tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24564871904219780302024-03-21T07:12:47.629-07:00Grace Rediscoveredgracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-26182852367201329852024-01-20T08:31:00.000-08:002024-02-09T12:44:41.627-08:00Just Ask<p> <br /></p><p> No matter how deep your sins are they can be forgiven and washed away by the Lord.</p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>You can be made pure again.</p><p>Though you sins are like scarlet they can be white as the snow. Isaiah 1:18<span style="background-color: #ead1dc;"></span><br /></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i> Just ask....</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>ask Him and He will do it</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>Just surrender....</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>surrender the sin and He will take it</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>Just receive....</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>receive the free gift </i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>of salvation</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>of freedom</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>of life</i></p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>of deliverance.</i></p><p>For God so loved you and me that He gave His only son so that if we believe in Him we shall not perish but have everlasting life.</p><p style="margin-left: 200px; text-align: left;"><i>Just ask...</i><br /></p>gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-57706639991939597872016-10-20T10:33:00.001-07:002016-10-20T10:36:43.831-07:00Thank God for Nose Hairs!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“I think of myself as a nose hair,” Susan said and all the
ladies burst out laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I chuckled
too as she described her part of the body of Christ, but inside I was thinking:
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nose Hairs are Important!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We were having testimony time at our woman’s retreat and
Susan was telling of God’s power to raise her off of her sick bed two years
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is getting around now and
spreading her joy to others but she is homebound. She relayed to us how she was
feeling bad that she was not able, at this time, to help people out with her
nursing skills anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had
told her she had something very important she could still do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could pray and intercede for those
in need.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">When I was told that the chemo drugs I would be taking would
cause me to lose my hair, I thought about the hair on my head and my eyebrows
and eyelashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never really
thought about how much hair we have all over our bodies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But eventually I lost all of it – yes
even my nose hairs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Now, losing nose hairs may not seem like a big deal, (unless
of course you need one of those nose hair clippers to keep yours under control.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the first time I stood up and a big
drip came running down and out my nose I discovered that nose hairs
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first I had no clue
what was going on with the drippy nose- just figured it was some new side
effect from the chemo drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
thanks to the Internet I discovered that nose hairs not only protect us from
dirt going into your sinuses but also catch any leaks coming out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quickly learned to have a tissue on
me at all times for those unannounced, unpredictable drips, and to never take
those nose hairs for granted!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">But back to testimony time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I maybe should have stood up after Susan testified and
declared the importance of nose hairs to our body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I want to declare it now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Nose Hairs
you are important!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">God has so wonderfully made our bodies that every single
part is precious and important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course the same is true of the body of Christ – his people - all put together
so wonderfully - each person so precious and so important to the function of
the whole body.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I am so thankful for the nose hairs in my life –yes for
those that are now back in my nose and those (if Susan is correct in her
assessment) who pray. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">A pastor–friend recently said to me “You are a walking
miracle!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I know in God’s
graciousness he has healed me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“There were so many people praying for you,” he went on to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, because of prayer chains, there
were people all over the country praying for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some were close friends and relatives, but others were
people I will never meet in this lifetime, but people who took time to lift me
up before the Healer, the great Deliverer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">So for Susan and nose hairs everywhere I want to say, “Thank
you!” Thank you for catching the drips and keeping out the dirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for making the whole body stronger
and keeping it healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We all can
pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all can praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all can bless another.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">No matter
how you see yourself, you are important and </span><i style="font-size: 11pt;">what
you do matters!</i></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-53601197557443283812016-02-02T11:10:00.001-08:002016-02-02T11:10:35.912-08:00Groundhog Day 2016 - No Shadow for Phil!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1JKqiJP2Ph1PzSG7AyfsWwjWFqe-qMjOIPiZR3dKLdsojgWX4JyH8y1B3GWCBQVuuGgELaZEnl6nkJkjh4r7q1ZTGfFfClWSBjjukZW7oKSQNVkVJDVEtPjfYH6WDw87upM8Z6xesq8/s1600/ground+hog+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1JKqiJP2Ph1PzSG7AyfsWwjWFqe-qMjOIPiZR3dKLdsojgWX4JyH8y1B3GWCBQVuuGgELaZEnl6nkJkjh4r7q1ZTGfFfClWSBjjukZW7oKSQNVkVJDVEtPjfYH6WDw87upM8Z6xesq8/s320/ground+hog+day.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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Groundhog Day 2016<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>- No Shadow for Phil!</div>
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Punxsy Phil doesn’t see a shadow and neither should we!</div>
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I’m not talking about an early spring here -although that
would be great! I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">am</i> talking about
not retreating into our cozy den when phantom shadows appear.</div>
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This idea of shadows has been bouncing around my head for
the last month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today seems
the perfect day for it to emerge out of the of the portal of my mind and have
some light shine on it!</div>
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It all started when I read these words from Ann Voskamp in her advent devotional. “And once the light of Christ shatters your dark,
shadows forever flee your shadowlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s no going back and living in the dark; you live in the
impenetrable, safe Light of light, and Christmas never ends for you.” <sup>1<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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Wow! Christ <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">has</i>
shattered my darkness and transported me from the kingdom of darkness into the
Kingdom of Light but sometimes I feel like there are still shadows
lurking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?</div>
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Shadows can come from many things: past pain,
disappointments, rejection, betrayal, addictions or even sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shadows of fear of failure, inadequacy
and lack can meet you at every turn. They may have you retreating into your
cozy den: scared to try something new, or afraid to take the next step.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes if shadows persist long
enough they become a shadowland and you just resign yourself to live there. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But whatever your shadows are, and
however they got there, when they are brought into the Light of God’s presence
they will vanish. </div>
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If I am looking directly into the light I cannot see any
shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is only when I turn my
back to the Light or turn to the side that shadows appear. When I look to
Christ, the Light of the world, and focus on Him I will not see shadows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I need to look ahead and not
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to put past
failures, mistakes and sins behind me and quit dragging them into each New
Year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are in the past and I
can move ahead unencumbered when I leave them there. As written in Isaiah I
need to forget the former things and open my eyes and see the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">new</i> thing God is doing.<sup>2<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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Remember the good.
Forget the bad.</div>
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Turn toward the light
and the shadows will disappear.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So is it as easy as just turning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And how do I turn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes it is not easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You need others to help. You need others to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting into God's word, and meditating
on His promises is a great first step.<sup>3</sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise is also a great way to get refocused and turned
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Spending time magnifying
the Lord, remembering His faithfulness, and sharing His love with others will
go far in keeping you in the light. <sup>4<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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Today is a new
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a new year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things can be different.</div>
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Don’t let the shadows
of yesterday's failures paralyze you or drag you down.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Look up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Follow Jesus the Light of the World.<sup>5<o:p></o:p></sup></div>
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<u><sup>1 </sup>The Greatest Gift</u> -Ann Voskamp pgs. 139,
140</div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">2 </span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">(Isaiah 43:18-19) </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“Forget
the former things; do not dwell on the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not
perceive it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am making a way in
the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> (Isaiah 43:18-19) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">3 (</span></sup><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119:105&version=NKJV"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Psalm 119:105</span></a>) <span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Your word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a lamp to my
feet and a light to my path. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">4 </span></sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">(1 John 1:7) </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">But if
we live in the light, as God is in the light, we can share fellowship with each
other. Then the blood of Jesus, God’s Son, cleanses us from every sin.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<sup>5</sup> (John 8:12<span class="woj">) </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus said</i>: “I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light
of life.”</div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-35572095629653232572015-11-13T06:24:00.001-08:002015-11-13T06:24:55.234-08:00Grace Rediscovered: Thanksgiving Joy<a href="http://gracerediscovered.blogspot.com/2015/11/thanksgiving-joy.html?spref=bl">Grace Rediscovered: Thanksgiving Joy</a>: My neighbor Mary crosses the street. I put down my leaf rake, and she gives me a great big bear hug. She has been praying for me for the p...gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-27588775016681194242015-11-13T06:23:00.000-08:002015-11-13T06:23:25.204-08:00Thanksgiving Joy<div class="MsoNormal">
My neighbor Mary crosses the street. I put down my leaf
rake, and she gives me a great big bear hug. She has been praying for me for the past three years.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“How are you doing? How are your check-ups?” she asks.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Three years now-cancer free!” I say smiling from ear to
ear. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We continue catching up when she just suddenly blurts out, “
Well aren’t you a happy thing!”</div>
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The words come out of nowhere and I can’t imagine why she
said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that </i>precisely at that moment,
but as we talk about Thanksgiving plans and catch up on our families, the words
stick in my head.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Later when I’m folding laundry it really hits me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I AM HAPPY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, really honestly happy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I feel like I could just burst and out of me would
come pink and purple flowers, rainbows, peace signs and hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kidding of course but you get the
picture.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I ‘m a little surprised myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past I have always felt a certain melancholy but
lately joy is pushing up and obviously enough that Mary noticed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This thankfulness I’ve been practicing has fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>JOY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m beaming now with the thought of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>OK I admit it. I am a big Ann Voskamp
fan and through her words I have been inspired to look at things
differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning how to
be thankful in all things and see the beauty that is all around me if I just
look with eyes wide opened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Yes I’ve been busy planting seeds and I didn’t even know it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeds of thankfulness and now the fruit
is coming – ready to share with others.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s more than just the writing of thanks and this new perspective;
it’s also the atmospheric conditions that are making them grow. (Did I just use
that big word?) The practice of thankfulness has been leading me into His
presence (Psalm 100:4) and in His presence is fullness of Joy! (Psalm 16:11) It
is His presence that brings the swelling fullness that just flows over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You were just having a good day you might say, and I might
agree, except now I know every day is a good day. Each day that I live on this
earth is a gift from God to see and experience His beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A day to crawl up in His lap and
experience His goodness, to bask in His glorious presence and let the seeds
grow!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Each day in every situation we get to choose to grumble or
to give thanks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What kind of seeds will you plant?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Enter his gates with
thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Give thanks to him; bless his name! <i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Psalm 100:4 (ESV)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span>You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;">
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. <i><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Psalm 16: 11(ESV)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
“God is happiest of all. Joy is God’s life.”<sup>1</sup></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1</span></sup><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ann Voskamp</span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">pg. 86 <u>One Thousand Gifts
Devotional<o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-53324194994451250732015-10-09T07:35:00.000-07:002015-10-09T07:35:47.743-07:00Covered<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="textps-91-4">He will cover you with his feathers, </span><span class="indent-1-breaks">and</span><span class="textps-91-4"> under his wings you will find refuge; </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="indent-1-breaks">his</span><span class="textps-91-4"> faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. (</span>Psalm 91:4) </i></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
A fledgling was stuck in our driveway next to the drainpipe
that would soon be gushing water from the steady rain that had begun late that
Saturday afternoon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier that day I heard the mother and father squawking at
their little one who had gotten itself into a less than ideal spot. Down in our
driveway the poor little guy was not able to rise above the four-foot wall that
had him trapped and I wasn’t sure what to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long he had been stuck there? Was he injured?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if a neighborhood cat stalked by
and was looking for some easy pickings’?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Should I intervene? Pick up the poor thing, lift him over the wall and
place him in the soft grass?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stood there close to him trying to decide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I touched him would his parents disown him? (This
is what my mom always told us.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if I wore gloves and then gathered him up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would he smell like the earth I’d been
digging in instead of my own human scent and then he’d be welcomed back into
the family?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The concern soon got the best of me. I was going to pick him
up with my garden gloves, but then I got a check in my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "</span>Leave him alone," is what I thought I
heard in my spirit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">God had been speaking
to me recently about letting Him take control of my own “baby”(who is now a
full grown adult!) – and I was struggling. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to intervene, to steer him in the right direction,
to pick him up and put him in a place where the grass is soft and he
would be safe.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the rain got harder the mother flew down and nudged the
little one to higher ground above the drainpipe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was sitting part way on him guarding against him being
carried away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The downpour
continued and though the drainpipe was gushing water, the birds were safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t need to intervene after
all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The situation was under
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Ok Lord I hear you.
You’ve got everything under control.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God spoke to me a third time at church that Sunday through
Pastor Bob’s sermon. Don’t you love how God is so faithful to continue to speak
to us even though we are so slow to learn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like God said to me: "Just like the little bird the
other day, you don’t need to do anything; I’ve got this covered- quit
interfering."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Had I been interfering
with God’s plan for my son, playing the Holy Spirit? <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I saw the little bird looking helpless it was hard for me
to resist the urge to help him out of his mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are times when I should help my children out, but
there are other times, when even though the situation looks bad, if the Holy
Spirit prompts me to stay back and don’t intervene, I need to obey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just as Pastor Bob preached, I need to remember that:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
God has a plan for my child</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I am not God</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Don’t play the Holy Spirit</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
God has no grandchildren*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Each of us needs to decide on our own whether to accept
God’s gift of sonship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
much as we want that for our children (and God desires it even more), we cannot
make that choice for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
to daily release our children to God so that He can be the one who swoops down
and covers them with His wings. God’s got it covered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The little bird eventually flew
up on the car, then all the way over the wall into the soft grass – safe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6TB6JAoXbSJtkMF3Hihk-hmALx8UESrjrRoDzxUpnDhORuS36CTFaWjDUL4OP3n88mP0KkPWr4JX8KmtZ5gmkodEYWVYM6gR2Kb-KfpotYnxuKAZT34998FmhJXmbYdXhVZRR1mFC4/s1600/bird+on+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqL6TB6JAoXbSJtkMF3Hihk-hmALx8UESrjrRoDzxUpnDhORuS36CTFaWjDUL4OP3n88mP0KkPWr4JX8KmtZ5gmkodEYWVYM6gR2Kb-KfpotYnxuKAZT34998FmhJXmbYdXhVZRR1mFC4/s200/bird+on+car.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom and baby</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXvL_wQPemBmHRqGQiyawBbIJOdMRF0eG0dW4HhRs1xL5ORh-nXnYQwgaVa8cl2a8peWNwNsLL6qnAG67_h82KqcQy4n9ZPGtHXNLivGOWCKNZkETpWSr8RTVjq7930oIE4CelGiCptY/s1600/fledgling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjXvL_wQPemBmHRqGQiyawBbIJOdMRF0eG0dW4HhRs1xL5ORh-nXnYQwgaVa8cl2a8peWNwNsLL6qnAG67_h82KqcQy4n9ZPGtHXNLivGOWCKNZkETpWSr8RTVjq7930oIE4CelGiCptY/s200/fledgling.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fledgling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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*<a href="http://mag.sermon.net/mc/main/main/20408948#.VWxxwVEuP9g.facebook">http://mag.sermon.net/mc/main/main/20408948#.VWxxwVEuP9g.facebook</a>gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-12556996692578221572015-09-30T07:58:00.000-07:002015-09-30T07:58:20.129-07:00Just Say NO!<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<span id="goog_462441362"></span><span id="goog_462441363"></span><br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydZIqLYvH3e6AlmuxU8YsjCixyw7GOjVbnF3r9aq1LeonsTlYRSw8o_i60No_wTTJUVaKpc76LHPwxW0Y9XQXqstRVkcDQBfYSHlGYG7MIqwoxd7AwDEyJb0xzIbBsruRVkk8gCX1zKk/s1600/11174727_938600089512985_4983808829622628438_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiydZIqLYvH3e6AlmuxU8YsjCixyw7GOjVbnF3r9aq1LeonsTlYRSw8o_i60No_wTTJUVaKpc76LHPwxW0Y9XQXqstRVkcDQBfYSHlGYG7MIqwoxd7AwDEyJb0xzIbBsruRVkk8gCX1zKk/s320/11174727_938600089512985_4983808829622628438_o.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Levi our big golden retriever had just been neutered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a bit more of an operation than
normal for that procedure and so I was already concerned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was so drugged up he slept right
through the first night. The next morning however, we soon realized he would
need to wear the “cone of shame” so that he would not bother his stitches. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was not allowed to run free in
the backyard, as he is accustomed to doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to walk him around so that he could go to the
bathroom. He seemed to be fine but then after about 10 hours I realized he hadn’t
gone to the bathroom….<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">at all</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had been eating and drinking just fine. So I began
fretting, praying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could be
wrong? My mind started buzzing. I put a call into the vet but while I waited
for their return call back I researched on the Internet all the scary results
of not peeing and began worrying some more. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I walk him again and again. Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind was spinning by now. By the
time Phil got home from work I could barely think straight! However, wise and
patient man that he is, he clearly saw through all the muddle I had
created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Levi couldn’t properly
smell with his cone on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I had not even thought of this.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course! Dogs sniff around first to
prompt them to do their business. Phil removed the cone, walked him, and after
a while Tada! Pee!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OH HOW FOOLISH I FELT, AND HOW FOOLISH I WAS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much time had I spent
unproductively worrying that Levi’s kidneys might burst or that something serious
might be wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just recently finished the bible study “Breathe” by
one of my favorite teachers, Priscilla Shirer. Through the study she showed how
the Sabbath principle should be a lifestyle that enables us to “steer clear of
bondage.” The Hebrew word for Sabbath is Shabbat, which means to cease, to
stop, to pause, to come to an end. God used the study to show me a few areas in
my life that needed a Sabbath. Tendencies to take on too many things just
because I couldn’t say “No”(been there?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>and being too much of a perfectionist on projects were just a few.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But now I believe I saw a greater and
deeper area that needed Sabbath rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My mind.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see it clearer now- the slave I can be to thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bound by worry or indecision – how sad
and unnecessary. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is easy to
revert to this unproductive way of thinking because I have allowed it for so
long. But now I am determined with God’s grace and help to JUST SAY NO (to
worrying). Take a Sabbath from over thinking everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ENOUGH IS ENOUGH (let it go -quit ruminating)
I guess it really comes down to trust – if I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">really</i> trust God then I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i>
rest in him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From decisions as simple as what to make for dinner or as
complicated as what to do in this season of my life. When my mind starts
spinning, I need to stop. Breathe! Just say No- I’m not going there. Enough is
enough! Then I can pray and release my concern to God, who loves me in my
muddling and ruminating, but who desires to see me living a life that is free-
resting in Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> It is for
freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let
yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-1220885575776871182015-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:002015-09-08T08:42:04.161-07:00Words of Life<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in June
2012. Besides being shocked,
because I had felt fine until a few weeks earlier, I felt that I just wasn’t a
strong enough person to go through what I knew was ahead. My mother had passed away just 3 years
earlier from uterine cancer and I knew some of what she went through.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had seen God’s faithfulness many times before and knew he would be
with me every step of the way on this cancer journey. His word had always been
precious to me, but it became something that would truly be a lifeline. From the
beginning and still today the following verses have given me courage.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="textphil-4-13"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I can
do all things through Christ<sup> </sup>who strengthens me.</i></b></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(</span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Philip. 4:13)</span></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My
grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” For
when I am weak, then I am strong.</i></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">(</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">2
Cor.12: 9-10)</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God’s word encourages us, and gives us peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I laid in intensive care after
surgery, still groggy from the drugs, barely able to talk or move, my sweet
daughter Danielle read soothing words from the Psalms that calmed my spirit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I got home from the hospital my dear friend Dianne,
along with bringing meals, brought me a blue notebook that I treasure to this
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In it she wrote out bible
verses and inserted my name in each of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I poured over those scriptures daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with my strong husband, the blue
notebook became a faithful companion during my chemo sessions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Words are powerful. Proverbs 18:21 says that </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>Death and life are in the
power of the tongue</b></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">.</span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> God’s word brings life, but I would come to realize that
negative words have power too.<br /> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">During my recovery, a well-meaning friend
who had also had ovarian cancer called and relayed one negative thing after
another that happened to her during her cancer journey. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I hung up the phone I felt terrible!
I felt bad for her, but I also started feeling terrible inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew right then that I </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">could not</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> let
that negativity get into my spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I needed to shift my thinking and as Philippians 4:8 instructs us: </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b>think
on things that are pure, lovely and a good report.</b><br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">There are many ways to get God’s living word
in your life; words that will encourage, bring peace and give life. Everyday open
up the bible and read His precious promises. You may even want to start your
own blue notebook. Bible Gateway
is a great place to search for scriptures on whatever you need. There are many
great devotionals out there too. A
few that really spoke to me through the cancer journey were <i>Jesus Calling</i> and <i>Jesus Today</i> by Sarah Young and Ann Voskamp’s<i> One Thousand Gifts Devotional</i>.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This month I am celebrating 3 years with NED – No Evidence
of Disease- healed, as I like to say! I am so grateful to God and am thankful
each day for life. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My daughter Danielle, granddaughter Sophie and yours truly celebrating God's faithfulness!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Whatever struggle you
are going through, let God’s word fill you.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His words bring life.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-para-margin-bottom: .01gd; mso-para-margin-left: 0in; mso-para-margin-right: 0in; mso-para-margin-top: .01gd;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></sup></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">He
sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Psalm 107:20 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-32369951745995313902015-05-14T07:01:00.000-07:002015-05-14T07:03:50.984-07:00Join the Dance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Arms in mid flight</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Body twirling in
delight</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My little Sophie
spins</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
In every picture of
her I see it -Hands never all the way down.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My little butterfly-
always ready to take off and fly.</div>
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Carefree- Happy</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Where does the dance go? As we get older why does the twirling stop?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As dearly loved children, we start out life knowing that we
are accepted and loved just the way we are- knowing that our parents will take
care of us– that all of our needs would be met. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then we grow up. We get schooled.
We become wise. We can do things ourselves. The cares of life take up residence,
make our hands hang low and the dance slows or stops altogether.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus said, <span class="woj"><i>“Unless you change and become like little children, you will never
enter the kingdom of heaven.”</i> Matt. 18:3</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to be free again like a little child, trusting and
knowing that our heavenly father dearly loves us and that he will always do
what’s best for us. A small child
is dependent on their parents for everything. We need to depend on our Abba Daddy for everything! HE is our provider, our protector, our
shield, our deliverer, our healer, our savior, our redeemer, and our
counselor. He holds our lives in His
hands. He has got everything under control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe you entered the kingdom of God with childlike faith,
but somewhere along the line, you got schooled- became wise- thought that you
were big enough to handle things on your own. I know I sometimes find myself there. Not truly living in the freedom that is
ours. </div>
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<br /></div>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;">
<span class="textgal-5-1"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Christ
has set us free to live a free life.</span></i></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><i><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> Galatians</span></i></span><span class="passage-display-bcv"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> 5:1</span></span><span class="passage-display-version"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">(MSG) </span></span></h1>
<h1 style="margin: 0.1pt 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">I
want to live there- totally free- totally trusting- able to dance and fly.</span></h1>
<div class="first-line-nonechapter-1" style="margin-bottom: .1pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: .1pt;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Child like faith</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Child like wonder</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Mountains to climb</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Dragons to slay</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Princesses to save</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Worlds to conquer</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Oh what Freedom</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Oh what joy!</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Let the dance begin!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<i>For
all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not
receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a
spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba!<sup> </sup>Father!” <sup> </sup>It
is that very Spirit bearing witness<sup> </sup>with our spirit that we are children
of God,<sup> </sup>and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint
heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be
glorified with him. Roman 8:14-17<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br />gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-14957212035298794132015-04-17T13:03:00.000-07:002015-04-17T13:03:06.089-07:00Shake a Leg!A typical Pittsburgh day has me in a funk. The gray seems to suck the energy out of me. Nothing is wrong, just feeling kind of yuck. Oh how I want to lay down and just take a short nap. The dog had us up at 5:30 AGAIN but I fight the urge and start dinner. <br />
<br />
I have the "Open Sky" CD by IONA playing. 15 years old, but it has been musically inspiring me again. So I chop the vegetables for our chili and sing along while I gaze out the kitchen window. Still gray and getting grayer. Even looks like the rain may be coming. Can't seem to rise above the pushed down feeling.<br />
<br />
The next song starts with the uilleann pipes playing a celtic melody and it sounds the way I imagine Ireland looks. Green and lush. The tempo picks up and I sway as I continue to chop. Soon the music is swelling and I have to get rid of the knife in my hands. I am doing a clog dance in the kitchen - picture Riverdance- straight body and feet flying. Well not exactly but the heaviness is lifting the more I dance the more my energy is restored. I look out the window. There is a break in the clouds and the sun is shining through. God's little reminder to me. Praise Him - the joy will follow!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let them praise his name with <i><b>dancing</b></i></div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-149-3">and make music to him with timbrel and harp. (</span></span>Psalm 149:3)</div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-150-1" id="en-NIV-16396" style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Psalm 150</i></span></h3>
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-150-1"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16396A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16396A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Praise God in his sanctuary;</div>
<span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-150-1">praise him in his mighty heavens.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-150-2" id="en-NIV-16397"><div style="text-align: center;">
Praise him for his acts of power;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-150-2">praise him for his surpassing greatness.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-150-3" id="en-NIV-16398"><div style="text-align: center;">
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-150-3">praise him with the harp and lyre,</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-150-4" id="en-NIV-16399"><div style="text-align: center;">
praise him with timbrel and<i><b> dancing,</b></i></div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-150-4">praise him with the strings<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16399I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16399I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup> and pipe,</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-150-5" id="en-NIV-16400"><div style="text-align: center;">
<sup class="versenum"> </sup>praise him with the clash of cymbals,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-150-5">praise him with resounding cymbals.</span></div>
</span></div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-150-6" id="en-NIV-16401">Let everything<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-16401L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-16401L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> that has breath praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-05">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-150-6"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgzVSrIROEc">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgzVSrIROEc</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-70685253817997990492015-03-20T11:31:00.000-07:002015-03-22T13:31:08.794-07:00Taken Away<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was out stomping around the backyard a few days ago.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Between the dog and the winter, the
backyard was looking pretty nasty – until today.</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Snow ushered in the 1<sup>st</sup> day of Spring and now the
yard was covered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The white
blanket hiding all the ugliness; all the yard’s imperfections simply gone! Tomorrow
however, when it reaches near 60 degrees, the blights will reappear again, for
they were never taken away, just hidden from my eyes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How grateful I am that God doesn’t just cover our sins like
that blanket of snow hiding the mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He completely removes them. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He has
removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west </i>(Psalm 103:12)
East never meets west so they are gone forever. Once we have repented and asked
for forgiveness, how silly to take those sins back and claim them again as our
own. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sweet friend shared a story of a woman who had been very
ill but now was healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
wrestled, as I sometimes do, with the thought of the illness reoccurring. God
asked her why she was stealing from Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stealing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t
believe her ears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Lord I would
never steal from you!” she cried out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In her spirit He spoke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have taken that sickness, my child, in my own body – don’t take it away from me –
that would be stealing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I heard the story it pierced my heart – had I been doing
the same thing?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had never thought of sickness being taken away in the same
way I had thought of sin being taken away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taken away for good never to haunt me again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I think about it, weren’t all those people who were
healed by Jesus in the bible healed permanently? Yes! They weren’t just healed
for a season- they were healed for good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I have learned to not take my sin back, but to leave it
at the cross with Jesus, I need to learn to never take cancer back but leave it
with Him. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He has graciously taken it in his battered and tortured
body, and even though "worry thoughts" may come, I need to take those thought
captive and remember. He has taken it all.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taken it all away.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All sin.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All sickness.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In exchange He has given me new life
and I want to live each day </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">taken away</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
by Him.</span></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-53332414367957373432015-01-12T09:12:00.003-08:002015-01-12T09:12:53.967-08:00Begin Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLj1W4JvWL2yoYeveW1TyIUl0mcqUr6z5qiQGPhaydJgmkNczzvwlu32_aHRsz_HZGYUNi13RVG7MAgoJE_5NEkfwMpTRx3xUtxHLrz9evsDVrMLOsQKo5dIMFj7oi5ToG_ksEYg0Q68/s1600/new.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLj1W4JvWL2yoYeveW1TyIUl0mcqUr6z5qiQGPhaydJgmkNczzvwlu32_aHRsz_HZGYUNi13RVG7MAgoJE_5NEkfwMpTRx3xUtxHLrz9evsDVrMLOsQKo5dIMFj7oi5ToG_ksEYg0Q68/s1600/new.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
They come out holding signs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Signs of who they were and who they have become</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of what held them back and now what pushes them on</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Signs of their past and of their future</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Imprisoned / Set Free</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Timid / Bold</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Lost / Found</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Unloved / Loved</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Addicted / Clean</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rejected / Accepted</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
me / Him</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The newly added chorus of Amazing Grace fills the church as
they walk across the stage bearing their signs of the struggle and flipping the
sign to show the victory Christ has given them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My chains are gone</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’ve been set free</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
My God, my savior has
ransomed me</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And like a flood his
mercy reigns</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Unending love,
amazing grace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wells burst forth inside of me </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wells of joy and gratitude</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The tears pouring so fast I can’t keep my face dry</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some of those bearing signs I know -Some are strangers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to shout it out</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes this one is me! - And that one that just crossed the
stage is me too!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh how I related to that one - and oh I’ve also had that
struggle before</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Healing - Hope - Starting Over -
Beginning Again</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the start of this New Year it is good to remember that we
can have a fresh start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter what our past- in Christ we can begin again. He makes all things new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is
forgotten, and everything is new.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">2 Corinthians 5:17(CEV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Not that I have already obtained all this, or have
already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which
Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself
yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and
straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for
which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus</i><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>.</i></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> Philippians 3:12-14(NIV)</span></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-24922724060081922832014-12-06T13:20:00.000-08:002014-12-06T13:20:09.045-08:00A Glimpse of Glory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEIE9AJmbshhzaPVHqz8vBm5RyHNMqelSfQo8MoCBtmT2mAvNuBEju5Twv9b4yr-M9AvUcjln5oclPz2ee5WBWLPB9SRG4hUF4V_dtzb1E6kI-1W2ydmxVpq5Ae0wifd2tP1VmovzhJo/s1600/niagra+fall+pict.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEIE9AJmbshhzaPVHqz8vBm5RyHNMqelSfQo8MoCBtmT2mAvNuBEju5Twv9b4yr-M9AvUcjln5oclPz2ee5WBWLPB9SRG4hUF4V_dtzb1E6kI-1W2ydmxVpq5Ae0wifd2tP1VmovzhJo/s1600/niagra+fall+pict.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The spray hits our upturned faces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Braced by the unusually cold October wind,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bundled in layers -wearing our rain gear</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stand together and take it all in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does he see it?
Feel it like I do?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Transcended to another realm we can’t look away</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is all too magnificent</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our eyes are fixed – looking - longing</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rainbows intersecting rainbows</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Piercing brightness shining thru the ethereal mist</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With eyes squinted we can barely look straight ahead</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But we can’t look away - it is too glorious!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boat moves us closer</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The roar of the water growing louder and louder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in it now –in the mist</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My smile so big it hurts- my heart so full I am about to
burst!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beauty and majesty are so great</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continue to look and are dazzled</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this precious glimpse a sliver of heaven?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Is this a taste of His glory?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are we getting close to the unapproachable light where He
dwells?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boat begins to turn around and I look at Phil with my
tear filled eyes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes he has seen it too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our faces glow for we have had a glimpse of His glory</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A recent devotion quoting the lyrics of an old hymn brought
back the memory of our <i>Maid of the Mist</i>
boat trip at Niagara Falls. </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Immortal,
invisible, God only wise,<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>In light
inaccessible, hid from our eyes.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 Timothy 6:16 says that Christ lives in unapproachable
light. He is surrounded by such splendor and glory that our human eyes can’t
look upon Him. Jesus chose to
leave it all for our sake. The Son of God became the Son of Man so that someday
we can have a glorified body that will be able to live in that heavenly
splendor with Him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May I be a <i>Maid of His Midst</i> - face ever upward -eyes fixed on Him - heart full.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
John 1:14 and the word became flesh and dwelt among us and
we have seen His glory….</div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-46513345454385745012014-11-24T16:34:00.005-08:002014-11-24T16:34:45.176-08:00A Season to be Thankful - A Lifetime to be Grateful<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2l8zlczZFDK-VMeiZ9aerkvksjD8u7X2qBBetB5ItEgtNs-dLnT5DhreXXde3ldhnrbqOjqLw8IFbS7lCwEq9DnfqLOESpDBqVrCfwpryS50Dp4_phAbsnV6AWUG5J1Ru1BqIEo_9Tg/s1600/P1050231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2l8zlczZFDK-VMeiZ9aerkvksjD8u7X2qBBetB5ItEgtNs-dLnT5DhreXXde3ldhnrbqOjqLw8IFbS7lCwEq9DnfqLOESpDBqVrCfwpryS50Dp4_phAbsnV6AWUG5J1Ru1BqIEo_9Tg/s1600/P1050231.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
During this
Thanksgiving season I have so much to be thankful for. For starters- I am still here! I am healed and healthy. I have the most wonderful loving
husband in the world. His tender strength has got me through the hard
times. After 31 years of marriage
he is still my best friend and my true love. I have two precious children who
are my pride and joy. I have been so blessed to be their mom, and now also
their friend. I have a beautiful
granddaughter who calls me up to tell me silly jokes, and whose free spirit
delights me to no end. I have family and friends who I could write pages about
they are such a blessing and joy. I have good food to eat, clean water to
drink, a warm cozy house. The list could and <i>should </i><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">go on and on… <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Ann Voskamp inspired me to make a list of things I am thankful for each day. I want to live a
life of gratefulness. In the easy
times and the hard times, in the messes and the blessings- to be thankful in
all things. For thanksgiving is
the key that opens the door to his presence <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>Enter his gates with thanksgiving<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>and his courts with praise;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>give thanks to him and praise his
name.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>For the Lord is good and his love
endures forever;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>his faithfulness continues through all
generations. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11.0pt;">Psalm 100: 4-5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Thank him in the
good times, and thank him in the hard times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>Though the fig tree does not bud<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>and there are no grapes on the vines,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>though the olive crop fails<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>and the fields produce no food,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>though there are no sheep in the pen<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>and no cattle in the stalls,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>yet I will rejoice in the Lord,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>I will be joyful in God my
Savior. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11.0pt;">Habakkuk 3:17-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">This daily
counting of blessing has changed my life, and I would like to challenge each of
you who take the time to read my meanderings to start a grateful list. It will help you keep life in
perspective. It will refocus your gaze off of your problems and onto the one
who is the giver of all that is good and precious. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>Rejoice always, pray continually, give
thanks in all circumstances; <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><i>for this is God’s will for you in
Christ Jesus.</i></span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 11.0pt;">1 Thess 5: 16-18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
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<br /></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-5369753927730377372014-10-23T12:47:00.000-07:002014-10-23T12:47:08.819-07:00Alive!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Brought in the fig tree from my sister – out of winter’s
cold</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leaves slowly wither - all that remains is a stick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It looks dead</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It sits in our garage - I water it – occasionally-</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My dead stick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think there’s life under that ground, but I can’t be
certain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(This is my first year growing a fig)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The winter goes on long</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dark in the garage</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I water my stick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Will it come back to life?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe it will</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope it will</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring arrives – the ground begins to warm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Soon I will see if my stick survived</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I bring it into the warmth of the basement</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKESVx05JclTe-uQooqLLwKHrLzFovDY3D67OWiv8jvN1_X0g1CtlGP2QDaMZBInvVppr8iNcEnQUZeL3QItIrazTjtRo8jditD9y9zEXjrhEh9_8I16u7qSGcRKRziQZ-sM8hBqsww8/s1600/fig+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tiny leaves appear!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am thrilled- YES! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is still alive!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the nights turn warm I dig a hole and plant my fig back
outside</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKESVx05JclTe-uQooqLLwKHrLzFovDY3D67OWiv8jvN1_X0g1CtlGP2QDaMZBInvVppr8iNcEnQUZeL3QItIrazTjtRo8jditD9y9zEXjrhEh9_8I16u7qSGcRKRziQZ-sM8hBqsww8/s1600/fig+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKESVx05JclTe-uQooqLLwKHrLzFovDY3D67OWiv8jvN1_X0g1CtlGP2QDaMZBInvVppr8iNcEnQUZeL3QItIrazTjtRo8jditD9y9zEXjrhEh9_8I16u7qSGcRKRziQZ-sM8hBqsww8/s1600/fig+tree.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring showers and summer warmth and sunshine do their work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The fig grows – it flourishes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can relate</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the past two years I was stripped till I felt bare as a
stick</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But underneath I knew my roots were still intact.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The warmth and sunshine of God’s love came through his
people,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And the watering of His word did its work</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By the grace of God I survived</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am alive and flourishing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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upon you. Darkness fills your soul
and your spirit can’t seem to rise above the heaviness. You are hurting,
wounded, gripped with fear. Tormenting thoughts fill your mind. What should you do? I believe I have the answer. Sing! Sing a song to the Lord. It worked for Paul and Silas, it worked for King David, it
has worked for me and I believe it will work for you.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After being beaten, Paul and Silas were thrown into the
inner prison cell of darkness.
They were chained, but they knew a truth that would set them free. A
truth that can set all of us free from whatever bondage we are in. In the
midnight bleakness they began to pray and sing praises to the only one who
could release them from their prison. Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the
prison, the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose! The
jailer was so terrified that he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Paul and Silas had much to complain about and even more they
could have worried about concerning their future, but they chose to sing
instead. It was the right choice!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the praises went up to God not only were Paul and
Silas set free physically but also the jailer and his family were set free
spiritually. (<i>Acts 16:22-34)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Psalms are filled with every emotion we will ever
experience. David pours out his
heart to God many times starting in despair with his eyes focused on his
circumstances, but somewhere in the singing the focus changes. He gets it right. His eyes are set upon the King, the
Healer, the Deliver, and praise rises up and fills his spirit, calms his
emotions and brings peace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Often we don’t feel like singing, but it is just what we
need. After surgery, when I could barely make it down the steps, I knew I
needed to play and sing to the God who had got me through it all. I had so
little energy it was very difficult to sing, but I had to pour out my heart to
Him. He is so worthy of our praise!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During a recent struggle I remember singing a song by Plumb
that voiced my despair: </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
How many times have you heard
me cry out<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
"God please take this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
How many times have you given
me strength to<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
Just keep breathing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
Oh I need you<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
God, I need you now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like many of David’s psalms this song cries out to God for
rescue. As I sang this over and over God set me free from worry and gave me
peace about the situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Maybe you need a song in the night to set you free from
the oppression you are under. Maybe you just need to get your eyes off your
circumstance and refocused on Him. Put on some praise music or make up your own
song. Sing a song unto the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sing with all your heart, mind and strength. You will be glad you did!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Need You Now - Plumb<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9CjYvQDDIo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9CjYvQDDIo</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-29906092657056382482014-07-21T05:57:00.000-07:002014-07-21T05:58:27.915-07:00Clean!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprB-kJ1jBH6WbFwecDqGqIq069SO53pIWmZnixhfpMKvprcaz98mmR6PW7JYcae-p9weUe0w6rubcyNf05DqL1nhT0a1Y914EJysY9NbbJaFcbF9qLU-v7KdrxiIEgX1mVJm-vXMeKn4/s1600/Drops-Water-Glass-Creative.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprB-kJ1jBH6WbFwecDqGqIq069SO53pIWmZnixhfpMKvprcaz98mmR6PW7JYcae-p9weUe0w6rubcyNf05DqL1nhT0a1Y914EJysY9NbbJaFcbF9qLU-v7KdrxiIEgX1mVJm-vXMeKn4/s1600/Drops-Water-Glass-Creative.jpg" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“Would
you like to take a shower?” asked an angel of a nurse Friday morning. After a
week of lying in the hospital bed, recovering from surgery, I’m sure I looked a
mess and smelled even worse. Funny, with all I had just been through, I had not
really thought about being dirty or getting clean. But when she asked the question, my spirit leaped inside of
me and a great desire rose up in me - a ray of hope. “Yes, that would be wonderful!” I replied with tears in my
eyes from the kindness of this angel-nurse. She left the room to get things
ready then returned and began to unhooked my tubes and wrap everything
thoroughly so I would not get my incision or any tube wet. She wheeled me into the oversized
shower stall across the hall, adjusted the water, gave me soap and shampoo and
then left to allow me some privacy.
I get goose bumps just thinking about it now. It was almost sacred. As the warm water caressed my scarred and
battered body I sat there in the wheelchair overwhelmed with emotions. Oh how I
needed this! As the shower continued to wash over and soothe my body, the tears
followed. The more the water flowed, washing over me, the more the tears joined
in beginning the inside cleansing of emotions that would continue for months.
Oh to be clean- refreshed-oh how that cleansing water lifted my spirits. The angel-nurse was back. I dried off
and she wrapped me in a fresh new hospital gown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Many
years earlier, Jesus asked me a similar question. “Do you want to be
clean?” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">At
the time I don’t really remember feeling particularly dirty (though I was) and
wasn’t looking for ways to get clean.
But when I heard Him ask, my spirit leaped inside me and a great desire
rose up in me. “Yes Lord, that
would be wonderful”</span><span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Cleansed
by the blood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">The
blood of the Lamb<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Precious
and Holy the Great I AM <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">Bids
me “Come, and lay it all bare,”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT;">So
He can wash over all sin and cares.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cleansed
– how I feel it!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">All
sin washed away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cleansed-
I receive it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rejoicing
today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
robe of righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He
bestowed upon me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cleansed
and forgiven<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Redeemed
and set free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A
heaven sent shower that continuously flows</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">From
God’s Holy throne to the earth below. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Come
underneath it and be made new<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A
brand new life is waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If
we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTNdziWs8-bOiMgjNnPwxjPLrTGLw_nM082sr_3Zf-6VInzPjRVpn17DyQVF-UcHLevKEsY78Vs1qYwLZmIwD-p2B5zCWzUj7lBeihTnDVkDt5A5_Fam9LO-xAgzTw4nQiDAVltOWtKg/s1600/water-droplets-water-backgrounds-water-26262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTNdziWs8-bOiMgjNnPwxjPLrTGLw_nM082sr_3Zf-6VInzPjRVpn17DyQVF-UcHLevKEsY78Vs1qYwLZmIwD-p2B5zCWzUj7lBeihTnDVkDt5A5_Fam9LO-xAgzTw4nQiDAVltOWtKg/s1600/water-droplets-water-backgrounds-water-26262.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></span></i></a><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Cleanse
me with hyssop, and I will be clean;</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">wash me, and I will be
whiter than snow. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 51:7 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His
kindness leads us to repentance. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">(Romans 2:4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-41790518842888139492014-07-07T06:25:00.000-07:002014-07-07T06:25:03.007-07:00Stronger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWdIbhGzC13osIdt797WR1d5YWZm8xOqKJqIb5NO8ekuiNI1f2J32lo60Mq2NjpETjFCumSy4yn9zgwpVoShr3K-G0Av4R3VTGeyA2ukjaXkSInZZ6BwF-1WJm8qZ7dMyTCwLAq88qXU/s1600/Gireenoip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWdIbhGzC13osIdt797WR1d5YWZm8xOqKJqIb5NO8ekuiNI1f2J32lo60Mq2NjpETjFCumSy4yn9zgwpVoShr3K-G0Av4R3VTGeyA2ukjaXkSInZZ6BwF-1WJm8qZ7dMyTCwLAq88qXU/s1600/Gireenoip.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never felt particularly strong: physically, mentally
or emotionally. When I found out I had cancer, I remember not being fearful of
the cancer itself. The diagnosis
had taken me totally by surprise, but I knew it hadn’t taken God by
surprise. He knew. What did make me fearful was that I
didn’t feel I had the strength that it would take to get through to the other
side of it. One of the first
things I did was got a notebook and started writing scriptures down that I
could take to the hospital with me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. <i>Phil.
4:13<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I am weak, then I am strong<i>. 2 Cor. 12:10<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never needed or used those verses more than in the
past two years. Each hard, hesitant step of the way, I would remind myself of
those words the apostle Paul wrote during his trials and hardships. Many days I
felt overwhelmed, but God was there to fill me with His strength and power.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may feel utterly weak and lack the strength to take the
next step. But take it. God is with you- holding you up when
you feel faint, holding your hand when you feel alone. Nudging you forward when
you’d rather retreat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may feel small compared to the big problem that looms in
front of you. You may feel insignificant
compared to the situation you desire to have an impact on. You may feel
ill-equipped to handle the task that has been given to you. But all these
things are easy for Him. Let Him
take control. He will be:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Strength in your
weakness</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Courage in your fear</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Faith in your doubt</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Peace in your storm.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dear friend, what do you need today? It is all His – at His
disposal, ready to hand out if we would just ask.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isaiah 40:29-31 (NKJV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gives power to the weak,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And to those who have no might He increases strength. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even the youths shall faint and be weary,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the young men shall utterly fall,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But those who wait on the Lord<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shall renew their strength;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall mount up with wings like eagles,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall run and not be weary,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They shall walk and not faint.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-69044668402067131432014-06-26T05:58:00.000-07:002014-06-26T16:49:06.769-07:00A snip and a prayer<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Prayer of Faith, the laying
on of hands, the working of miracles, I have experienced all of these through
my hairdresser Chrissie and her sweet mother Evelyn at whose house my hair gets
primped and styled. I went
there in August of 2012, just two days after my first chemo session, feeling
totally miserable. Even though I
was praying that I wouldn’t lose my hair, odds said that I would. I had picked out a shorter style wig
from a catalog and asked Chrissie if she could give me a similar cut. Then I
could see how I looked with that style before I ordered the wig, and there
would be less hair going down the drain if / when it did fall out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A snip here, a snip there “Lord we just thank you for a complete healing. We curse these cancer cells.” Snip Snip. “Get
all the way down to the root Oh Lord.”
And so it goes- intercession and work, like the men on the wall in <i>Nehemiah</i>.* Doing
the work of rebuilding the wall with one hand and having the sword ready to do
battle against those who would oppose them in the other. Phil is sitting beside me. He has driven me, since I am still not
able to drive yet. Chrissie
encourages us both. “No charge”
she says as she shakes out the sheet covered with hair. “Come into the living room. Mom
and I want to pray for you.”
I take a seat and Phil kneels next to me. My spirit tries to rise above the pain I am feeling. <i>Oh
Lord, thank you for such special friends.
Lord I receive your answers to these prayers</i>. They anoint us both with oil, lay hands on us, and pray for
healing. Pray for us to be
witnesses to God’s great mercy.
And they pray some more. I feel sick and yet full of gratefulness and
thanksgiving. A God that hears and
answers prayers. A mother and
daughter with Holy Ghost boldness.
A husband who is always by my side. I am truly blessed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is
this how to pray without ceasing - as I go about my work each day?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Prayer...
automatic, effortless - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">as
natural as breathing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Unashamed,
Holy Spirit, faith-filled prayer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">flowing
from my lips as I go about my day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1
Thessalonians 5:16-18(ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rejoice
always, pray without ceasing,<sup> </sup>give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*
Nehemiah 4:17</span><span style="font-family: Times-Roman;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-30230248410317020292014-05-30T17:48:00.000-07:002014-05-30T17:50:44.916-07:00FaithfulThe song plays in my head over and over, like His
faithfulness: never ending- never ceasing.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Standing on this
mountaintop</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Looking just how far
we’ve come</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Knowing that for
every step</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You were with us</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Kneeling on this
battle ground</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Seeing just how much
You’ve done</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Knowing every victory</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Was Your power in us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes! We have made it to the mountaintop! I am done with
maintenance chemo and so thankful for God’s healing. Looking back over this past two years my heart just
resonates with these verses from Matt Redman’s song. He has done so much for us
and I just want to give Him the glory.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I look back his faithfulness was so evident. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Nissi- our banner of encouragement </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Jireh – our provider who meets all our needs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Shalom – our peace in every situation</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Rohi – our shepherd and guide</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Rapha – our healer from every disease</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jehovah-Shammah- our ever-present help- always with us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have seen His faithfulness throughout my life, but going
thru the cancer battle I came to recognize it so much more. I know I could have
never made it through without Him being with me every day- every step of the
way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Never once did we
ever walk alone</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Never once did You
leave us on our own</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You are faithful,
God, You are faithful</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Phil was with me as much as he could be. I know he would
have been with me every moment – but there were some places he wasn’t allowed.
Even though I had to enter some rooms alone, -never once was I truly alone. The
Holy Spirit was with me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my thoughts would torment me He would speak a
word, when I needed courage He
would provide it. When I thought I
couldn’t take anymore He would hold me in His arms and reassure me that He
would bring me through. He was always there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Do you feel alone in your struggle? Does it seem that no one cares?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God loves you and is with you. Ask Him to walk beside you. Take His hand and let Him guide you. Sit with Him and read His word and He
will instruct you. Praise Him and
He will lift heaviness and depression off you. Tell him you can’t do it and instead let Him do it. Lean on Him, He will hold you up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I look down at my belly I see the scars- not pretty to
the physical eye -but to me, a thing of beauty, for they serve to remind me of
His great faithfulness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Scars and struggles
on the way</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But with joy our
hearts can say</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Never once did we
ever walk alone</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Carried by Your
constant grace</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Held within Your
perfect peace</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Never once, no, we
never walk alone</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Never once! He
was and is <i>always </i>there. Oh praise Him for His faithfulness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_757099657"></span><span id="goog_757099658"></span><br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA&feature=kp">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=722zPX1npcA&feature=kp</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-23086734076161160252014-05-05T10:59:00.002-07:002014-06-26T06:00:19.250-07:00Deep Roots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j26/lmundy2006/Sandy%20Eggo/P4020029_800x600.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j26/lmundy2006/Sandy%20Eggo/P4020029_800x600.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="passage version-MSG result-text-style-normal text-html">
<div class="heading">
<h3>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I needed to repot my Jade plant. It had grown too tall for the pot it was in and was leaning terribly- ready to fall over. As I lifted it out of the soil, I saw the reason for it's off-kilter position. Although the plant was a foot tall, it's roots were very shallow, barely an inch deep. It couldn't stay upright and centered with such a small root system to hold it in place.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">What a different picture to see the root system of a wild fig tree in South Africa with roots that go 400 feet deep. Roots going down deep- <i>that’s what I want.</i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Standing strong for years, though nature’s elements come against it <i>– that is my desire</i>. Year after year unmoved when erosion and age set in-<i>let this be me.</i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Oh Lord, I want to be like those majestic trees with roots that go down deep into the rich soil of your word. When strong winds come, let my roots hold firm so my faith won’t be uprooted. When fear and doubt try to push me over, let my roots spread out even further and take in nourishment from your unending love. </i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">planted in the house of the Lord,</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">they will flourish in the courts of our God.</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">They will still bear fruit in old age,</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">they will stay fresh and green,</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”</span></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">Psalm 92:12-15</span></div>
<div class="p4">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">When my roots are strong and healthy in the Lord then I will be able to let my branches reach up and spread out so that I can give shade to the weary. As I remain rooted and grounded in Him I will bear fruit to help those in need. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p3" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">Thank you Lord for this promise.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span>
</div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
</h3>
</div>
</div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-65904081959608542422014-04-15T12:29:00.001-07:002014-04-15T12:31:18.661-07:00His Precious Blood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/wfultz/passoverlamb_zps187cfcfe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l271/wfultz/passoverlamb_zps187cfcfe.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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His precious blood was shed for me</div>
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Upon that old and rugged tree</div>
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To cleanse my sin, to set me free,</div>
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His precious blood was shed for me</div>
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His precious blood was spilt for me </div>
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Upon that ground on Calvary</div>
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To heal my sickness and disease</div>
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His precious blood was spilt for me</div>
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His precious blood it covers me</div>
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I’m marked as His eternally</div>
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Sealed forever, I am His</div>
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His precious blood it covers me.</div>
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When death’s dark angel passes by </div>
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He can’t come here, he must Passover</div>
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For upon the doorpost of my heart, over every cell, every
part</div>
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I apply His precious blood </div>
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Blood that cover sins</div>
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Blood that sets me free</div>
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Blood that flows within</div>
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Protecting me – Healing me – Cleansing me</div>
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The spotless lamb was sacrificed.</div>
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Jesus, my Passover Lamb</div>
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God’s indescribable gift to us all! </div>
gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-75354531455761937932014-04-07T08:45:00.003-07:002014-04-07T08:47:02.434-07:00Faith Prayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You think I would have learned by now. I’ve been praying wrong again. Worry
Prayers instead of Faith Prayers.
“Please God, don’t let this happen” prayers instead of “Thank you”
prayers. But I was up for three hours in the middle of the night (again) fretting
over a loved one. Praying Worry Prayers<br />
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<i>God, you never fret and worry. You are seated on your throne. Full of life, love, peace, and joy, you are not pacing back
and forth worried about all your children who seem to stray daily off the right
path</i>. How do I get to that same peaceful place that God inhabits
when everything seems to be falling apart? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";">Philippians
4:6 &7 says<span style="color: #4b0c00;"> -</span> Do not be anxious
about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";">And the peace of God, which transcends
all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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So how do I obtain peace? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Go to God with my request. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Give the situation totally to Him (no take backs). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Quit trying with my puny mind and limited resources to
control the outcome. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Trust Him that He will do what is best.<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Thank Him that He is more than able to handle anything I
give to Him.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Rest in Him for He has<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span>it
all under control.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";">Two verses
earlier Philippians 4:4 says - Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say
rejoice. </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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Is this the key- where I should start? Rejoicing in who God is, in His ability
to handle all this?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Oh God, you came to set the captives free. You said to the dry bones, ”Live!” and
they came to life. You opened blind eyes; you can open my love one’s to see the
truth. </i><i>Nothing is too hard for You!</i></div>
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It's hard to stop these anxious thoughts. Fear and worry
come more naturally to me than fight and faith.<span style="color: #4b0c00; font-family: Verdana;"> </span>But<span style="font-family: Verdana;"> </span>we are in a
battle and the way to win is thru Faith Prayers.<span style="color: #4b0c00; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";">Psalm 68
says -</span><span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";">Let God arise and His enemies be
scattered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Adobe Garamond Pro";"> </span>Those enemies- fear and worry –
will be scattered when I offer up praise and thanksgiving- when I magnify God
and His goodness to me. Thanking him before I see any change. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Faith not fear </div>
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Trust not worry</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Faith Prayers not
Worry Prayers<o:p></o:p></div>
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God hears all our prayers: prayers of desperation, prayers
of anguish, even our worry prayers, but if we get thru those prayers to prayers
of faith, that is when God’s peace will come and the battle will be won!<o:p></o:p></div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-67067201755247987752014-03-27T07:32:00.002-07:002014-03-27T13:15:55.351-07:00Trust - part II<br />
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<a href="http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af347/halotop/Jesus_Walking_on_Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1022.photobucket.com/albums/af347/halotop/Jesus_Walking_on_Water.jpg" height="320" width="252" /></a>In Matthew 14:22-33 we again find the disciples in a boat
with the wind and waves coming against them. Jesus sent them on ahead while He takes some time to pray.
When they are quite a distance off shore, Jesus comes to them walking on the
water! Jesus is not sleeping through the storm this time- He is walking above
it. When the disciples see him they are terrified. “Take courage! It is I.” Jesus assures them, “Don’t be afraid” </div>
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They had seen Him calm the storm before with just a command
from His voice and their faith had increased. Now their faith is being challenged again and Peter is ready
– ready for crazy water walking faith and so he calls out “If it is you Lord,
command me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus calls him, “Come.”</div>
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Have you heard Him call, “Come”? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Come</i> step out in
faith to do what I’ve called you to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Come</i> push out into
the deep waters where your faith will be tested and purified like gold.<i> </i><br />
<i>Come</i> believe that I can heal cancer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Come</i> walk with me
above the waves, above your circumstances. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Come</i> even though fear
and doubt are trying to pull you under.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Come</i> keep your eyes
on me; I’ve called you here so your faith can grow. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Peter gets out of the boat and begins walking on the
water to Jesus. But then he begins to look at the wind whipping around and
becomes frightened. He starts to sink and cries out “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out his hand
and catches him. “You of little faith,” he said, “Why did you doubt?”<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span>Then they climb into the
boat, and the wind dies down<i>. <b> </b></i><i>The disciples finally get it</i> “Truly you are the Son of
God.”</div>
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There are seasons when it is easy sailing; the sea is calm,
the sun is shining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But there are
also times when we are called out into the deep, into uncharted, turbulent
waters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where we would
never choose to go on our own, but when He leads us, how can we say no?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will be with us there and our faith
will be strengthened. We may even find ourselves doing some crazy water walking!
We will see His greatness and like the disciples we will be able to say without
a doubt<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Truly you are the Son of
God.”</div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2456487190421978030.post-71457457082253747502014-03-21T17:17:00.000-07:002014-03-21T17:19:25.328-07:00Trust - part I<br />
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Does God care about your situation and mine? </div>
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Does it sometimes seem that He is sleeping thru the worst
storms in your life?</div>
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The disciples may have thought so. Mark 4:35-41 recounts the
story of a test of their faith. After a long day of teaching on the shore of
Galilee, Jesus says to the disciples “Let us go across to the other side.” So
they take their boat and head out. While crossing to the other side, a
windstorm comes that threatens to do them in. The disciples become frantic, expecting the worse. Jesus
however is asleep. They wake him up. “Teacher don’t you care that we are
perishing?”<span style="color: maroon;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Did Jesus know there would be a storm before He got into the
boat? If he knew, why did he
suggest they go out, and why did He let himself fall asleep? Didn’t he know the disciples would need
him? Was this all just to show
them who He really was?</div>
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Jesus wakes up and rebukes them. “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” They had seen Him do miracles for
others, but now they needed a miracle themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Did they still not really know who He was? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Is this really an issue of trust? Am I, like the disciples,
quick to assume the worst will happen when a storm comes? Do I frantically try to bail the water
out of my sinking ship myself? Or
do I put my total trust in Him even though the waves continue to batter and
toss my boat? Do I stop worrying and quiet my soul long enough to hear Him say
“Come rest here in my arms, I’ve got this under control.” </div>
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Do I take refuge in His arms and know that He has everything
under control? </div>
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Do I recognize who He really is? </div>
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“Peace! Be
Still! He spoke to the storm. The
wind ceased and there was great calm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The disciples marveled “Who is this that even the wind and
sea obey Him?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Who is Jesus? He is the one who spoke the wind and the sea
into existence-the one who holds this whole world together-the one that storms
obey. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Peace! Be
Still!” He says to my anxious
heart. </div>
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He spoke it to me when I found
out I had ovarian cancer. </div>
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He speaks it to me still.</div>
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“You are not alone. I care. I am with you always.”</div>
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You are His child.
Trust Him. Let Him hold you in His arms and speak peace to the raging
storm around you and peace to the raging storm within you. He will get you
safely to the other side.</div>
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gracerediscoveredhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17878698381187434215noreply@blogger.com0