:30:31.008-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What a ride today has been! Sad, glad, somber, happy, intimidated, tired, laughter, thankful.......</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It has not been as difficult as this day in year's past. Today, there was a lot of reflecting and thanking God for the honor and privilege of having had Terry with me for 35 1/2 years. Ups and downs, laughter and tears, anger and apologies.............it was a good life and the love was palpable.</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>For years, </b><b>people had told us just being near us, they knew we loved each other, it was palpable to them. That's a pretty special kind of love to have. One many are never blessed to know. I am thankful I shared that with Terry, then, now, and forever.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I made such a mistake by marring Jerry. I was looking for companionship and mistook that for an abiding love. I thought he loved me too. However, when you walk outside God's will, you fail. Just as our marriage has failed. Neither of us entered the marriage for the right reasons. We mistook a need for companionship in and a need for a caregiver for his mother in him for love, abiding love. It was not and it failed.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I never dreamed I would be getting ready to go to divorce court. I have an appointment next Tuesday to see my attorney. Charlotte is going with me because I sometimes cannot remember and understand correctly things that are said to me, especially when under stress.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>So, I move forward with so much regret but knowing without doubt that God has given me the ok for this. I have never believed in divorce and it still hurts me to know what a mess I made of my life. Had Jerry been willing, as he promised he was, to go to church with me, to integrate himself into my family, to love me the way a man should love a wife; and had I not been so bowled over by someone I knew a long time ago and expecting him to be that same person and had I listened to the Holy Spirit; we would not be in this position. As Momma and Daddy always told us, two wrongs don't make a right. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>God has brought back to me the remembrance of Daddy's words as we were getting ready to walk down the aisle when Terry and I married. He said "Sissy, I love you. You know me and Momma love you and you will always have a home. </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">You will have arguments, you will be aggravated with each other; stay and work it out. </b><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> But, if he mistreats you or puts his hands on you, come home. Marriage is hard but it can be the best thing you ever do other than giving your heart to Jesus".</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was "man-handled' on several occasions when I would not see things Jerry's way. He had thrown my phone across the room more than once before the day he took it from me and choked me. I should have let it go then. But, I was stubborn and didn't want to be a failure. I was gonna prove I did the right thing and it was gonna work! Ultimately, it did not, it never could have unless Jerry had been able to go to marriage counseling with me. I believe we could have come to love each other as God commanded if we had gone to counseling and been more open to change. It didn't happen that way, though, and now I have this looming divorce to contend with.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I believe in marriage...Godly marriage. No marriage can last unless God is in it. Our sinful natures will not allow it. My health is so much better since coming to peace with my decision. God has restored some things that were getting really desperate. My last visit with my liver specialist were encouraging. I am still terminal, but so much better than before! Praise the Lord! She was very encouraged and so was I.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My family has been so good to me. They have loved and been straightforward with me, not allowing me to wallow in pity. One needs someone who can do that for them at times. With love and compassion, they have been honest and encouraged me to follow through with this divorce. So, I will proceed.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pray for me as I do. My heart still sometimes yearns to talk to Jerry but I feel the less between us there is, the better it will be.</b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love you, my sisters. I am so very blessed that you ladies have come into my life and dwell in my heart. You have enriched my life in ways I cannot explain in words. It's more a feeling, a tug in my heart. I believe that is the Holy Spirit who has bonded us together. Getting to know each of you and some of your family and friends has made my life richer and more blessed. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Rom. 8:28 NIV</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Eph. 3:14 NIV</b></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-86684596144497992552019-01-26T00:24:00.002-06:002021-06-09T18:34:13.323-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>TIME IN A BOTTLE</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><u>(WARNING: Long & Sentimental)</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>In 1970, Jim Croce wrote this song when his wife told him she was expecting their first child. It was released on his first album "You Don't Mess Around With Jim" in 1972. Terry and I met and started dating in May, 1973 but he owned this 8-track and loved listening to it.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: medium;"><b>As the months passed and we began to fall in love, Time In A Bottle was "our song". The lyrics seemed to say all the things we felt for each other. We continued to listen to it for all the years we were together.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>Terry and I had some
wonderful adventures together. We shared
some heartbreaking moments together. But
we loved, never failing, never backing away, never giving up. We loved.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>We loved
our Lord, we loved each other, we loved our family, we loved our church and our
church family, we loved our neighbors and friends.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>We built a
life based upon that love.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>On this
date 10 years ago, January 26, 2009, that love did not end but it transformed
into eternal love when he went home to be with Jesus. I can barely believe it has been 10 years,
yet it seems like a lifetime. I look at
pictures of him, of us, and all our family and friends sharing wonderful times
together.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>Memories
are all I have now, and pictures.
Pictures that remind me of the blessing I had in him and the goodness
God imparted to me when he brought him into my life. Mementoes of a life lived sharing love and
happiness, and yes, sad times and trying times as well.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>I listen to that song now and
tears roll down my face. We never dreamed our time would end so quickly. We planned on a lifetime together. Growing old together and spoiling every child
we could in the process!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>My nephew,
Jared, and I were talking the other day about how much we missed Mamaw and
Papaw Mac and Uncle Terry. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>Terry’s
nickname for our only niece was Blonde Bombshell. He loved our Katie to the ends of the
earth! He would not leave this world
until he had a chance to see her one more time.
I have been told that the nickname was an insult by someone who did not know Terry well or know how he loved that little girl! He did
not love Katie more than our nephews, but because she was the only niece, and because he saw the boys more often, she
was special to him.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>Jared was
saying how he could just hear Uncle Terry’s laugh as the girls scampered around
the house and see his smile as they came running up to him to wrap their arms
around him and hug him tightly. He said
“I can hear Uncle Terry now and that laugh he had and him calling the girls
Blonde Bombshell! It’s for sure, Terry
would have loved all the great-grands just as much he loved the grands!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b> He had the opportunity to get to
know both of Katie and Brian’s children before he left us. He celebrated a birthday with our nephew Caleb (16) and our grand-niece Allyson (2) in March, 2008. He held Allyson briefly but was afraid he would drop her.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>When Katie and Brian visited on that day in December
2018, he was so glad to see them and the children. He was so sick by that time that he didn’t
laugh like he usually did or joke around, but it comforted him that he got to
see them one last time before he went home.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; line-height: 115%;"><b>I miss
Terry, every day, every hour. I don’t
think that will ever change. I still cry
myself to sleep on some nights because I miss him so badly. However, life goes on and we must go on as
well. And I have.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">I</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"> am so thankful to the Lord for giving Terry to me if only for a while. That’s all we really have here anyway, a while. Some of us will be here longer than others but all of us will leave. I am thankful that I live with </span>assurance that when I go home to Jesus, I know Terry will be there too.</b></span><br />
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<a class="link" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/GEN.2.KJV" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "avenir next", avenir, "helvetica neue", helvetica, ubuntu, "segoe ui", sans-serif; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.15s ease-in 0s;"></a><a class="link" href="https://www.bible.com/bible/1/GEN.2.24.KJV" style="box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "avenir next", avenir, "helvetica neue", helvetica, ubuntu, "segoe ui", sans-serif; outline: currentcolor dotted 1px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.15s ease-in 0s;"></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall </b><b>be one flesh." Genesis 2:24 KJV</b></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-16163558242738755852018-01-24T09:02:00.003-06:002018-01-24T09:02:47.583-06:00<br />
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<b>SECURITY</b></h2>
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<b>Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation--</b></div>
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<b>but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. </b></div>
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<b> For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; </b></div>
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<b>but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. </b></div>
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<b>For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. </b></div>
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<b>The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; </b></div>
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<b>rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. </b></div>
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<b>And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." </b></div>
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<b>The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. </b></div>
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<b>Now if we are children, then we are heirs--</b></div>
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<b>heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, </b></div>
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<b>if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. </b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Romans 8: 12-17 (NIV)</b></div>
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<i><b>Joint heirs with Christ</b></i>....what an exceptional place to reside! Wow! Everything that Jesus owns is also mine. Eternal life if just the beginning. </div>
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<i><b>Peace</b></i>...finding peace in this troubled world can sometimes seem difficult, even impossible. But the truth is that His peace abides in me if I belong to Him. I can tap into that peace no matter how much my life seems to be coming apart around me. There is no circumstance above that peace unless I allow it to be.</div>
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<i><b>Joy</b></i>....as we used to sing in church "it is joy unspeakable and full of glory, oh the half has never yet been told"! I own that joy, there is not need for me to be "under the burden". The peace of God which passes all understanding is mine. (Philippians 4:7) The source of joy resides within me, there is no reason for me to be down-hearted or overtaken with sadness. Do I get sad, of course I do. The point is, I do not have to live there. Now, I know some people suffer from problems with brain chemical imbalances and they experience depression. I am not putting those people down. God has an answer for that too. That is why he gave us doctors with knowledge to address those issues.</div>
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<i><b>Unfailing love</b></i>....I can love the way Jesus loved if I trust Him to guide me through the troubles of life and relationships. Many will not understand me. It doesn't matter. I can live above the hatred so rampant in today's world. That does not mean I should accept everything without question, but that I should respond with respect and love in every circumstance.</div>
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<i><b>Hope and a future</b></i>....I sometimes face difficult circumstances on this earth. I may often feel there is no future for me. But the truth is much different. Scriptures teach me that I have "hope and a future". (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV) God tells Jeremiah that he has plans to give him hope and a future. That promise was fulfilled when Jesus Christ came and died. When I surrendered my heart to God's will and asked Jesus to live within me, at that very moment I received "hope and a future". </div>
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<i><b>Eternal life</b></i>....John 10: 28-29 teaches me that, when I commit myself to Jesus and ask him into my heart, I belong to him ETERNALLY and will never perish nor can anyone take that security from me. I am held eternally in the loving hands of Jesus. God, the Father, gave me to him and no one can take me from the hands of God, who in turn gives me over to the Son, Jesus Christ. </div>
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<i><b>I am secure, my future is secure, my hope is secure, peace and joy are secure.</b></i> I often forget these things for a bit. A moment, a day, even longer. But when I reach out to God, the reassurance comes immediately. You belong to me (that means I belong to Jesus!) and my possessions are eternal. Nothing can take you from me. <b>Praise the Lord!</b></div>
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<i><b>Paul reminds me in Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)</b></i>: <b> </b></div>
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<b>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. </b></div>
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<i><b>No power exists that can remove me from the hands of the father or his son and all the blessings that come with that.</b></i></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-16172210329188953622018-01-17T09:08:00.002-06:002021-06-09T18:40:39.205-05:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>WHEN THE ANSWER IS "NO"</b><br />
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<i><b><span style="background-color: white;">(WARNING: Long Post)</span></b></i><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"> </span></span></div>
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I have waited to make this post because I want to be real, not Ms. Super Christian or Ms. Poor Little Me but to relate my experiences and the outcomes with reason and the understanding God has given me. Please know my emotions vacillate from day to day, sometime from hour to hour, even minute to minute. Yet, when all is said and done, I think this gives a fair representation of what this walk has been and continues to be like.</div>
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In St. John, chapter 11, the story of the death of Lazarus is related, along with the pain and grief of his sisters, Mary and Martha. Pain and grief are normal emotional reactions to loss. Mary and Martha were not exhibiting a lack of faith or doubt, they were expressing their grief. Jesus didn't reprimand them, but lovingly reminded them of the truth about the death of one of his own.</div>
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<a href="https://mg.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=89586jmadb8p2#" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1516103358786_4481" tabindex="0" title="Follow-Up Needed [D then 6]"><span class="folder-name" dir=""></span> </a></div>
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<b>When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. "<span style="color: blue;">Lord</span>," Martha said to Jesus, "<span style="color: blue;">if you had been here, my brother would not have died.</span> <span style="color: #0b5394;">But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.</span>"<span style="color: red;"> Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again.</span>" Martha answered, "<span style="color: blue;">I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.</span>" Jesus said to her "<span style="color: red;">I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?</span>" "<span style="color: blue;">Yes, Lord,<span style="color: black;">"</span></span> she replied, "<span style="color: blue;">I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.</span>" </b></blockquote>
<span style="color: purple;"><b>St. John 11: 20-27 (NIV) </b></span><br />
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<b>Extreme losses in our lives can feel like death, whether we or one we love is dying or suffering in other ways. When we understand the truth of death, we can find comfort in that truth because we know him and trust him, we understand that he is the truth and the life. Even the Lord himself felt the pain of grief. In vs. 35, we find the simple phrase "Jesus wept". He is not above our pain, but in it with us. Through him, we find the strength we need to move forward.</b></div>
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<b>In January, 2009, my husband died of complications of NASH cirrhosis and injuries received to his liver during a tragic auto accident in 2000. Six months later, I learned I was also suffering with End Stage Liver Disease due to NASH. I didn't know quite how to take the news. My grief and pain from watching my husband suffer and die was still too new. Now, I must face the fact that I was facing the same disease.</b></div>
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<b>It took a while to adjust, but my doctors were encouraging and told me I could extend my life if I controlled the diabetes carefully and took better care of myself. A meeting with my Hepatologist encouraged my sister and I that I had at least 10 years left and might be able to extend that by taking care of myself.</b></div>
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<b>I had times of faith that seemed unreal, even to me. On the other hand, there were times the gravity of the whole thing was seemingly more than I could comprehend, much less deal with. How does one deal with something they can't understand? The medical terms were not hard, it was everything else. </b></div>
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<b>Faith, family, prayer, doubt, anger, despair, depression, unbelievable support...so many emotions I can't name them all. Sometimes, one a time and at others, all washing over me with such intensity sanity seemed elusive. Ultimately, I began to understand I had to make some heavy decisions...life decisions...and I needed more than I held within myself to do that. So I turned my heart and my attention to the Lord and there is where the truth became evident.</b></div>
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<b>God alone is the giver and taker of life. I have always said I believed that. Now, my words had to be my walk. I cried, I begged, I wailed in intense emotional and spiritual pain. And then I found, as did the prophet Elijah, God isn't in all the noise and upheaval, He can only be found in the quiet, still voice. </b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #351c75;">There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: </span>"<span style="color: #38761d;">What are you doing here, Elijah</span>?" He replied, "<span style="color: #351c75;">I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.</span>" The LORD said, "<span style="color: #38761d;">Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by</span>." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. <br /> When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "<span style="color: #38761d;">What are you doing here, Elijah?</span>" </b></div>
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<b> </b><b> <span style="color: purple;">1 Kings 19:9-</span></b><b><span style="color: purple;">19:13 (NIV)</span></b></div>
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<b>So, I set about getting the diabetes well controlled and taking charge of my life emotionally, physically and spiritually. It was not an easy journey, but the diabetes began to respond with vigilance and better attention to my diet, exercise and mental stress. I have to say that those times drew me so much closer to the Lord. I learned to trust him during the years from 2000 and forward in ways I never understood prior to those experiences.</b></div>
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<b>Last year, a meeting with my Hematologist revealed that the liver disease had reached a point that made consultation for transplant an immediate need, if I planned to pursue that avenue. Frankly, I didn't know if I wanted to do that or not. However, I decided to meet with the Director of the Transplant Institute at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN. Those meetings and tests revealed that, not only was my liver in failure, but so were my kidneys and my heart. He estimated my life expectancy at about 6 months without the transplant.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #38761d;">I know the plans I have for you</span></b></div>
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" declares the LORD, "<span style="color: #38761d;">plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future</span>.
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<b><b><span style="color: purple;">Jeremiah_29:11 (NIV)</span></b></b></div>
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<b><b>I cannot tell you how many times in my life I have quoted that verse to myself. To know that the Lord of heaven has a plan for me is quite a daunting, yet comforting, thought. When we get hold of that fact deep within our spirit, it changes us. We sometimes have to be reminded, but if we have ever really set grasp on that understanding, it is a relenting comforter in times of trouble. I now pursued that understanding in a way which I never had before. To say you are ready to die is an overwhelming thing to internalize when confronted with certain death. </b></b></div>
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<b><b>I talked with my family and decided to pursue the testing necessary to be listed for a liver transplant. I was assured that the kidneys wouldn't be problem because they commonly did a liver/kidney transplant on their patients. However, an issue with my heart was revealed that put a sure halt to all plans. After two heart procedures, Cardiologists determined that the two blockages were not significant enough to risk by-pass surgery with consideration of my liver condition and dangers of bleeding out due to low platelet counts. The transplant team will not approve the transplant with the heart issue unresolved.</b></b></div>
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<b><b>So, after a year of exhausting medical testing with astronomical medical expenses and frustrating meetings with doctors, the outcome is not what I expected. I had truly come to believe that transplant was what lay ahead for me. I confused my will for God's will.</b></b></div>
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<b><b> "<span style="color: #0b5394;">Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits </span></b></b></div>
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<b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">to see whether they are from God</span>"</b></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><b><b><b>1 John 4:1 (NIV)</b></b></b></b></span></div>
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<b><b><b><b> "<span style="color: #0b5394;">Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, </span></b></b></b></b></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><b><b><b>though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, </b></b></b></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><b><b><b>though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, </b></b></b></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><b><b><b>yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. <br /> The Sovereign LORD is my strength; </b></b></b></b></span></div>
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<b><b><b><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights...</span>" </b></b></b></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><b><b><b><b>Habakkuk 3:17-</b></b></b></b><b><b><b><b> 3:19 (NIV)</b></b></b></b></span></div>
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<b><b><b><b>Sometimes, we want something so much that we get our will confused with God's will. We have to be careful and be sure the spirit we are following is that of the Holy Spirit. When we do, no matter the outcome, we can say with Habakkuk "</b></b></b></b><span style="color: #351c75;"><b><b><b><b>yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; </b></b></b></b></span><b><b><b><b><span style="color: #351c75;">he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights..</span>"</b></b></b></b></div>
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<b><b><b><b>Now, I move forward and I live my life each day with joy, hope and comfort. I am surrounded by people who love me and pray for me. My family and friends have been extraordinarily supportive and willing to help in any way needed.</b></b></b></b></div>
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<b><b><b><b> "<span style="color: #351c75;">The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower </span>"</b></b></b></b></div>
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<b><b><b><b>The Lord is my strength. He sends me angels to attend to my every need. Sometimes, those angels are called family and/or friends.</b></b></b></b></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-29740862333456387382018-01-04T07:32:00.000-06:002018-01-04T07:32:00.749-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
A New Habit</div>
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"I trust you, Jesus". That is the habit I am trying to develop as this year begins. When anything comes my way that seems more than I can handle, I want my immediate response to be "I trust you, Jesus". </div>
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Why is that so difficult for me? I have been a Christian since I was 11 years old. Jesus has walked beside me, often carrying me, through some dark and difficult times. He has never failed; he has never left me. Doesn't that sound like someone who deserves my trust? Yes, of course it does! Then, again I ask, why is it so difficult for me?</div>
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I want my way, that's why. I don't want to trust Jesus to carry me through while he works his way in me....I want my way! I am like a spoiled child who stamps my feet and whines until I believe I am getting it my way. Not gonna happen my friends! NOT GONNA HAPPEN! Jesus loves me, and you, too much for that.</div>
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Truthfully, when you relent and allow your children to have their own way, aren't you thinking "go ahead, have it your way, see what that get's you"? Sometimes, when I think I have won, that's exactly what Jesus does with me. "Ok, my child, go ahead, have it your way, see what that gets you!" NOT because he doesn't love me, but because HE DOES!</div>
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More than you or I can comprehend, Jesus loves us. He does not give up on us. We can trust him. Why, oh why, do we keep taking him back through the struggles when difficult times come? He has proven over and over again he is there for us, he has our best interest at heart. He loves us with an everlasting love. It has no beginning and it has no ending. We can trust him.</div>
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This is my daily struggle. I am so stubborn. There is no one in my life who has never failed me, no one except Jesus. I can trust him. He loves me. He wants only his best for me. I tell myself these things, but usually after I've argued with him for a while trying to get him to relent and let me have it my way. </div>
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Trust is believing in the reliability of Jesus so much that I am willing to give my will over to his, knowing the outcome will be a perfect one and will bring multiple blessings to me. Yet, I make it such a difficult thing to do. He has proven himself over and over, but I demand MORE.</div>
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Dear Jesus, help me to allow the simple fact of your unfailing love to be ever my first thought when problems come. Help me to say "Lord, I trust you because I know you want only the best for me". It's a simple prayer but that's something else I'm learning, God isn't impressed with my verbal skills. He just wants simple words of faith from a sincere heart. I am trying Lord, I am trying.</div>
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I cannot hide from God and nothing can keep me from his presence. I can trust Him.Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-87188918656113356712018-01-01T05:38:00.000-06:002018-01-01T05:38:25.044-06:00<div style="text-align: center;">
OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART</div>
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2018 --- Wow! I find it extraordinary that I am alive and seeing the first day of 2018. As a younger person, I could not imagine that I would still be here when I was <b>60 years old!</b> Yet, by the grace of God, here I am and thankful to be so. <br />
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I have set my sights on a closer walk with God in this new and exciting year ahead. I have become too complacent in my relationship with Jesus Christ. I have committed myself to know God better and walk more closely with Jesus Christ daily. To love God more and because I do, to love people more.<br />
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The opening line of Sarah Young's devotional "Jesus Calling - Enjoying Peace In His Presence" say this: "Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed". That is my heart's greatest desire as this new year begins. To be teachable, to be changed by the power of God's love, mercy and desire to have me know him better.....those are my ambitions for this year.<br />
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I have been on an incredible journey over the past year. My marriage is stronger because of the things we have had to face together in the past year. Although we live apart, our hearts are more closely entwined than ever before. Our problems are real, but so is our resolution to save our marriage in spite of the difficulties we face. <br />
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My health became so tenable that I was given 6 months to a year to live, at best. At my last visit with my Hepatologist at the Transplant Institute, I was better than I had been in over a year. God is doing a work in my life and in my heart. He is doing a work in my marriage. There are things I don't understand, but I trust God to do his work and want him to have his way in my life. <br />
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I keep hearing the words Michael W. Smith's song "Open the eyes of my heart". That is my desire for 2018. I want to see God in a way in which I have never seen him before. To know him in a way I have never known him before. To be the woman I have never been before. To be the wife I have never been before. To be the neighbor I have never been before. To love like I have never loved before....these are the desires of my heart.<br />
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I have missed writing on my blog. Words are important to me, they always have been. I have been told I have a way with words. If I do, it is because God gave me that gift. I want to use that gift again, in a way I have never used it before.<br />
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Psalm 86:11 (NIV) --- "Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name."<br />
<br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-84180887552726940952016-06-01T15:19:00.001-05:002021-06-09T18:45:53.827-05:00LAND OF THE LIVING?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am dying. It is a statement many people find hard to hear, hard to say, hard to believe....just hard. And yet, each of us will, indeed, die one day. For me, it is the ultimate healing...a time when I will be healed of all disease, all infirmity, all weakness and from the influences of this fallen world. I have had temporary healing here. I was divinely healed of cancer 3 years ago. Was it wonderful? Yes, without a doubt. I have had joys and sorrows I would never have known had the Lord took me home then. But, my body is but flesh and succumbs daily to the ravages of this world and my own mistreatment. <br />
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Like almost all people, I want to live as long as I possibly can. I love my family and I have dreams yet to be attained. Yet, I do not wish to remain here once I am no longer able to care for myself. I do not want to remain here if my mind is compromised to a great degree. I have seen it too many times and know what it does to people and to those they love. I have no desire to do that to the people I love and whom I believe love me. I have tried never to be a burden, but I know I have often failed in that attempt. Yet, it is one my greatest desires.<br />
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I know all too well that we do not get our wishes with regards to many things, this being one. I cannot imagine anyone who wanted to suffer or cause suffering for those they love. And yet, that is exactly what happens when we live too long to be useful. My sisters and I were extraordinarily blessed to have our parents leave for heaven before they became useless and before they lost their minds completely. <br />
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Although Momma suffered with Alzheimer's, she went home before she succumbed to the complete ravaging of her mind. She was docile and agreeable and never a burden to us. Daddy had an in tact mind right up until the end. His body was compromised by the ravages of C.O.P.D. but otherwise, he was very healthy. Although they died much younger than many, they were never a burden to us, which was their greatest desires.<br />
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So, I am dying. I have End Stage NASH Cirrhosis and the disease is progressing. A minister I have known since our earliest childhood once preached a sermon as a young minister which I will never forget. He made the statement that people will tell you we are in the land of the living. However, he went on to say, that is untrue. We are living in the land of the dying. If we are Christians, we are leaving this land of the dying for the land of the living. So, I await my call to go that land when the Lord is ready for me.<br />
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Does that sometimes make me sad? Yes, without a doubt. It is in those times I pray for the Lord to remind me that something so much better than I have known here awaits me there. I have prepared to sign documents that inform all medical personnel of the wish not to have live-extending measures administered should my liver or other vital organs fail me. I do not want to temporarily preserve what is only a vessel for transporting me until my eternal call for that land of the living and which will only fail again after I'm even sicker.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><em><strong>"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><strong>In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope </strong></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><strong>through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, </strong></em></span></span></div>
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<em><strong>and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. </strong></em></div>
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<em><strong>This inheritance is kept in heaven for you..."</strong></em></div>
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<strong>I Peter 1: 3-4</strong></div>
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</span></span></span><br />Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-79470646650377673392015-06-04T13:27:00.000-05:002015-06-04T13:27:36.006-05:00Yearning..........A Different Perspective
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yearning……….an expectant looking for, longing……I guess we’re
all familiar with that.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Oftentimes, I
find myself yearning for different things.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I long to see family members than I haven’t seen for a while, either
because they’ve gone home to be with the Lord or because they live far away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am pretty much a content person when it comes to ‘things’.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I’m not the type to want things, never have
been.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It has always been more about
people I love that I can’t see often enough.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lately I have had this deep yearning within.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yearning for a place I have not seen before,
for a home I know little about, for a land not yet clear in my mind.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I haven’t yearned in this way for this place.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yearning for this home has always come when
things were so very bad.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, I yearn for that home and I’m so very content to be
just where I am.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, this unsettled
yearning lurks within me.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Loneliness for
that home, that land that my mind cannot imagine.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am happy with my life.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I love this man God has given me with my
whole heart.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">He is a gift at a time in
life that I certainly did not expect.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">How
I could want or need anything else is a mystery to me!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yet, this longing in my soul remains constant; perhaps even
growing at times.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">“You, God, are my God,
earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry
and parched land where there is no water.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Because your love is better than life, my
lips will glorify you.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I will praise you
as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Psalms 63: 1-4 (NIV)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I grope as in the darkness for something I can’t quite hold
on to.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I stumble through the days
feeling empty yet so full of praise my lips cannot contain it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">How does this happen?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have felt the longings for heaven many
times in the past….times when my heart was broken or my life seemed to be
spinning out of control. Yet, here I am with the deep and hungry yearning for
heaven when everything in my life is so good and so full. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would
later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know
where he was going.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">By faith he made his
home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in
tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">For he was looking forward to the city with
foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Hebrews 11: 8-10 (NIV)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">So Abraham understood what I feel right now.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">He had that same longing in his soul, a
longing he most likely would have never recognized as God had God not set upon
him and told him His plan.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">That’s
exactly what this feels like…..God has set upon me and told me His plan.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">My life is so full and my heart is even more
open to the Lord than ever.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I feel as though I have finally reached spiritual
adulthood!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Oh my, it has taken me surely
long enough to get here!!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord must
be dancing all over heaven to see that I have finally learned something about
Him and about serving Him!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t have children but I have watched those who do and
I’ve seen the joy written on their faces when they feel their child has finally
“gotten it”.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s as though all those
years of teaching and guiding has finally yielded a harvest and they can now
sit back and see the beauty of that harvest working in their child.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">That must be how Jesus feels about me today.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Years invested in gentle nudges, loving
embraces and, at times, the rod of correction for ways in which I’ve walked far
from Him.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Now, at last, I feel as though
He looks down on me and smiles.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am his
daughter, the progeny of so much sacrifice on His part.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">What a joy it must be for Him to finally
behold what He planted blooming in my spirit!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Peace and contentment are prizes of untold value and to be
cherished as a reward of walking with the Lord.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">James 3:18 (NIV)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I am so very thankful I have learned to walk
in peace and to allow contentment to rule in my heart and mind.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I’m not perfect just forgiven; but this feels
pretty close to being exactly where I have hoped to be for my entire Christian
journey!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-71848628929661267302015-01-26T10:17:00.000-06:002015-01-26T10:17:55.157-06:00All Things New....New UnderstandingSix years ago today, my first husband went to meet the Lord. He had suffered and death was a welcome relief, both for him and for me. The grieving was so painful and lasted much longer than I anticipated.<br />
<br />
<br />
There finally came a time when the Lord prompted me to let all that go and move forward. After a battle of my own making, I did as the Lord asked of me. The reward for that was my second marriage.<br />
I am now married to a wonderful man who loves me deeply and takes such good care of me. He is there for me no matter what I or we are going through. He cherishes me and our marriage. He is such a precious gift from God for my obedience.<br />
<br />
<br />
I recently remembered a conversation with my first husband as he approached his last days. For whatever reason, I had not previously been able to remember this conversation. God gives what we need when we need and when we are ready to receive it.<br />
<br />
<br />
I remember him saying to me one evening "Di, don't be alone. Find someone to love you and take care of you. Someone to be there with you and for you as you grow older". At the time, I couldn't imagine doing that, but here I am and so very happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
I spend a lot of time lately wishing for my youth and complaining about my aches and pains and all the things I no longer can do or which take so much more effort and time to do. The Lord recently spoke to me and told me to find the blessings in being this age, because they are multitude.<br />
<br />
<br />
Frankly, I didn't see it. However, as I began to think about my life and my age, I saw more and more what the Lord was saying to me and found it to be true. It is true, I don't have that young body and I can't hold out to do the things I once could. Things that once took little to no effort now take tremendous effort and much more time.<br />
<br />
<br />
I had a very active and full life with many dreams yet to be realized. I had plans for my future and accomplishments yet to make. Life was, for the most part, fun and exciting and full of adventure.<br />
As I took a long and thoughtful look at my current life, I found that, yes, I haven't got the energy of my youth. I don't have the dreams and accomplishments to realize. My life is much slower but still very full. Adventure now is getting out of bed without falling into the wall!<br />
<br />
<br />
However, I have things now I could not have dreamed of then. I am more content just to be who I am, flaws and all. I have accepted myself for who God made me to be. I no longer find it important to impress anyone. My days are slower but still full of the people I love and who love me.<br />
<br />
<br />
I don't have the energy of my youth but I have enough to get things done that I need to get done and sometimes, a little extra. It isn't done as quickly as I'd like but it gets done.<br />
<br />
<br />
My health is definitely not as good as when I was younger, but God has worked actual miracles in my life and has extended my years beyond what I had thought they would be. Instead of caring for children and then grandchildren, I have been a caregiver for a dying Momma and Daddy, a dying grandmother, two aged mothers-in-love, a dying first husband and have cared for my current husband through the recovery from a major heart attack. So, I have definitely been a caregiver. THAT was my greatest dream....to care for others. I had hoped and prayed it would be children but God had different plans.<br />
<br />
<br />
So, God forgive me of complaining and whining. You have given me so much more than I have ever asked for and blessed me in ways I never dreamed of. Thank you for showing me these years of my life can be just as productive as the younger years and just as fulfilling...perhaps even more so.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
"Then the one sitting on the throne said:</div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5">I am making everything new. </span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5">Write down what I have said. </span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5">My words are true and can be trusted."</span></div>
<div align="right" class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><strong>Revelation 21:5 (CEV)</strong></span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: right;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<div class="left-1" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5">(Please forgive the absence of pictures and the misplacement of paragraphs. Blogger isn't cooperating and I have decided to post without them. I won't be defeated by Blogger!)</span></div>
<div align="right" class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><br /></span></div>
<div align="right" class="left-1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-21-5"><br /></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-28995599285443425712014-02-09T17:03:00.000-06:002014-02-09T17:06:42.800-06:00Patriotism, Pride and Personal InvolvementA favored hobby is genealogy. I find great pleasure in researching my families genealogy and in learning about my ancestry. History has always intrigued me, especially my own history.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgjDs5Pjt9s/UvgDGLQVUvI/AAAAAAAACLw/M0kFX5BsWJw/s1600/Our+Caleb...welcome+home+soldier!++We+are+so+very+proud+of+you!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sgjDs5Pjt9s/UvgDGLQVUvI/AAAAAAAACLw/M0kFX5BsWJw/s1600/Our+Caleb...welcome+home+soldier!++We+are+so+very+proud+of+you!.JPG" height="400" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SPC Caleb M. Watkins, we are so proud of you and so thankful you are again safe at home with us!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Saturday, February 1, my family welcomed home our own personal member of American military history. Actually, he is just the latest in a long line of our families' men and women who are American patriots and who have served in the American military. <br />
<br />
From the days of the Revolution, my ancestors have fought for the liberty we enjoy as Americans. Even before those days, they fought in the old countries alongside their family and neighbors for what they believed to be the right way. From the Highlands of Scotland to the Irish fields and the English moors, my ancestors maintained the battle for freedom. They boarded the great ships bound for the New Country to find liberty and were thankful and happy to fight alongside their neighbors once here to guarantee their families could live in that liberty.<br />
<br />
In the battles of the War Between the States, my ancestors fought on both sides of the conflict, each believing they were right in their fight. From the fields of France in World War I to the French and Belgian forests in World War II; from the Korean and Vietnamese peninsulas and into the ancient lands of Mesopotamia in the 20th and 21st centuries...our family has continued the battle for liberty and to defend freedom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9doBF8sNlI/UvgDxXlyc5I/AAAAAAAACL4/ptda3t-y7Ng/s1600/Cpl.+Van+P.+McDonald,+US+Army,+Germany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9doBF8sNlI/UvgDxXlyc5I/AAAAAAAACL4/ptda3t-y7Ng/s1600/Cpl.+Van+P.+McDonald,+US+Army,+Germany.jpg" height="400" width="321" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cpl. Van P. McDonald in Germany.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My own Daddy was an American Army Marksman destined for Korea when Divine Intervention halted that march as the treaty was signed on the day he was set to sail for Korea. Instead, he spent 18 months in Germany perfecting his skills and attaining a military reputation as an expert marksman who was offered his own squad in exchange for re-enlistment. He declined the offer and came home to do what he loved...farm.<br />
<br />
So, when my youngest nephew, Caleb, joined the Tennessee Army National Guard, he carried on a proud tradition of service to his country and a commitment to the battle to defend America and liberty around the world. When he completed his AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, MO with excellent marksmanship awards and the Top Gun certificate for his class of recruits, he carried on the tradition started by his Papaw Mac over a half century earlier.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znXVBQ8D4O0/UvgElS9vh8I/AAAAAAAACMA/yWkDQ_wzI6k/s1600/2013-05-28+09.01.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znXVBQ8D4O0/UvgElS9vh8I/AAAAAAAACMA/yWkDQ_wzI6k/s1600/2013-05-28+09.01.00.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Caleb with his niece, Allyson, as he prepares to leave Hardeman County for Fort Bliss, TX and then Afghanistan.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last May, he left the National Guard Armory in Hardeman County, TN with the 251st MP Company to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan at Fort Bliss, TX. They left Fort Bliss in early July, 2013 and returned home on February 1, 2014. After 6 months in Afghanistan and 8 months away from home, the men and women of the 251st were again home with their families. For the first time since May 28, 2013, the feet of brave Tennessee Volunteers touched the soil of Tennessee again on February 1, 2014. They marched into the arms of waiting family and friends who were proud and honored to have them serve but more than anything, thankful to have them again safely at home.<br />
<br />
We were no different than the other families, we are proud of our young man and so very thankful he is safe at home again. His journey has been a trying one, with many unexpected ups and downs along the way, but he is a better man for his experience and we are better for having prayed him through it. When he walked through that door and we saw his face and heard his voice there live in the room with us for the first time in so long, it gave us joy that is indescribable. When his Momma ran to him and they embraced for that first time in months, tears flowed throughout the room. Our son was home again and our family tradition of defending freedom has once again brought honor and pride to us.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cItrWrukaQc/UvgFeFtDJNI/AAAAAAAACMI/8Y6u0ZlXmms/s1600/One+happy+Momma+AND+one+happy+soldier!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cItrWrukaQc/UvgFeFtDJNI/AAAAAAAACMI/8Y6u0ZlXmms/s1600/One+happy+Momma+AND+one+happy+soldier!.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, Charlotte, with her son SPC Caleb M. Watkins after he surprised her with his homecoming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Welcome home, Caleb; you stand in shoes many have filled and have walked footsteps many have walked before you and many will walk behind you. As I once heard Mr. G. C. Bartlett say of his experiences as a P.O.W. in the German camps during World War II, "All that I suffered I would gladly do again. I love my God and I love my country. Liberty is worth the sacrifice". Yes, liberty has been worth the sacrifice. Thank you, Caleb, and every man or woman who has ever made that sacrifice; we are in your debt.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Greater love hath no man than this, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">that a man lay down his life for his friends.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b> </b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>John 15:13 (KJV)</b></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-64692128259569769532014-01-26T00:00:00.001-06:002021-06-09T19:01:27.763-05:00Time Marches On......<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmZczKK5o38/UuSBcwr-yTI/AAAAAAAACLY/_BJPjVt7c_8/s1600/Terry+closeup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wmZczKK5o38/UuSBcwr-yTI/AAAAAAAACLY/_BJPjVt7c_8/s1600/Terry+closeup.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry E. Chandler - August, 2008</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today marks the 5th anniversary of my first husband's home going. Sometimes that seems like yesterday and at others, it seems like another life time. Terry was an imperfect man, faults too numerable to mention, as are we all. Yet, he also was a kind and loving man who valued his relationship with Jesus Christ above everything and who worked diligently to provide for us. He had a great sense of humor and laughed so easily. He treasured his family and wanted the very best for all of us.<br />
<br />
I am now remarried to a man who loves me and is devoted to me. Every road I've traveled in this journey called life has brought me to here and to this love. Terry would be happy for me. He would not have wanted me to be alone for the remainder of my life. He told me so many times before he went home. I never honestly thought I would remarry, but here I am.<br />
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A part of me will always love Terry, will always find joy in what we shared. That is by no means meant to be disrespectful of Jerry. I love Jerry. What he and I share is so much different than what I shared with Terry. I loved Terry and always will.<br />
<br />
So, time marches on. What was is now in the past. What is will be a wonderful future shared with family and those who love me. I totally believe that and have confidence in the providence of my Creator!<br />
<br />
There is a time for everything and time marches on............... <br />
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Eccl-3-1" id="en-KJV-17361"><span class="chapternum"></span><b><span style="font-size: small;">To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:</span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-KJV-17362"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-2" id="en-KJV-17362">that which is planted;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-3" id="en-KJV-17363"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-4" id="en-KJV-17364"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-KJV-17365"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, </span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-5" id="en-KJV-17365">and a time to refrain from embracing;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-6" id="en-KJV-17366"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-7" id="en-KJV-17367"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;</span></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-KJV-17368"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-8" id="en-KJV-17368"> Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8 (KJV)</span></span></b></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-88922286640335229402013-10-23T20:50:00.000-05:002013-10-23T20:50:16.541-05:00Season of Change, Signs of Hope<br />
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I love fall. I love the colors, the chill in the air, the feeling of anticipation that comes with the approaching holidays...everything about it gives my heart joy. The colder temps are more difficult for my old body these days, but I still enjoy the nip in the air and the feeling of life it gives my spirit. The thoughts of the old things dying out and the preparation for the new things to be born in my life fill my mind and give my heart a lift. It is an amazing time of the year to me. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqgzPGMa6jY/UmhsUVr9D9I/AAAAAAAACKo/OgBkbFllf90/s1600/peoplechange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqgzPGMa6jY/UmhsUVr9D9I/AAAAAAAACKo/OgBkbFllf90/s400/peoplechange.jpg" width="397" /> </a></div>
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Times of change.........that's what I like most about fall. Change is an odd thing. Some people hate it, dread it, run from it at all cost. Others love it, eagerly look for it, approach every opportunity with joy and a sense of adventure. I am of the second sort; I always have been. I always liked working with a temp agency because it offered the opportunity to change my routine, meet new people, learn new things. I suppose that's why I love fall so much. Changes abound! Greens turn to golden yellows, brilliant reds, bright oranges, every hue of brown possible and even various shades of green appear.</div>
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It's somewhat like that with my life. My settled and satisfied shades of green become pools of troubled waters, shifting to shades of green not yet seen. Some transform to peaceful waters of swirling golden yellows, times that soothe my soul. Others become deep, brilliant reds, times that invigorate and prepare me for the adventures that lie ahead. </div>
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Still others transition into bright oranges, pure joy that carries me through the sometimes dark days of the winter seasons. Then, of course, there are the browns, the times that test my spirit and try my soul. Seemingly dark days that push me to stretch my faith and flex the trust that lies within me.</div>
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So much promise, so much opportunity, so much assurance, so much earnest availability in our covenant with our Lord. I don't see fall as dreadful or looming with the dying of summer, I see it as joyful and hopeful with the coming regeneration of winter and the promise of the newness of spring. </div>
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My colors change and I am suddenly bright as I prepare to enter the quiet time of renewal and regeneration necessary before I can experience the NEW, the future, the vow of spring in my soul!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-4-23" id="en-CEV-27192">Let the Spirit change your way of thinking </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193">and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God.... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193"> </span><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193">Ephesians 4:23-24a (CEV)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-103-1">With all my heart</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-1">I praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-1">and with all that I am</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-1">I praise his holy name!</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-2" id="en-CEV-13745"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-2" id="en-CEV-13745"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-2" id="en-CEV-13745">With all my heart</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-2">I praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>!</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-2">I will never forget</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"> <span class="text Ps-103-2">how kind he has been.</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-3" id="en-CEV-13746"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-3" id="en-CEV-13746"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-3" id="en-CEV-13746">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> forgives our sins,</span><span class="text Ps-103-3"> heals us when we are sick,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-4" id="en-CEV-13747"></span><span class="text Ps-103-4" id="en-CEV-13747"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-4" id="en-CEV-13747">and protects us from death.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-4">His kindness and love</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-4">are a crown on our heads.</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-5" id="en-CEV-13748"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-5" id="en-CEV-13748">Each day that we live, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-103-5">he provides for our needs</span></span><span class="indent-1"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-103-5">and gives us the strength</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-5">of a young eagle.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-6" id="en-CEV-13749">For all who are mistreated,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-6">the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> brings justice.</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-7" id="en-CEV-13750"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-7" id="en-CEV-13750">He taught his Law to Moses</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-7">and showed all Israel</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-7">what he could do.</span></span></span><span class="text Ps-103-8" id="en-CEV-13751"> </span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-103-8" id="en-CEV-13751"></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-8" id="en-CEV-13751">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is merciful!</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-8"> He is kind and patient,</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"> <span class="text Ps-103-8"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-8">and his love never fails.</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-9" id="en-CEV-13752"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-9" id="en-CEV-13752"><sup class="versenum"></sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> won’t always be angry</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-9">and point out our sins;</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-10" id="en-CEV-13753"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-10" id="en-CEV-13753"><sup class="versenum"></sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span>he doesn’t punish us</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-10">as our sins deserve.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-11" id="en-CEV-13754">How great is God’s love for all</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-11">who worship him?</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-103-11">Greater than the distance</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-11">between heaven and earth!</span></span><span class="text Ps-103-12" id="en-CEV-13755"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-103-12" id="en-CEV-13755"><sup class="versenum"></sup>How far has the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> taken</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-12">our sins from us?</span></span><span class="indent-1"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-103-12">Farther than the distance</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-103-12">from east to west!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193"> </span><span class="text Eph-4-24" id="en-CEV-27193"> <span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 103:1-12 (CEV)</span></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-83657961967275520692013-09-07T15:14:00.000-05:002013-09-07T15:18:55.894-05:00The Trouble Tree<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><em>A Facebook Post by Russ Sites</em></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">I
hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just
finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of
work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">While
I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to
meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a
small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">When
opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation.. His face was wreathed
in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Afterward
he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of
me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Oh,
that's my trouble tree, he replied 'I know I can't help having troubles on the
job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my
wife and the children.. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I
come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up
again.' 'Funny thing is,' he smiled,' when I come out in the morning to pick
'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Life
may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well
dance. We all need a Trouble Tree!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Mr. Sites was indeed correct. What an inspirational word for all of us from our Heavenly Father. When we leave our troubles, our burdens, with the Lord, He takes care of them for us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Very often we attempt to retrieve those troubles once we've laid them at his feet. In so doing, we insult the Lord. We must learn to walk past our Trouble Tree each new day and allow the Lord to hold on to those problems. Only in so doing can we hope to find lasting peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">When we leave our troubles with the Lord, He cleanses our hearts of those worries. In due season, the worries exist no more. Then, when the new seasons of our life begin, hope springs eternal with new growth awaiting the privilege of collecting our troubles and again taking them to the Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16pt;">The circle of life....leave it and never try to retrieve it for He will remove it when we allow Him to do so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>"Casting all your care upon him; </strong></em></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>for he careth for you."</strong></em></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><strong></strong></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>I Peter 5:7 (KJV)</strong></em></span></o:p></span></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-83494829929888245312013-08-13T20:40:00.001-05:002021-06-09T19:14:57.262-05:00Finding What I Never Looked For<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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I have been trying to write this post for some months now. I have had a difficult time getting my thoughts together and conveying what I want to say. <br />
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I posted a while back about one of the lessons I learned from the film <u>A Walk To Remember</u>. I reiterate that I have watched that film many times in the past. It speaks to me on so many different levels.<br />
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Several weeks ago, I did something I have never done in my life; I mailed a fan letter to Shane West, the actor who portrays Landon Carter in the film and I emailed Nicholas Sparks, the author of the novel from which the film was adapted. Whether either will ever see or read the communications, I know not. However, there were some things I wanted to say to each of them. <br />
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It has been over 10 years since the release of <u>A Walk To Remember</u> and perhaps neither of them will remember much about the film at all. However, I wanted both Mr. Sparks and Mr. West to know that their God-given talents made an impression on my life. An indelible mark was left on my spirit by the way each developed and interpreted the character of Landon Carter in both the book and the film. <br />
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I know that any successful actor or author has to work hard at honing their skills in order to be successful in their chosen field. By all accounts both of these men are successful. <br />
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Mr. Sparks has written more than 17 best selling novels and has co-authored one other. Of those, nine have been adapted to film, with the latest being released this year. He is a philanthropist and is generous with both his time and his financial resources. In 2008, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Weekly" title="Entertainment Weekly">Entertainment Weekly</a></i> reported that Sparks and his wife had donated "close to $10 million" to start a Christian, international, college-prep <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_school" title="Private school">private school</a>, The Epiphany School, which emphasizes travel and lifelong learning. This is just one of his philanthropic gifts.<br />
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Although I know little about Shane West and his personal life, I do know he has been a very successful actor, having had a recurring role as Dr. Ray Barnett on the NBC series ER for three seasons and who is currently cast as Michael in the CW network series Nikita. He has been fortunate to have come of age in the era of the teen movies of the early 21st century and was always busy. He has managed a transition from teen idol to a serious adult actor well. He starred opposite Sean Connery in "A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" and has many other film and TV credits.<br />
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When it all comes down to it though, what really defines success? Some would say financial security, some would say job security, some would say having the 'things' one has wished for, some might even say having the family one has wished for. For me, true success comes when I know I am living in the center of God's will for my life. For too long, I was not.<br />
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Losing Terry was an horrific and devastating event in my life. The grief overtook me, even when I was acting 'normal', inside I was very 'not normal'. I smiled, I laughed, I stayed connected to friends and family, I made a point of being out and about...I looked like any average person on any average day living any average life. Inside, I was broken in so many ways I could barely function.<br />
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Sadly, that was my life. I got better as time passed but I held on to a place deep within my heart that just would not let go, seemingly could not let go. Watching this film helped me finish the 'letting go' process. The last vestige of holding on was the pain I felt because Terry won't be here to help me through my own dying. I cannot tell you how many times I have cried into my pillow with bitterness because I wasn't going to have him with me when I needed him so badly.<br />
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I honestly don't know exactly what it was about this film that helped me let go of that. But, it did. In that closing scene when Landon is on the boardwalk and gazing out over the inlet as the sun sets, we hear his voice as he talks about how Jamie saved his life and changed him and how her love was like the wind, he couldn't see it, but he could feel it. That's exactly what it is like. <br />
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At that moment, after seeing that same scene many times, it finally clicked in my heart. Terry is in heaven; I have loved him since I was 15 and will continue to love him, but it is time to release all of that to eternity and live again, not just SAY I'm ok, but really BE ok. I honestly had no tears at that point. Instead, I smiled because I knew my heart had finally healed. God had brought me on this journey, had been patient with me as I learned my lessons and had now given me that one last little nudge I needed to finish the journey.<br />
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Some will think it absurd that this film could do for me what four years of grieving could not do; what four years of seeking the Lord through His Word had not done; what four years of prayer had not done. To those I simply say this........God knows my heart, He knows my needs, He decides what it will take to get His message to me. He has never let me down and He never will. Do you know why? Because He understands me; He created me and He gives me what I need, when I need it, in order to further my walk with Him and draw me into closer relationship with Him.<br />
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I never knew God could be like this. I had Him closed up in some little "God box" that was, if you really think about it, an insult to Him and who He really is. He works so differently than I have known or understood for most of my life. The events of these last weeks have been as much of a surprise to me as to anyone. I honestly thought I was doing fine with grief. The enemy had me convinced that this was as good as it gets after losing someone you love to death. <br />
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I will always miss Terry, I will always love him; I will no more languish in sorrow and yearning for what was or close myself off to life. That is an insult to the Lord, to Terry and to all that we shared together. So, I move forward, really move forward. <br />
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Life is an adventure that only gets better as we go if we allow it to. How do we allow it to? We yield ourselves to God, ALL of ourselves....our pain, our disappointment, our pride, our anger, our bitterness...yes, all of that; but also our false sense of security in our relationships, our dependence upon what we have (people and/or things in our life) for happiness and peace, our hope in anything temporal.<br />
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To that end, God changed my life drastically once I let go off ALL that lay behind me. Within days of taking off my wedding rings and opening myself to new experiences in this new life God was birthing within me, I see myself and how far I have to go with Jesus by my side. Whatever comes my way, I WILL by ok.<br />
<br />Terry won't be here to walk with me, but Jerry will. God gave me what my heart yearned for in a way I could never have imagined or planned. Every day I am in awe of Him and His love for me. He is, indeed, an awesome God!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-37-4" id="en-NLT-14431">Take delight in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-4">and he will give you your heart’s desires.</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-4">Psalms 37:4 (NLT) </span></span></b></span></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-8608239297763035002013-02-20T17:32:00.002-06:002021-06-09T19:17:55.911-05:00Home........
"This Is Home"</div>
"Home".....don't you think that's a beautiful word? Home for me leaves a connotation of all that is good.....love, security, warmth, peace, solitude, joy, serenity, calmness....all that says welcome to my weary body when I've been away too long.<br />
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Just one step inside the door and that sigh escapes my lips...I am home. Then, there are other times when this feels more like a prison than home. My soul gets sick for my real home, my heavenly home. That place that Jesus has prepared for me that will be perfect in every way and meant just for me.<br />
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Home, where I belong. I remember those old hymns about home when I was growing up in our little country church. Oh Think of the Home Over There....Home of the Soul....Precious Memories (...and old home scenes of my childhood in fond memory appear...)....I Feel Like Traveling On (My heavenly home is bright and fair, I feel like traveling on...)...and this was my favorite, Going Home. Momma and Ms. Dean used to sing it often.<br />
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All those things make me lonely for a time that has passed and a time yet to come. I cannot go back and I cannot remain here; it is the future that beckons me to my heavenly home. As this old song says...."What a day that will be, When my <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD9">Jesus</span> I shall see, And I look upon His face, The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand, And <span class="IL_AD" id="IL_AD6">leads</span> me through the Promised Land, What a day, glorious day that will be." Then, of course there's Won't It Be Wonderful There! ABSOLUTELY!!!<br />
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So my heart calls me home, to that place I've never seen before...........Beulah Land. "I'm kind of homesick for a country to which I've never been before; no sad goodbyes will there be spoken for time won't matter anymore...." I am longing for that day, but until then I have a mission to complete here. I must not allow the home that awaits me to distract me from my journey's mission...to tell those who have no hope that all hope begins and ends in Jesus.<br />
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I see those poor souls on the street and I think how blessed I am. I have a home, a roof over my head, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I am protected from the elements....wind, rain, snow, ice, humidity, extreme temperatures....yes, how blessed I am! When I see them, my heart aches for them. I don't know their stories, but maybe their story isn't the important part. We all have our own story to tell, but we also have a commonality among us from which no one is immune...we are sinners, either saved by grace or still searching for grace.<br />
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Dear Father, help me to be vigilant to lift my neighbor and help to make their 'here' better so they can care about their future. Help me to help them to see that nothing in their past, present or future can stop the love of God from reaching them if they ask for it. Help me to speak kindly, to treat them with respect and dignity, to love them unconditionally and pray for them continuously. I am them....but for the grace You gave me. <br />
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Yes, this is home, but it's only temporal; that home awaiting is my goal. May I ever be careful to remember that each day I travel my journey. My highest calling is to sacrifice so that others may know His love, His mercy, His grace, His presence in their life.<br />
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<strong><em>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the one who keeps you safe.<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-9">So let the Most High God be like a home to you.</span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-91-9">Psalm 91:9 (NIRV)</span></span></em></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-79743793093847557722013-02-15T07:20:00.000-06:002013-02-15T07:20:17.872-06:00Leaving and cleaving.........<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>My Maternal Grandparents</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Lula Mae Sisco Howell & James Elbert (Elb) Howell</em></strong><br />
<strong><em>50th Anniversary Picture, 1984</em></strong><br />
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On February 15, 1934, Lula Sisco left her parent's home with her beau, Elb Howell. Telling her parents Elb was going to take her for a haircut, she sneaked away and the couple were married on that date in the Courthouse in Ripley, Tippah County, MS. Seventy-nine years have passed since then. Though both have passed, their love and commitment remained true until the day they left the earth.</div>
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They had nine children: Cecil Edward, Bobby Gene, Thelma Mae, John Thomas, Donald Ray, Shirley Ann, Glenda Jo, Kenneth Wayne and Sandra Kaye. At the time of their 50th anniversary they had 26 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Those numbers have increased substantially since that time, now having added great, great-grandchildren to the family. </div>
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Grandma could neither read nor write. She stayed at home with her children and tended house and helped Grandpa with the farm work. Grandpa raised farm animals, grew crops and worked a full time job at the local hide tannery. Momma spoke of having gone days without seeing Grandpa removed his shoes. He would work his factory job at night, come home and work on the farm and sit in a chair to take a nap before having to go back to the factory. With eleven mouths to feed and bodies to clothe, there was little time for anything but work.</div>
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Over the years their hearts were broken many times by loss through death. Grandchildren were stillborn or lived only hours. A daughter, Shirley, had suffered through the devastation of divorce. Their oldest child, Cecil, died in January, 1993 from heart failure. He had been on the waiting list for a transplant for about one year when he died. Their 5th child, Donald, had also died of heart failure in March, 1996. A granddaughter's (Judy, daughter of Donald) life had been forever altered by the effects of a car accident that left her in a coma for many weeks and which caused the death of her unborn daughter.</div>
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Grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and they had to be admitted to a nursing home. Grandpa said goodbye to Grandma in June, 1999. Grandpa lived to be 93 and died of natural causes in a hospital room next door to the room where his 4th child (John Thomas) was dying of liver failure. Uncle John died approximately one hour prior to Grandpa in November, 2005.</div>
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There were also moments of triumph over the years. After raising 7 of their children into adulthood and the other two quickly growing in that direction, they were finally able to purchase their own home somewhere around 1969-1970. They had survived a burn out in their earlier years together and had lost every material possession they had. Thankfully, lives were not lost, nor was there major injuries.</div>
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They lived to see retirement together and traveled some within the country. Family gatherings were filled with laughter and joy as everyone came home. Grandpa would always make his famous vegetable soup for those occasions. His greatest joy in life was his family; that, and a good Rook game or some checkers from time to time! He loved life, my Grandma and all of his family.</div>
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Grandma and Grandpa now rest with the Lord. I can only imagine the joy and beauty of being in heaven together after loving each other for so many years hear below.<br />
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<strong><em>I Can Only Imagine</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Mercy Me</em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-4" id="en-NLT-23741"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup><span class="woj">“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?”</span> Jesus replied. </span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-4"><span class="woj">“They record that from the beginning </span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-4"><span class="woj">‘God made them male and female.’”</span></span> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-5" id="en-NLT-23742"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>And he said, <span class="woj">“‘This explains why a man </span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-5"><span class="woj">leaves his father and mother </span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-5"><span class="woj">and is joined to his wife, </span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-5"><span class="woj">and the two are united into one.’</span></span> </span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-6" id="en-NLT-23743"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup><span class="woj">Since they are no longer two but one, </span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-6"><span class="woj">let no one split apart what God has joined together.”</span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-19-6"><span class="woj">Matthew 19: 4-6 (NLT)</span></span></span></em></strong></div>
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Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-69580243690546652322013-02-02T20:29:00.000-06:002013-02-02T20:29:12.043-06:00Meditation on the Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-19-14">May the words of my mouth</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-14">and the meditation of my heart</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-19-14">be pleasing to you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-14">O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my rock and my redeemer.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14">Psalm 19:13-14 (NLT)</span></span></span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-50195158072940212862013-01-30T14:08:00.001-06:002013-01-30T14:08:51.349-06:00When God Runs............<div align="center">
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Mandy Moore (Jamie) and Shawn West (Landon)<br />
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For the past several days, I have been absolutely drawn into the movie "A Walk To Remember". The movie came out in 2002 and is an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' novel of the same name. The lead roles are for teens of about 18 years of age, one male and one female. The male is a good looking young man, very popular in his school, rebellious and the typical 'bad boy' image. The female is a cute girl whose father is the local Reverend. She sings in her church choir and is a sweet and plain young woman with faith and values.</div>
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So, there's the premise for the entire movie. What will we do with these teens? They've grown up in small town America and have known each other since Kindergarten, but have taken much different paths. Through a series of events, they are thrown together in a more intimate environment and the story begins.<br />
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It is evident from the opening scene that the young man has the nucleus of a good heart, with compassion for others but he cannot overcome his desire to fit in as a member of the 'in' crowd and allow that heart to be nurtured. As the movie progresses, we see the young man's heart softening for the young woman. Still, he struggles with what his friends will say if he professes his affection and attraction for the young woman.<br />
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Finally, the inevitable happens and the two young people declare their affection for each other and become a couple. As in life, the other shoe drops and all is in turmoil when tragic news is learned. The remainder of the film deals with two young people, very much in love, dealing with very adult issues, the most painful of which is death. Throughout this movie, I kept thinking "God is on that young man's trail"!<br />
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Isn't that just like life? We go about thinking we're doing as we please, that all of our decisions affect no one but us. Then, something happens that reminds us of our connection to countless others. We step back and take account of our life and find that God has been running after us for most of our lives. His only desire is for us to find Him dear to our heart; to love Him the way He created us to; to love each other as we were created to.<br />
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God runs after us before we accept Him as our Savior because He wants us to accept the free gift of salvation Jesus Christ has paid for. We become Christians and He continues to run after us to convince us that it lies in our best interest to be committed to Him and to His way as we live our lives. <br />
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He has a purpose and plan for each of us. When we walk outside that plan, He runs after us to try to draw us in to the plan that will best glorify Him and give us joy and peace. Even when we're walking in His plan, He continues to run for us in order to bring us into more intimate relationship with Him, to draw us into Himself and into the depths of His love for us.<br />
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So often, we live very surface Christian lives because we refuse to give up what our friends, neighbors and/or family members might think of us if we become 'sold out' for the Lord. He pursues us, He guides us, He does all He can to entice us into that deeper relationship, yet we turn from it for our own selfish reasons.<br />
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Yet, in all of our confusion and downright rebellion, He continues to pursue us, running after us to remind us of the blessings we leave behind when we choose to walk away from a God that has, from the beginning, pursued His people and who will continue to do so until He calls us home.<br />
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When is the last time God ran ofter you? Can you identify it or did you run so hard from Him that you've forgotten what you were running from? For me, the last rebellion was a bout with grief that turned out to be not about grief at all, but about surrender...submission...letting go....trusting my Creator God to know what is best for me.<br />
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God is closing some doors in my life. Not necessarily places I should not be or go or even people I should or should not be in contact with. The most poignant has been a clear and definite instruction from God to put my wedding ring away. I fought that one hard! I felt as though putting my wedding ring away would feel like I didn't love Terry anymore or that I had forgotten all we shared. It does neither, rather it only opens my life for new directions and a new way of serving.<br />
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I thought I would not be able to be without my ring and determined that I just could not do that. Then, I began to forget to put my ring on before leaving my house. I would get half way to where I was going and find I had forgotten my ring. At first, I was so upset and almost turned around and headed back home just to get my ring. Something (God?) would not let me do so. <br />
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It doesn't make practical sense to me to put my ring away. I have loved Terry since I was 15-16 years old. What sense does it make to put my ring away now simply because he lives in heaven and I'm still here on earth? Frankly, I don't know. However, I have learned a thing or two about serving God. The first is that, God often does not make human sense. Why should He? He created me; why should the created expect the creator to explain himself to us? THAT makes no practical sense either, right? Right.<br />
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I don't always under stand His way, but I understand that He loves me and ALWAYS, ALWAYS does what is best for me and what will allow me to bring more honor to Him. Sometimes I forget that my purpose here is not to have a good time, or enjoy the ride. My purpose here to is accomplish the plan He has for my life. I don't know why wearing my wedding ring interfered with that, but it did. <br />
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So, I put my ring away. I don't know if this means never wear it again; but I know it means don't wear it for now. I don't like it; but I'm accepting it and I will like it because I am commanded to revere and honor the Lord.<br />
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-37" id="en-NLT-23884"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="versenum">37 </sup>Jesus replied, </span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-37"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="woj">“‘You must love the L<span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">ord</span> your God </span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-37"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">with all your heart, all your soul, </span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-37"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">and all your mind.’</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-38"><span style="font-size: large;"><sup class="versenum">38 </sup><span class="woj">This is the first </span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-38"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="woj">and greatest commandment.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span class="text Matt-22-38"><span class="woj"><span style="font-size: large;">Matthew 22:37-38 (NLT)</span></span></span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-49565089849517809812013-01-21T00:38:00.000-06:002013-01-21T00:40:36.690-06:00The Depths of Love<br />
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<em><strong>"You're an ignorant woman!" That was Terry's last words to me before he settled back into his chair to sleep this morning..........I was cut to the bone by the comment, but I quickly reminded myself that it was not Terry talking..........I wanted to sit down and cry, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. It's just the beginning of what could become a very long and drawn out path on his journey home.</strong></em> <br />
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Quotes from my blog post of January 21, 2009, The Journey Home...In The Beginning. Little did I know I was within five days of releasing Terry to heaven. It's been four years and I love him even more now than I did then. It's has not been an easy road, but it does get better as time passes. <br />
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I have been going through a difficult period and thought it was all about grief. It was not. It has been the Holy Spirit drawing me away to Himself, preparing me for the road ahead. Exactly what that road will look like, I do not know. I know this....wherever it takes me and whatever it includes, my Lord has a plan for me. I surrender myself to His plan, knowing that my soul is at rest in Him and that my future with Him is secure.<br />
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I will miss my husband until the day I see him again in heaven. However, death is but a time of waiting for me and a time of revelation for him. At the appointed time, I will have my own revelation of the fullness of who God is and all He has prepared for me. <br />
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I read something written by a 17 year old young woman earlier in the evening. She said that we search for love and long for it, yet we cannot see that not only is God love, God CREATED love. Wow! Now, that is wisdom for anyone at any age; for a 17 year old, that is witness that she has a heart surrendered to the Lord! Thank you to my friend and sister of the heart, Cheryl, for sharing what her niece had written. She is, indeed, an exceptional young woman!<br />
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So, I move forward one day at a time, knowing God loves me, that He created love just so we, also His creation, could know the depth of His desire for our relationship with Him.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Your love is a treasure,<br /><span class="text Ps-36-7">and everyone finds shelter</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-36-7">in the shadow of your wings.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-36-7">Psalm 36:7 (CEV)</span></span></span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-83525498469708397532013-01-18T22:51:00.000-06:002013-01-18T22:51:13.967-06:00Mercy<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F3ML_s0q6g/ULHaBs-HHcI/AAAAAAAABig/WtotIVPXKVI/s1600/AwesomeGodrain+down+on+me.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5F3ML_s0q6g/ULHaBs-HHcI/AAAAAAAABig/WtotIVPXKVI/s400/AwesomeGodrain+down+on+me.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hallelujah, grace like rain falls down on me.................<br />
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We talk about grace and mercy a lot in the Christian community. It is what Joyce Meyer often refers to as our 'Christian-eze', that language we speak that makes us feel superior, very anointed, yet is so often not understood by those who need Jesus the most. With that in mind, I would like us to think about mercy and just exactly what mercy is.<br />
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MERCY:<br />
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Noun</div>
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<li class="vk_txt" style="list-style-type: decimal;">Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm;</li>
<li class="vk_txt" style="list-style-type: decimal;">An event to be grateful for, esp. because its occurrence prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering.</li>
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Synonyms</div>
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<tr><td>pity - compassion - clemency - grace - charity </td></tr>
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You will note that grace is a synonym of mercy as thus defined in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary. As we consider these definitions, what can we glean about God as He offers us mercy?<br />
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Compassion or forgiveness offered to someone over whom one has the power to inflict punishment or harm. That certainly defines our relationship in regards to God. He is our creator and has the power and right to punish us or harm us at His will. Yet, from the beginning, He has gone beyond what would humanly be considered reasonable to offer us compassion and forgiveness.<br />
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In the garden, with a perfect paradise surrounding them, Adam and Eve chose sin over obedience. In spite of that blatant act of disobedience, God offered a way of repentance and redemption, a way of restoration for Adam and Eve in their relationship with God. The God who gave them life, who provided their every need, was willfully disobeyed yet it was this same God who reached out to Adam and Eve in restoration. What an amazing act of mercy from the very beginning!<br />
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Mankind continued their willing walk away from the God who created them, who loved them so unconditionally. Every imagination of their heart was sinful. Of all mankind, only one man could be found faithful, Noah. Because of Noah's faithfulness and obedience, he and his family were chosen by God to play the role of the redeemer of mankind. Noah, his wife, three sons and three daughters-in-law were the only individuals of the human race allowed to survive the Great Flood. From their line sprang the new line of humanity that re-populated the earth.<br />
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The scarlet thread of redemption continued through the ages and the lineage of Hebrew people. Moses, who was the prince of Egypt by purpose and the redeemer of the Israelite people by plan. David who was the child king of the Hebrew people, who was a man after God's own heart, who was offered redemption after willful sins and who became the father of the lineage of Jesus Christ.<br />
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Esther who became the redeemer of her people by marrying the Babylonian king and walking in a manner that might seem contrary to God's law to us, but which was ordained by God Himself as a way to redeem and restore His people. Deborah, the judge, who walked out before the Hebrew army and proclaimed the way of the Lord for her people and led them to victory, again in what might seem contrary to God's will, but so obviously in the very center of His mercy.<br />
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All the way to a pure young virgin named Mary, who heard from the angel and submitted herself to God's perfect will and His seemingly strange plan. And Joseph, a young man who loved Mary and had been promised her as his bride. Who accepted God's strange plan and submitted to God's will, who loved our Savior as his own son while all along knowing he was the Son of the Most High God.<br />
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Then there is Jesus Christ, the living Son of the Most High God; Immanuel, Counselor, Redeemer, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A man who was at once God and man; who knew no sin, but knew every temptation mankind can face. A man or sorrows and acquainted with grief, yet who walked the streets of heaven both before and after his time here. Who now awaits the opportunity to welcome His bride home. Who bore my sin in His body; who knew death and the grave so that I might never have to experience the sting of death. <br />
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Above and beyond the mercy of salvation, are the manifold ways God bestows mercy on me every day of my life. Blessings of peace and contentment in even the most trying of times; a loving family who watches over me; faithful and true friends who pray for me and encourage me; financial supply for my daily needs and many of my desires; His Word to guide me as I go and give me encouragement and hope....the list goes on and on.<br />
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MERCY....unwarranted favor from someone who has the power to punish and/or cause pain yet who chooses to give forgiveness and restoration; who gives blessings to numerous to count... THAT is JESUS to ME!<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><sup>22 </sup>The faithful love of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> never ends!<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-20353a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203:22-25&version=NLT;NIRV;CEV#fen-NLT-20353a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-22">His mercies never cease.</span></span><br /><span class="text Lam-3-23" id="en-NLT-20354"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>Great is his faithfulness;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-23">his mercies begin afresh each morning.</span></span><br /><span class="text Lam-3-24" id="en-NLT-20355"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>I say to myself, “The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my inheritance;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-24">therefore, I will hope in him!”</span></span> </span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Lam-3-25" id="en-NLT-20356"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good to those who depend on him,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-25">to those who search for him.</span></span></span></strong></div>
<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-20353a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup><br />
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<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NLT-20353a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lamentations%203:22-25&version=NLT;NIRV;CEV#fen-NLT-20353a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup>Hebrew reads <i>of the L<span class="small-caps">ord</span> keeps us from destruction.</i></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Lamentations 3:22-25 (NLT)</span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-56060987401270300662013-01-15T18:06:00.001-06:002013-01-15T18:06:53.988-06:00Barren...or Dormant?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A time of unfruitfulness can be beautiful <br />
if you know the secret to loving that season.</td></tr>
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I wonder if you've ever been in what you considered a dry and barren land; a time of life when there seemed to be no justice, no sense of fairness, when it felt as though the whole world was resplendent with blessing and your were alone with none. Your dreams had fallen apart. Your plans had become nothing more than disappointing daggers of doubt to your soul. The wicked seemed to flourish even as you gave your best and had no reward whatsoever.<br />
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I have just lived one of those times. Why God, why? When God, when? How God, how? Where God, where? Just let me in on your plan, God; just let me in! Lost in despair and feeling as though there could never be light or blossoming again.<br />
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Then, I began a study in Habakkuk. It was not what I wanted to hear, but listen I must because I knew that's what God wanted me to hear at that time. We were coming up on a study of the Minor Prophets in our Sunday Connect Group and I had decided to do some study on them in preparation. Habakkuk help my rapt attention. I could not turn away. I woke from sleep during the middle of the night knowing in my spirit that I must read Habakkuk. Over and over again I read.<br />
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The Holy Spirit began to show me things that I still do not have freedom in my spirit to share. Perhaps someday I will; or perhaps what I learned was intended for no on but me. Time will tell. I do know that the verses quoted below became almost like a battle cry for me. I can't see it right now, but I will praise the Lord anyway! <br />
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Sometimes, the real beauty lies within the barren season. What would spring be like without the winter? Are my barren seasons really barren, or only dormant? They are definitively separate things. Barren is defined as unfruitful or unproductive, dormant is defined as latent but with the possibility of becoming active again. I am only barren if I allow the enemy to make me see myself that way.<br />
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The last sentence of this book says "<span class="text Hab-3-19">He makes me as surefooted as a deer, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19">able to tread upon the heights." I WILL tread the heights, both here and hereafter! Incredible opportunities have been opened to me; opportunities that I never dreamed could be available to me. I was not prepared to feel worthy of those opportunities. I had to reach the realization that, although nothing I do makes me worthy, the fact that I am a child of the King of Kings makes me worthy of every blessing He places in my life. </span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19">Through a series of adversities that have been in my life since childhood and moving forward, I had taught myself to feel 'lesser than' and completely unworthy. Every time I lost something or someone important to me, I knew I deserved to lose that. Habakkuk taught me a valuable lesson about what I deserve. I can look more objectively at my life now and realize that, when Jesus said the rain falls on the just and the unjust, He was not referring me when He referred to the 'unjust'. Honestly, I am 55 years old and I have just come to that realization. I knew in my head, my heart did not know, could not accept that fact.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19">I am the JUST because Jesus lives in me. I deserve the blessings He places in my life because I love Him and He lives in me. I will tread the heights as I make this trip home because He lives in me.</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and there are no grapes on the vines;</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">even though the olive crop fails,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and the fields lie empty and barren;</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-17">even though the flocks die in the fields,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-17">and the cattle barns are empty,</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-18" id="en-NLT-22763">yet I will rejoice in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-18">I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!</span></span><br /><span class="text Hab-3-19" id="en-NLT-22764">The Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my strength!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-19">He makes me as surefooted as a deer,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Hab-3-19">able to tread upon the heights.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Hab-3-19">Habakkuk 3: 17-19 (NLT)</span></span></span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7736178725964366144.post-90884365115493382252013-01-13T00:06:00.000-06:002013-01-13T00:06:02.538-06:00Thy Word.........<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14"></span></span></span></strong> </div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">I worship you<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-10">with all my heart.</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-10">Don’t let me walk away</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-10">from your commands.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-119-11" id="en-CEV-14103">I treasure your word</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-11">above all else;</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-11">it keeps me from sinning</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-11">against you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-119-12" id="en-CEV-14104">I praise you, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>!</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-12">Teach me your laws.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-119-12">Psalm 119:10-12 (CEV)</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Keep your servant from deliberate sins!<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-13">Don’t let them control me.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-19-13">Then I will be free of guilt</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-13">and innocent of great sin.</span></span> </span></strong></span></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-19-14" id="en-NLT-14159"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>May the words of my mouth</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-14">and the meditation of my heart</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-19-14">be pleasing to you,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-14">O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my rock and my redeemer.</span></span></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-14">Psalm 19:13-14 (NLT)</span></span></span></strong></div>
Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12608123533919730726noreply@blogger.com2