tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38500832338907335612024-03-12T21:37:29.142-07:00All Things LoverlyAll Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-15298347546897507942017-05-06T08:13:00.004-07:002017-05-06T08:13:48.774-07:00New Season, New Location Hello any readers that I have left out there! <br />
I have decided to start fresh on a new blog, new/clear direction. If you'd like to follow along with me there, you can do so at <a href="https://strengthgrowthlife.wordpress.com/">strengthgrowthlife.wordpress.com </a>.<br />
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The Blog is called Sustenance, which has a long history behind the name. I am so excited for this new space, and new defined purpose for my writing and can't wait to share more. If you're curious about the name, you can read more about it, and the heart behind the blog on the "<a href="https://strengthgrowthlife.wordpress.com/about/">about</a>" tab at the new location. <br />
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I hope that you will make your way to the new page and follow along. I am truly excited for what God has in this new season of writing, and for what God is unfolding as a part of His greater purpose. I don't want this to just be a place for my little devotionals, but will also be sharing some tools for how to study the Word, and be challenging myself and readers to really pursue growth in their walks through the Word. <br />
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-1199462935865609412016-07-25T08:51:00.000-07:002016-07-25T08:56:32.000-07:00Why, Not What.Bride...what comes to your mind when you hear this word?<br />
Perhaps you think of a fluffy white dress, tiara, and a princess persona.<br />
A room filled with adoring family with tear stained faces as all the attention is the one walking towards the love of her life. Maybe your own wedding day romanticized and filled with fond memories.<br />
Or images of crazed women, dramatic, frustrated, controlling as they plan their "perfect" day.<br />
For others it brings to mind longing and loneliness...a desire for a life of togetherness, while they stand alone...the cliché line their often quoted, "always a bridesmaid, never a bride."<br />
Others perhaps a bitter taste of regret and brokenness as they recall the beginning of a failed marriage...their own role as a naïve bride that was blindsided when the fairytale ended.<br />
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The other day as I was out to lunch with some friends, the topic of singleness came up. This innate desire to find the one to spend your life with, yet the struggle to not be consumed by the search. What an incredible balance that we have all found difficult to find at times. Here we sat, a diverse group of people all at very different points in our lives, yet all wondering the same things.<br />
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The desire and the conflict isn't just for those who are not yet married either...many people put so much hope in the ideals and idea of being a bride or groom that they are disappointed when the fairytale is over and it isn't the daydream they'd been hoping for.</div>
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We spend so much time and energy thinking and hoping for something that we miss the reason behind it all.</div>
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The same is true of any innate desire that we hold, not just for marriage and family. Longing for acceptance, connection, longing for promotion, success. All can be misguided if our focus isn't in the right place.<br />
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If all I do is dwell on <em>what</em> I long for, and do not give any thought to <em>why </em>I desire it, then I will never appreciate it when I find it and never meet the purpose for which that desire was placed in me in the first place.<br />
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I've been challenged to look at my life from a different perspective a lot lately...one that is far less self centered, and instead Christ focused. <br />
In this search God has reminded over and over again how much I am like Him. How this world and His presence here, His evidence all around is all meant to point me back to Him. That means that even the innate desires of my heart that He has given me can point me toward His love and His desires.<br />
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<span class="content">Jesus came to reveal the Father to us. (we learn this in the New Testament from Jesus Himself) </span><br />
<span class="verse v5 selected" data-usfm="JHN.1.5"><br />
<span class="note f"> “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” (John 17:25-26 NLT)</span><br />
<span class="content"></span> </span><br />
In this passage we learn that Jesus revealed the Father to us, then allowed His love for Jesus to be in us, so we can in turn love Jesus and be filled with Him. In 1 Corinthians it tells is that we can understand the truths of the word not by our own understanding but because we have the mind of Christ. Because Christ is in us, we have the mind of Christ and the he ability to understand things that were once hidden...<br />
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Hidden desires, hidden purpose, hidden identity.</div>
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You see Christ, in revealing who the Father is to us, also reveals who we are in Him...that is, who we were created to be before sin and the world turned us into what it wanted us to be. Without knowing the Father, we would not know ourselves who were first created in His image with a divine purpose. </div>
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The example above of the bride is just one of many desires that we as women have that are a representation of a deeper desire. A desire for love ( created in an image of God who also desires to be loved), a desire for commitment (God also desires your commitment), the list goes on. </div>
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Each gifting and divine desire that lies within us is meant to point us back to the God that created us in His image. Creativity for example...God, creator, master artist made men and women in His image who too desire to create beauty and works of art. </div>
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When you can see that God created you in His image, then you can begin to ask why. God wants to reveal Himself to this dying world...He sent His son to reveal Himself to us, so that we can love Him, be filled with him....and then in turn do the same for others. Jesus calls us to go and make disciples. He wants us to show the Fathers love to others and has uniquely created each of us in his image with different traits and gifting's that reflect a side of Him that the world needs to see. </div>
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You were not created just to be....you were not created just to live...if you were, there would be no need to not have been the only one created. </div>
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This weekend Pastor Zane Anderson from Victory Assembly in Tucson was a guest speaker at a church I attended. His message was so timely and struck a cord with what I have been writing here in this post. He began his sermon holding out a tiny apple seed in his hand. He said, "I have a tree in my hand, can you see it?" We all understood where he was going with this....the seed was not meant to stay a seed, but instead to reach its potential and become a tree, which is was created to be. But then, he went further. "Not just a tree...but inside this seed is fruit....and more than that...inside this seed is an entire orchard!" If that seeds purpose was to just become a tree, then it would never need to produce anything....it would grow up and then die off. But it's as made for a harvest. And so were you.</div>
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-89303361960564234842016-07-18T16:53:00.003-07:002016-07-26T07:05:57.465-07:00Weep Now, Sing Later<div id="content">
<div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
<br>
Praying that God will
give you strength to fight feelings of unworthiness, and replace any doubt/fear
with His courage and strength and purpose. No matter where you are or what you
are doing, there will always always be people there to criticize you. You can
choose how to respond. You can be brought down and discouraged by it, you can
become prideful and calloused by it, or you can choose to take it to God...ask
Him to reveal any truth that will strengthen you and grow you from it, and
choose to leave the rest behind.</div>
<div class="msg 1st">
<br>
You need to give yourself grace, even
if no one else does. AND know that just because someone criticizes something,
that doesn't mean that they are right. You have the responsibility to take
everything to God and let HIS truth be the judge. Everything else, you must
release, forgive, and move forward in God's call</div></div><div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
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</div>
<div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
I
understand. It can be hard to wade through other people's opinions. Ultimately,
God's matters more than anything else. His should hold the most weight, even far
above your own.</div><div class="msg 1st"><br></div>
<div class="msg Nth"> I read something on Facebook recently from Sadie from Duck Dynasty. So I many people were taking about her family. This article was
talking about how her family has been under attack and such and she said
something along the lines of, "if you're holding the football, you're going to get tackled." That's kind of how life is as a Christian....when you are holding the football
(aka doing what God has called you to do) you will get tackeled (criticized and
poked at...persecution comes with every calling)</div>
</div>
<div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
<br></div>
</div>
<div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">This is all a part of the refining
fire. It
hurts. IT sucks...it's hard. But you're being shaped and molded by this all. At
the hand of the safest, most loving creator God, you are being shaped into His
most precious creation.</div><div class="msg 1st"><br></div>
<div class="msg Nth">
It's not meant to hurt you, although it will bring
pain...it's good for you ultimately....cake batter must be put in the oven to
cook before it can be what it was designed to be.</div>
<div class="msg Nth">
You are being brought through the fire and being shaped and
made into what God designed you to be from the very beginning of time</div>
<div class="msg Nth">Without the fire, like the cake batter, you're just a sweet
gooey mess.</div>
<div class="msg Nth">
That could potentionally give someone salmonella..ew . But how true is that? When I am not healthy, when I am not refined and matured in my faith, allowing God to prune me and heal me as he grows me, I often do more damage to the people around me than I realize.</div></div><div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
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Press on
towards the goal... bend...bend to the hand of God. LET HIM have you. Let Him have His way in
your heart, let Him mold you and teach you...break you, and then build you.
"pressing on" = yielding to what He's doing in your life. Oh what a glorious
season. Although difficult, THIS season is what will produce the fruit in the
next. Tilling the land, planting the seeds so that the growth may spring
forth</div>
</div>
<div class="system">
<br></div><div class="system">Perhaps you are thinking, "I<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> feel like
He's tilling my entire life right now.. It couldn't have been just one area at a
time?" It seems to all come at once, we want relief, we want less... But </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">what good
would that do? To have an entire field that </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">could</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> produce a crop, and
only prepare a small corner of it...that wouldn't make much sense. A small
corner of harvest wouldn't produce enough food to sustain you.</span></div><div class="system"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">You must have the <i>whole</i> crop...so that you can live in the abundant life He has planned<font color="#005fff"><b>.</b></font></span></div>
<div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st"><br></div><div class="msg 1st">"Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They will weep as they go to plant their seed, but they will sing as they return with the harvest." Psalm 126:5-6</div></div><div class="chat">
<div class="msg 1st">
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<div class="chat">
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-41626793645145783702016-07-17T10:29:00.000-07:002016-07-18T14:44:01.053-07:00Hope<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For quite a while I had found my heart in a miserable state of
thinking. Where once my heart hoped for the future and dreamt of what would be,
in had crept a bitterness without my even knowing.<br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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When I heard myself thinking things like, "It's nice to dream as a
youth, but as an adult you face reality," and "I guess this is
just a part growing up," something in me ached. I recognized that
something was wrong with this way of thinking, but it also felt right in the
moment and so I didn't question it. Instead I let it permeate my life and
influence my decisions, which only reinforced that very notion of the mundane
lack luster existence.<br />
<br />
I had lost sight of hope.<br />
I had misplaced my hope.<br />
Maybe you can relate?<br />
<br />
Maybe you too felt like dreaming was wasted, because now you must work to no
end. You work to make money, but it feels insignificant. Feels like a waste,
but what else are you to do? The words of Psalms 39:6-7 sparked something in
me, bringing me back to life.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"We are merely
moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My
only hope is in you.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So returning our
hope to God alone is the key. My hope does not lie in what I do, or what I
cannot do, it doesn't lie even in the dreams and hopes themselves, or in
the future at all. My hope is now, my hope is Christ and yours is too.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Ecclesiastes,
amidst a monologue of the depressing conclusion of the meaningless fate of all
being death, it says "there is hope only for the
living." And what hope we have that we, Gods children, have been
granted life. "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.
No one can snatch them away from me." (John 10:28)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is is easy for
us to think of our <i>eternal</i> hopes in Christ. That seemed the point of our
salvation right? To not go to Hell when we die, but rather spend eternity with
God in Heaven? </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But there is so
much more to hope and eternal life than what happens at the end. The truth is
that the moment you accept Christ, you are a new creation....no longer
spiritually dead, but alive in Christ. That means that you don't have to wait
until you die physically, to enter into eternal life with God. The veil in the
temple that separated the sinners from the Holy Presence of God was torn in <i>this
world,</i> this life so that you and I could live the rest of our earthly life <i>and
beyond</i> with God and unto God. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is eternal
life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have
sent. (John 17:3)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> That means
that the moment we made Jesus our Lord and accepted His forgiveness, we entered
into eternal life. It is now.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So how does that
connect to the beginning of this post? I'm glad you asked. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here it is: if my
hope is in Christ, and not just eternity in the after earthly death sense of
the word, but the one in which my eternity started the moment that I accepted
Him, then my hope is alive. It is in a God who stands beside me today, not just
later. And that means that I am not confounded to a boring, mundane life
without dreams without future...it means i have entered into an ordained life
full of purpose, full of possibility, full of hope because the God of all
creation is living in me, walking next to me, and going before me from right
now into eternity.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we move our
hope, or lack there of, from what we can do, what we can see, what we can
dream, and place it back onto the living God that gives us our purpose, there
is no dream too big, and no task too small. Suddenly the future is bright, and
the "mundane" life in front of us full of opportunity. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This weekend my
pastor said that when our confidence is in ourselves...there isn't much
confidence...but when our confidence is in God, we stand in Godly confidence
that anything is possible. He opened the message with a prayer that I think we
ought to pray every morning to remind us just where our hope lies,</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"For me, there
are many things that are impossible, but for You, God, there is nothing that is
impossible."</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "GFS Neohellenic"; font-size: 13pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">-Court<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span>All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-47676219554714962712016-07-14T12:20:00.000-07:002016-07-14T12:20:45.964-07:00New BeginningsI have been thinking lately a lot about this blog...about writing. <br />
It has sort of felt like an old shoe that no longer fits properly. I have written SO many posts over the past few years that have sat in this indefinite draft state, never seeing the light of day.<br />
I have a lot to say, a lot to write...yet a combination of fear, and timing, and also just not knowing has silenced me, caused me to lose my voice.<br />
So many thoughts swirl around in my head every time I begin to write...and today I decided to just stop.<br />
Just stop over thinking...stop letting fear or anything else hold me back.<br />
<br />
I need a fresh start, a new beginning....but I do not want to lose what I have already started here. <br />
<br />
So in time, I will be changing this blog's name to something that fits the new direction. I will be adding different content from a previous blog that I mostly wrote poetry in years ago and writing new stuff too. I want a single place where I can just share whatever is on my heart be it a devotional, a funny story, a song, a poem, a picture, whatever.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more...or don't, that's ok too. :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'll start by sharing a poem I wrote several years ago that has been on my heart lately. <br />
This year God has challenged me so much regarding my faith...what I believe my purpose is here on earth, and where He is desiring to use me. I always come back to this sense of mis-direction. <br />
The idea of how easy it is for believers to be in their own little world, not truly doing Kingdom work. <br />
<br />
We attend church, we worship, we read our Bibles and that's all good...but that's not all we are called to. When back in the world (our families, our jobs, our spheres of influence), we ignore the issues that are around us, we ignore the pain and the lost state of the <em>people</em> around us. <br />
<br />
We lose focus, so easily forgetting that our gaze ought to be on Jesus...YES...but that HIS gaze, is on the dying world and that His desire is to have their gaze too. <br />
He wants them, just as He wanted you. <br />
He died for them, just as He died for you. <br />
And more than that...we forget that we have a role to play in helping them to <em>see</em> Him.<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong>Empty Space</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">written March 18, 2010</span><strong></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Deep blue sea of restless<br />
beating, angry waves<br />
they crash all around me<br />
and I seem un-phased<br />
the darkness that surrounds me<br />
I have began to see<br />
as a distant thing once noticed<br />
now not the place for me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
The world cries out in anger<br />
in pain, in fear, in shame<br />
I cry out to you<br />
yet never give them your name<br />
I say you are the answer<br />
to everything wrong in me<br />
yet I sit back and watch them<br />
slowly bleed in misery</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
So if my loud, long worship<br />
is drowning out their cries<br />
then is it still as pleasing<br />
if it is not saving lives?<br />
let this life not be one wasted<br />
on selfish, greedy thinking<br />
instead a life of sowing<br />
planting and even growing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Your kingdom stands at risk<br />
of having empty space<br />
I don't want to be distracted<br />
by simply staring at your face<br />
My gaze must turn from your sweet face<br />
to a heart broken and torn<br />
for a world that is lost and seeking<br />
needing to be warned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
-Court </div>
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-35192809453543930672016-07-14T12:02:00.004-07:002017-01-03T20:37:06.462-07:00Heart In HandOde to you a friend of old,<br>And to the new beginning.<br>Time has passed and you have too, <br>that's just memory in the making.<br>At once you began with heart in hand <br>ready to unfold.<br>Secret dreams of flight and flourish<br>spoken to existence.<br>Each step of faith with one to follow<br>only brought us closer to this end.<br>At glance it seemed not much was left,<br>with inspection truth arose.<br>Much was lost, but much more gained<br>as days peddled into year.<br>A tale of firsts that brought much glory<br>would be this story's header.<br>Pages filled with life and love,<br>as visions became reality.<br>You once did say that in the end,<br>The will of God prevails.<br>A story then of victory,<br>is what we have to speak.<br>For the hand of God hath covered us,<br>we are but on our knees. <br>Humbled at the chance for part,<br>in the mystery of His plan. <br>I am at rest to begin once more,<br>another year with heart in hand. <br>I offer to Him my everything,<br>and ask but one request.<br>"Take each breath, each step,each word, <br>and use them for Your Glory."<br>
<br>
Written January 7, 2012All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-22011948640628404302015-03-04T21:15:00.001-07:002015-03-04T21:34:00.716-07:00Safe<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>
</div><div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsWIzom_xy2aA6TT787wSOpXEeOP4xeVBmc9X6P7XZGYs-LKH2adRN-uEujAhGtPBrjYH4kq64UsVIkyAqVO-Q6ogxNZPh__NCuKmCiFAfq1zICNizzS17E4ujunPO9itu55hoozXDeQV/s640/blogger-image-1018725248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsWIzom_xy2aA6TT787wSOpXEeOP4xeVBmc9X6P7XZGYs-LKH2adRN-uEujAhGtPBrjYH4kq64UsVIkyAqVO-Q6ogxNZPh__NCuKmCiFAfq1zICNizzS17E4ujunPO9itu55hoozXDeQV/s640/blogger-image-1018725248.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Like a ship upon the water</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Your love is holding me</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As I'm moved to and frow</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm safe within your keep</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am moved by your love</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Held by your love</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Kept afloat by your love for me</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes in the safety of a cove</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's rest and peace for me</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Other times it's open seas</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">With waves and storms to beat</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But no matter where you take me</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I know one thing's for sure</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I am yours and you are mine</div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></div><div style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I am moved by your love</span></div><div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Held by your love</span></div><div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Kept afloat by your love for me</span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-72319900434638276052015-01-24T08:30:00.000-07:002015-01-24T08:30:01.200-07:00Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9jDGelJbrtmT4EWjp4KVlfLb-3EbNYbG-k5fBUNGpgMON3BH7y3g7UWcbp40TmvL-eUmWkRBIvkG3oJ7AMMwLYvOVJDSSCpjkWRM4gLrXl8WZ_7jOCj7Ct8bgTsB1dAMAT8QlkSbNJUJ/s1600/IMG_0614love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9jDGelJbrtmT4EWjp4KVlfLb-3EbNYbG-k5fBUNGpgMON3BH7y3g7UWcbp40TmvL-eUmWkRBIvkG3oJ7AMMwLYvOVJDSSCpjkWRM4gLrXl8WZ_7jOCj7Ct8bgTsB1dAMAT8QlkSbNJUJ/s1600/IMG_0614love.jpg" height="121" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Without it, what purpose could anything possibly hold?</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Seasons...it's
a word I use often these days...probably because I don't know how else
to describe the waves of life that ebb and flow so. In they come with
pain and struggle, out they flow with peace and rest. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">They are ever changing, and I am therefore ever growing.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">It's funny</span></span><span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">, though,</span><span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;"> how
quickly one can forget the pain of the past...and yet remember it so
vividly at the same time. The struggles I go through in the present are
difficult, they are painful, full of mistakes, and lots of raw emotion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small; line-height: 22px;">They
always seem like something I've never walked through before, yet
somehow, they remain vaguely familiar at the same time...reminiscent of
somewhere I've walked before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Every
trial brings new depth to my soul, drawing me deeper into the love of
God...deeper into the purposed life He has for me. But each time, I feel
unprepared for the trail, unprepared for the emotion, the
struggle...unprepared to face the character flaws that rise to the
surface, and the deep wounds revealed that have misshaped my beliefs
over the years. All of the new depth and territory makes it seem so
different than any other "season" I've walked through...but in the end I
end up thinking to myself...I knew this. I remember this. God must have
shown me this before.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">The
truth is each struggle that is molding me, building me, stretching me
isn't all that unfamiliar...while I'd like to think it's a a new
area...it's the same issue, always....just from a new angle. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">It always comes down to two not so little words.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Trust and Love.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Do I trust God's love?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Vollkorn, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Recently
I was seeking God about some things that He'd been revealing to
me...things that to be quite honest, I don't like seeing in myself. I
kept asking for an answer...all I heard, over and over again was "I love
you."</span></span><br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Today as I poured my soul before my King, He asked me if I trusted His love. My automatic response was...of course...I <i>know</i> you love me! That wasn't what He was asking though. He asked me if I <i>trusted </i>His love. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">You see there is a difference that I have never caught before. I can say without a doubt in my mind that God loves me. I <i>know </i>it. I have had far too many examples of my own, and countless stories in the Bible that lead me to that conclusion. I know His love for me is vast and rich...that it is beautiful and perfect in every way. I have always thought my faith was great because I can say that. Because I can say that I know His love is good, that He is good. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">But just because I know that, doesn't mean I always trust in it. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I know what I have had evidence to persuade me of...I know what I have proof to back up. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">But to trust...I don't have to see any of that right now. I don't have to understand where I am or why...I have to take what I have known and <i>choose</i> to rely on that, to have faith in that. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">God longs for my heart to be fully His. That is what trust is. It's relying on completely...giving control to Him completely. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes I forget that even the desires of my heart are there to remind me of that. They are meant to lead me to His heart...not my own ways. Sometimes it can be confusing to know God, to know He has a purpose, and to even know that He wants all of you, but to still feel drawn to other things. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I can't really explain the way that my heart aches some days. It aches for love..for children, for a family to pour my life and love into, for my calling. My heart is burdened with this. Not because I cannot live alone, or cannot live without these, but because I feel that they are a part of who I was made to be, yet not yet a part of my life. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">I imagine this to only be a small glimpse of the way my Father feels. Perhaps this time where I think I am lonely...where I think I am missing something that so desperately feels like it ought to be a part of me..perhaps, just maybe...it's really a lesson of love, and what I have gained in Him. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">See He understands my heart; His aches for the same things...</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;">The Father's heart aches when his children are not in his arms. He longs for them much more intensely than we could ever long for love of our own, children of our own, dreams and businesses, homes, ...whatever it is we long for...He longs for me..and for you much more. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-87173903151375259412015-01-22T08:00:00.000-07:002015-01-22T08:00:05.920-07:00Losing and WinningI am always going to be a loser.<br />
That feels strange to type, but it's not meant to be a negative.<br />
<br />
God is always asking me to lose. Always asking me to let go.<br />
Lose the things I think I need in order to gain what He has ordained.<br />
Lose myself in the process so that I may discover who He made me to be, not who I decided to be.<br />
<br />
The hard thing about all of that...is just that...it's HARD. Losing never feels good in the moment.<br />
We lose and our pride fights against us tooth and nail desperately trying to cling on to something, fearful of losing everything.<br />
<br />
The truth in all of this, though, is that we were never really winning before we "lost". And so, we had to lose in order to win.<br />
<br />
If we do not let go and move forward, then we will never be able to grab hold of the new things that God is doing and the future that He has prepared for us. <br />
<br />
"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:18-19<br />
<br />
That wasteland of losing, will soon be remembered for the paths it held, that lead to Victory.<br />
<br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1414076446704_9131" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #666666; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<br />
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-46761240503797660612015-01-21T21:20:00.000-07:002015-01-21T21:20:06.024-07:00Hustlin'<div>
It's funny to me that I can sit in the quietness of my home for
hours with nothing to write at all. And it seems that no matter how hard
I try to clear my mind of distractions, that is all there is. One after
another, my mind is swiftly carried away into thoughts of every topic
other than the one at hand. </div>
<div>
Yet here I sit in a cold, tiled
space surrounded by strangers and the words and concentration flow like
warm honey. The lull of their ongoing conversations, clicking of their
computers, occasional coffee grinder in the background...all of it a
mere backdrop for a picture of words on this page. </div>
<div>
Ease and comfort in the midst of this hustle and bustle life are the words tonight. </div>
<div>
And it feels good. </div>
<div>
And it feels right. </div>
<div>
Maybe
the point is that this is where the inspiration runs rampant. This is
where God's heart lies...in the midst of His people. Lost and saved
alike, here is the representation of Him on earth...here His heart beats
and his lungs fill with air. His children. To be among them.</div>
<div>
This
week I was observing a family that was crying out to God on behalf of
their son. He was inflicted by an illness, and they were calling on God
to heal him. I prayed for the boy a heartfelt prayer...but then my eyes
fell on the mother's tear stained face and my heart broke all over
again.</div>
<div>
I cried as she cried, my heart beating faster and faster as I saw her anguish over her son. She was desperate for God to move.</div>
<div>
In that moment, I felt the Lord's heart for His children. I felt the
power and vastness of His love. The anguish and compassion that comes
from being so in love with that which He calls His own. </div>
<div>
It is here among His creation that my heart beats. Here that I feel called and privileged.</div>
<div>
<br clear="none" /></div>
"For God so Loved the world..." and so must we.All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-85667257982987288672014-09-30T07:19:00.001-07:002014-10-10T15:06:27.675-07:00Refined<div>
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Every season in life feels so fresh and new...yet there is always something vaguely familiar too.</div>
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Somewhat like a vivid case of déjàvu....the feeling like you've been here before remains, yet it's also completely new.</div>
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Some friends and I have recently been going through a group study together. In one of the group discussions it asked what our happiest year was and why, followed by our worst. It's funny how difficult it was for me. At fist I thought it would come easy...I would think of the time that I remember being joyful, carefree, and happy...and I would instantly know. But to be honest, each happy memory, was followed by a thought of the sorrow, heartache, or valley that I also recall from that time. Each blessed and peaceful memory was paired with one of pain. No year stood out to me as all together happier. And while it seemed easy at first say that my most difficult year was definitely the last, that too faded as I recalled the good of the year. The joys and growth that took place because of the struggles. </div>
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The truth is that, just as each year is filled with both dry and rained filled seasons, so are the seasons in our lives. </div>
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Refining. He is refining me. Each season that I walk through, I come out the other side changed. It is my choice whether I am made better, or become harder. There are really no other options. I either allow myself to be moved and molded as my Creator re-shapes my character, or I choose to become calloused and I thwarted by his efforts. </div>
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I have been in both places in my life and harder is never better.</div>
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When we choose to become calloused, we remove the ability to find serenity and peace within the storm. We're left frustrated, searching for justification, rather than peacefully trusting our Father. </div>
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While not every difficult time in our lives is designed by God or inflicted upon us, I do believe that it is always <i>purposed</i> by Him. He is always there speaking tenderly, desiring us to draw near in the moment of heartache. </div>
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I love the passage in Hosea chapter 2 where God allures his people into the wilderness...it's there in their struggle where He makes them His bride. Anyone who has been in any kind of relationship with another person can attest that conflict or struggle, when handled properly, will end up bringing the two closer in the end. Such is this story. She has wronged Him, He leads her way into the wilderness so that he has her attention. Stripped of all distractions, she can now hear him speaking softly, lovingly. There He restores her, gives back to her, cleanses her. </div>
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“Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will respond as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt. “In that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’; you will no longer call me ‘my master. ’ I will remove the names of the Baals from her lips; no longer will their names be invoked. (Hosea 2:14-17 NIV)</div>
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God desires to refine you in this season. To draw you out, away from the things that have kept you from Him. He desires to write His name in your heart and on your lips, and to remove all others. To mold you into His bride and show you that He is your Bridegroom. </div>
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-78594511122043179192014-06-17T22:46:00.001-07:002014-06-18T08:35:01.026-07:00Truth is...Often times we have conflicting desires.<br />
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With one thought we desire truth. We desire growth. We desire to know Gods will.</div>
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But in the very same moment, in creeps a fear that is at war with those desires.</div>
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We want security. We want justification. We want comfort.</div>
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They just don't mix. </div>
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We're afraid to seek truth because we know that often with that truth comes the harsh reality that <i>truth requires change</i>. </div>
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And sometimes...we just don't want to. </div>
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We are afraid that truth will require that we let go of some things. Things that have maybe been a part of our lives for so long that they feel as if they are a part of our very make up as a human being...they have become one with the identiy we see when we look in the mirror. </div>
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Or maybe the truth will tell us that we're not enough on our own...which by the way...we're not...and yet we are. We aren't because apart from Christ, we are nothing...and we are because He says we can come as we are and that He's made perfect in our weakness.</div>
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Truth, you see, sets us free. But freedom is sometimes scary. A bird that's only ever known captivity is fearful of the open air. How will the bird ever know it's purpose if it keeps the mentality that it belongs in a cage?</div>
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Yet don't we do the same thing? We confine ourselves to the life we've always known or the beliefs we've always held, so afraid to let them go and see what God has really purposed us for.</div>
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I am reminded of the very beginning of Romans 12 as I mull over these thoughts. It gives a pattern for knowing Gods will. But it's going to require some things of me...things I desire to hold onto but need to let go of, and things I desire to grab hold of.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><i>"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:1, 2 NIV)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This passage tells me that if I want to test and approve what God's perfect will is, I must do these things:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. Sacrifice</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to let my life, my very body even, be a living sacrifice for God; holy and pleasing I'm every way? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to lay down what I do and become subject to Christ?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Rebel Against Conformity to the World</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I able to recognize when my life is conforming to the patterns and standards that the world holds? And am I willing and able to rebel against my natural desire to do so?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Be Transformed</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to release my old beliefs and allow a transformation to take place? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And I willing to be wrong and to let my life be transformed?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Renew My Mind</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to get into God's Word, Worship, Fellowship, and Prayer?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to let that renew my mind, replacing old habits, thought processes, belief systems, and identities with the new mind of Christ?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Test and Approve God's Will</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to ask God questions seeking to test His Word and Will?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Trust That His Will is Perfect, Good and Pleasing</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Am I willing to trust that if God says it's His will, that it must be good, perfect and pleasing?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. See it All in View of His Mercy</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do I trust that His mercies are new every morning and that all of this is only possible because of His love and mercy?</span></div>
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When we allow ourselves to take that leap of faith, that's when His truth sets us free.</div>
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-CR</div>
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-29078029199811157662014-05-20T18:00:00.000-07:002014-07-01T11:51:34.013-07:00TimelessA God outside of Time.<br />
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This weekend my Pastor was speaking about the Kingdom of Heaven, and attributes of the God that fills it.<br />
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I got stuck on several points...but I wanted to share one with you.<br />
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Joy.<br />
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We read it in the Bible, and we quote it to each other in times of struggle...let's say it together... "The Joy of the Lord is our strength."<br />
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I have said it so many times, yet never really thought about it truly. What does it mean?<br />
I have used it as a way of beating myself up for not being joyful enough ,to get through something. Because, being joyful is how I am strong...that's how I "manage". So instead of being in a pity party, I put on a smile, I act like I'm great until I trick myself into believing that I am...or until I am thankful enough that I truly am good again.<br />
But I was so convicted this weekend as I heard him talk about Joy. This scripture says absolutely nothing about <i>my </i>joy...it says the joy of the LORD is <i>my </i>strength. If nothing else that I do or possess on my own is ever enough why would I be so foolish as to think that MY joy,(my forcing myself to find joy), would ever be enough to get me through something? And that is where the Truth is... it is through Christ only that anything is ever and has ever been accomplished in my life. His joy is true, not forced.<br />
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So how does His joy become my strength?<br />
My understanding of Joy is so very limited. But God's is not. It is untamed, it is unrestrained, it is never ceasing, it is timeless.<br />
God himself is not bound by time, I am. So the joy that I understand may be experienced in one moment, and then another, and another...but to God, ALL joy is His, always.<br />
That's so powerful...and so, so much more powerful than the tiny bit of joy I might be able to muster up on my own. Of course that joy that He holds is my strength!<br />
That kind of Joy could move mountains!<br />
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So today, if you're needing an extra dose of strength...instead of running to a cup of coffee, and a fake smile...try remembering the Joy of your Lord. The joy of the God that came down from Heaven on high to be near you. The joy that He knows when you are near to Him, that you belong to Him. The joy of every good moment, every good word, every sweet memory, all joy...all is His.<br />
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-CAll Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-20942775778107067202014-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:002014-07-01T11:51:46.774-07:00Certain. Absolutely Certain.Certain of the uncertainties, and their certainties. <div>
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The first thing I am certain of is that life is crazy confusing sometimes. There are many "unknowns" , "wait it outs" and "hang in there's" . </div>
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But I know that even in life's <i>uncertainties,</i> there are always, always some <i>certainties.</i></div>
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Is certainties even a word? </div>
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Probably not. </div>
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Oh well.</div>
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There they are...right there where they should be, in a sea of uncertainties...looking at you with big, wanting eyes just begging you to hold out in hope. </div>
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There's always this waiting out the uncertain moments..wading through the flood waters, wondering when your help will arrive. You know that your location is known....you are not destitute by any means <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(though it can feel it at times)</span></i>. Your need is known...because, let's be honest...you have <i>made. it. known.</i> Now you wait...latching on to the promise to come, knowing that God <i>will</i> come. He <i>will</i> provide. That's all there is to it. Of that I can be certain. I hold that <span style="font-size: large;">truth</span>.</div>
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Swift. No, not T.Swift. Swift. The adjective meaning promptly; suddenly. That's how God rolls.</div>
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I am also certain of that. </div>
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Twice, maybe even three times now that I think of it, in the past week this has been brought to my attention. And by completely random people, unconnected to one another. That God does not act slowly, but swiftly and suddenly. How true is that? You wait, for what feels like an eternity...and then when you least expect it...BAM...done. </div>
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But the truth is, God was working all along. You <i>felt</i> like you were waiting forever for an answer...when really God acted swiftly, you just don't see it until it's finished.</div>
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It's like a surprise party for YOU! You think it just happened, all of a sudden your friends and family are all there shouting your name and "Happy Birthday!!" And there's cake (or ice cream if you're me) and presents, and laughter, joy, and crazy amounts of love coming your way. But truthfully...that party has been in the works for a long time, months even. All because they knew your birthday was coming, and they wanted to make you feel the joy and magnitude of their love for you. So much so that it would shock you...</div>
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His love is like that. He comes to your rescue, and He <b>NEVER</b> under-delivers.</div>
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Of <i><b>that</b> </i> you can be certain.</div>
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-C</div>
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-19022259635774527262014-03-31T17:20:00.000-07:002014-03-31T17:20:00.374-07:00The Good LifeThis is my life.<br />
And this is your life.<br />
And yes, <i><u>it is good.</u></i><br />
It may not be easy. In fact, most days it will be everything but easy.<br />
It is imperfect, messy..broken.<br />
But, oh how beautiful it is.<br />
And good. Oh so very good.<br />
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Remembering today that God is a good God. And that He is <i>only</i> good. So the life that He has given me...it too is <i>the</i> good life. The one He gave me...this breath, this moment, this heartache, this joy, this compassion, this beauty, this memory, all of it...every bit of this life is good, and it is beautiful.<br />
There is beauty in this place.<br />
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My God, you see, He is a craftsman. He is good at what He does. A craftsman knows their craft, they are careful with their craft. They study it, the understand it, they purpose it.<br />
I am purposed for something. And not just anything. But for good things.<br />
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"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:10 </blockquote>
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<br />All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-16347701046678834502014-01-10T09:17:00.000-07:002014-01-10T09:25:12.185-07:00Fullness of God<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Today my heart is enraptured by the unfathomable love of Christ.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;">" And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God."</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">I am whole. </span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">I do not completely grasp the concept. Can anyone <i>really?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Yet for some reason, this morning it is all that I can think of. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Fullness...Lacking nothing. Complete. Whole.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">To be filled of all the "fullness of God" is to know God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">John 17:3 NIV </span></span><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">When I <i>know</i> God, I know His love. I can begin to see the depth, and overwhelming vastness of His love for me. And when I can see that love, I can trust<i> Him</i>. I can trust in the motive of that love, and I trust in the undeserved favor and grace that was offered through Christ.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;">Because of Christ and because of His the unmerited favor, love and affection, I lack nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">I am complete. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-106545634794238922013-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:002013-08-02T18:52:24.414-07:00Dear Today,Dear Today,<br />
I will be adding things to the "to do" list that have already been done...just so I can mark <i>something</i> off. Hope that's ok, because it makes me feel better about you.<br />
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Good tunes, God tunes, are absolutely necessary to keep my heart from being mad at you...after all, you <i>are</i> Friday...and well, you're not living up to your good reputation. I'm a little hurt. But no worries, I'll be over it in a few short hours...<br />
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(There should probably be a thank you added in here somewhere to Spotify for providing the hours of de-stress, refocus, don't hang up on people, it's ok because God is good even if today day isn't music... HUGE help! ...so, thanks!)<br />
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Oh and remember that post about trust...the one about deeper waters...turns out, waters can get deep <i>reeeaaaal </i>fast. Know what I mean? It's a good thing I had that reminder and I can see all of this as a trust exercise. :)<br />
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It helps me to know that when many things are going wrong, I can count on there being many more that are right. So that makes it all OK. I know God is bigger, God is better, and I know tomorrow is brighter. (Unless it's rainy, in which case it would be AWESOME!)<br />
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<br />All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-57727059558479276392013-07-15T15:49:00.001-07:002013-07-15T15:50:07.839-07:00Without Borders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders<br />
Let me walk upon the waters<br />
Wherever You would call me<br />
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander<br />
And my faith will be made stronger<br />
In the presence of my Savior"</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Oceans (Where My Feet Fail) by Hillsong United </span></div>
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Such beautiful words. </div>
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Such a beautiful heart behind them. </div>
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How often is this our prayer? That God would lead us into a place where there are no borders for our trust...nothing standing in between my faith, and His will. No fears, no walls, no preconceptions, nothing standing in the way of me trusting the one whom my soul loves so desperately. A place as this would mean a place where we have no choice but to trust...for there is nothing else to grab hold of. That is a scary place...yet that is where My God resides. And there...in <i>that</i> place...the one called surrender...I will be made stronger. For He is all that is left to draw from. And after all...<i>He </i>is enough.</div>
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Where I am is not enough. I desire more faith. I desire to go deeper...always deeper. </div>
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<br />Love,</div>
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C</div>
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-74450082172514954522013-07-04T10:32:00.002-07:002013-07-04T10:32:12.315-07:00A time to plant...<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens..."</span><div class="poetry top-05" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
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<br />
It's been a while since I've written. To be honest, the reason for that is I haven't really had much to say. I'm in a bit of a funk.<br />
<br />
I've been living here in Dallas now for almost 8 months. 8 months of a new job, a new church, new city, new friends. New everything. For someone who lived her entire life in the same city and never experienced anything like this before, that is a lot of new!<br />
<br />
Some of that "new" has been so exciting! I love meeting new people and being the new girl can be a lot of fun. I have loved exploring a new city! Dallas has so much culture and tons of areas to explore. I love all the trees and the green ( so different than phoenix). I love my new church. There are great people there who love the Lord and really seek His will for their life and that of the church. I love my family here who have taken me in and supported me during this transition.<br />
<br />
Lately though, its been hard to focus on all that I love about this new life. It's a lot easier to only see the areas I feel I am lacking in. I am still working hard to make good friendships; I am lonely and would really like to have the right guy in my life; work is a lot of work sometimes; I miss everyone in AZ.<br />
<br />
Blah Blah Blah.. you get the picture! Pity parties have been a little more frequent with this girl lately. I hope I'm not being too depressing about any of this. Just being real. I came across this staple of a verse in Ecclesiastes and felt a little peace about where I'm at right now. I have a lot of people out there who have encouraged me in this season of newness that I am in. The thing I keep hearing over and over is that this is my time to plant. To do the hard work. To do. To work the extra hours at church, go out on a limb and make the effort to develop more friendships. Put myself out there a little. Man oh man! That kind of stuff is hard for me! But if I really am in a season of harvest, than there must be something coming forth soon :)<br />
<br />
So, this has just been me being a little more raw than I usually am. For anyone else out there in a season of something not so fun, I encourage you to devote your all to wherever you are right now. Because it too is only a season and who knows what you will reap from it down the road :)<br />
<br />
Shan<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-62527434182485193112013-07-01T16:18:00.002-07:002013-07-01T16:48:19.579-07:00HomeNothing like the gentle warmth of a citrus scented candle to warm your hands on a <strike>cool afternoon</strike> blazing 118 degree summer day. Who's with me? Nobody?<br />
If you're from Phoenix, maybe you understand my dilemma. Blistering temps outside.<br />
We're talking bake cookies on your hood, fry an egg on the sidewalk, blow torch wind in your face, I might possibly melt today hot outside Oh, but don't worry it's a "dry heat." (I'm rolling my eyes in case you are unaware of the sarcasm attached to that last statement). Personally, I think heat is heat...boil a chicken, bake a chicken...either way, that baby's gettin' cooked, and so am I...until I walk inside that is.<br />
Everyone in Phoenix has to make up for the oven like air qualities outside by making it Antarctica inside...I mean, really? is that necessary? I'm freezing in this heat!<br />
Alas, here I sit, warming my hands with a candle and dreading the painful walk to my car that awaits me at the end of this work day.<br />
<br />
In other news, I have had the lovliest of weekends. (Two in a row to be exact!)<br />
<br />
Despite the ridiculously hot temperatures this weekend, I ventured out into the city with some sweet friends. Friday night we had a wonderful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, <a href="http://postinowinecafe.com/menu/">Postino</a>, and shared the most delicious array of Bruschetta. I mean, who has 12 different types of bruschetta?! Ah, so yummy! And then, I spent Saturday with my sister shopping and being girly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8figksoNrKku6gvIHuOPlnvhn31jLAYK6ttyY5Q5F35RP2IAhAJm4RplmGJmwuPDFKrbuQSSft7aL6iKjKk-xi4yOOEkrN9mkWB9QEEKt8DUuvoz2KjUJ9w8Znk39YSXQa-nUtIMtAvg/s1600/20130628_182314_20130629084007387-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8figksoNrKku6gvIHuOPlnvhn31jLAYK6ttyY5Q5F35RP2IAhAJm4RplmGJmwuPDFKrbuQSSft7aL6iKjKk-xi4yOOEkrN9mkWB9QEEKt8DUuvoz2KjUJ9w8Znk39YSXQa-nUtIMtAvg/s320/20130628_182314_20130629084007387-1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCTatLZzia_jarMB3JDlb2Es-fKyfWvI6u-JFgVCD-U9x9fcrzH-3w8bMAQw3gsSX_J2jpLEniNjiiZVET360xy9rmt44G1L3VE0Bepv_CMCXTnEvy0D5OHNvZTNJ4oKok5fy0HlbP90r/s1600/20130628_181826_20130629084252802-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnCTatLZzia_jarMB3JDlb2Es-fKyfWvI6u-JFgVCD-U9x9fcrzH-3w8bMAQw3gsSX_J2jpLEniNjiiZVET360xy9rmt44G1L3VE0Bepv_CMCXTnEvy0D5OHNvZTNJ4oKok5fy0HlbP90r/s320/20130628_181826_20130629084252802-1.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8figksoNrKku6gvIHuOPlnvhn31jLAYK6ttyY5Q5F35RP2IAhAJm4RplmGJmwuPDFKrbuQSSft7aL6iKjKk-xi4yOOEkrN9mkWB9QEEKt8DUuvoz2KjUJ9w8Znk39YSXQa-nUtIMtAvg/s1600/20130628_182314_20130629084007387-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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Last weekend I had the opportunity to throw a baby shower for my the lovely Bex of <a href="http://www.bexadiary.com/">Bex, a Diary</a> blog. This woman is inspirational. You should check out her blog if you haven't and read through her journey of infertility and adoption. A long time in the waiting, they were finally licensed to foster and hopefully adopt a sweet little one. We had a beautiful party to celebrate this and spoil her with all kinds of necessities for mommyhood. I hope to have some pictures for you soon.<br />
<br />
For now I just wanted to say how amazed I am at the heart of foster care. What an incredible noble, and selfless task. To love children...to welcome them into your home and make them your own. To provide for them and nurture them to growth. What a beautiful, beautiful example of Christ's love.<br />
<br />
Much like a child that requires love in order to grow, we too need to be adopted into a new kind of home; One full of love and grace like we have never known. I always had a difficult time with the idea of God adopting me as an orphan, because I have wonderful parents. Yet, even the best of parents cannot compare to the love God has for me, His daughter. And if I am to grow, I need to be <i>with</i> Him where I am always learning. <br />
<br />
John 15 talks a lot about this being 'in Him." If we don't, we perish. We must make our home with Him as The Message version puts it:<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span class="verse v4 selected" data-usfm="JHN.15.4"><span class="content">4Live
in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a
branch can’t bear grapes by itself but only by being joined to the
vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me...</span></span><br />
<span class="verse v4 selected" data-usfm="JHN.15.4"><span class="content"><span class="verse v9 v10" data-usfm="JHN.15.9+JHN.15.10"><span class="content">9-10I’ve
loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my
love. If you keep my commands, you’ll remain intimately at home in my
love. That’s what I’ve done—kept my Father’s commands and made myself at
home in his love.</span></span></span></span><span class="verse v11 v12 v13 v14 v15" data-usfm="JHN.15.11+JHN.15.12+JHN.15.13+JHN.15.14+JHN.15.15"><span class="label">11-15</span><span class="content">“I’ve
told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and
your joy wholly mature. This is my command: Love one another the way I
loved you."</span></span></blockquote>
</blockquote>
I love that not only do we get to be loved and adopted, and not only do we get to grow and bear fruit, and not only do gain the Joy of Christ, but we also get to learn how to love and extend those same things to others. A wonderful and worthy task.<br />
<br />
Hope your Monday is going well! Much Love,<br />
C <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqQ0z7dbfwUF1k_r6qnS6j7B3j51x2FsMLLocK4JCgTfZNkOr1HM30zteVwuMn4KULz1ihHS8evfnS_Yx2023cH5BQCNFjd80OgYuZ7xpbtmgwceMSkkG0CaxE4A8BJlgpwfnO32OBPYc/s896/IMG_20130518_185021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHqQ0z7dbfwUF1k_r6qnS6j7B3j51x2FsMLLocK4JCgTfZNkOr1HM30zteVwuMn4KULz1ihHS8evfnS_Yx2023cH5BQCNFjd80OgYuZ7xpbtmgwceMSkkG0CaxE4A8BJlgpwfnO32OBPYc/s320/IMG_20130518_185021.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a completely random pic of my mom and I...just cause I think she's cool. :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-4518900253930355072013-06-13T17:01:00.000-07:002013-06-13T17:01:17.384-07:00One of Those DayEver had "one of <i>those </i>days?"<br />
You know, the kind where you are constantly reminded of how ungraceful you are. Cups go flying across the desk, its contents pouring over your lovely keyboard as you are <strike>patientl</strike>y annoyingly answering a phone call. You reach out your hand to "catch the liquid," cupping it in your hand to save the keyboard (who may, or may not already be past saving as you look over the nice streams of tea trickling down between the keys) all the while trying very hard to be kind and calm to the helpless student on the phone. You think to yourself, that could have been worse...I ended up pretty clean after that mess <strike>(and by the way...the keyboard was rescued thanks to lots of paper towels, shaking, a little pounding, and a can of pressurized air..those things are magical)</strike>.On second thought...it's getting difficult to type here....anyways, couldn've been worse right? Then...oh, <i>then... </i>you look down to see remnants of your very jelly PB&J sandwich all down your front...hours after lunch. Who saw that? No one did..right? How can you miss that?! Forget the tea on the keyboard...my dress! My pretty cream dress! Sigh... These are the days that I would love to have on tape. (Wow do I sound old...I mean recorded...on my iphone...that I don't have...never-mind.) <br />
For me, today would be that day...or one of many I suppose...I wish they weren't as often as they seem to be lately. Oh well. <strike>Some days</strike>, I am just a mess. And that's ok. :)<br />
<br />
Last week I decided that instead of reading a different Psalm everyday, I would just read the same one everyday. It's amazing how the words play in your mind through out your week, changing your heart in the simplest of ways.<br />
Last week's Psalm: 139...oh that wonderful, lovely <a href="https://www.youversion.com/bible/111/psa.139.niv">139th Psalm</a>. You should go read it...no really, it will bless you. :) <br />
Here's a snippet to get you started: <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.139.1"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">"You have searched me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.139.1"><span class="content">and you know me.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.139.1"><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.139.2"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You know when I sit and when I rise;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.139.2"><span class="content">you perceive my thoughts from afar.</span></span></div>
<div class="q1" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.139.2"><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="label"></span><span class="content">You discern my going out and my lying down;</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content">you are familiar with all my ways."</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content">We all so deeply long to be known, yet fear it at the same time. With God, we don't have a choice; we just get to be known. I see so much beauty in that. </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content">There is just so much goodness in these scriptures. So much truth about who I am. I need that reminder daily. the reminder that I am the creation of the God of the universe...and His works are wonderful. </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content">You who are His created, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content">C</span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
<div class="q2" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.139.3"><span class="content"> </span></span></div>
All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-58022806011367059282013-05-22T14:44:00.000-07:002013-05-22T14:46:47.260-07:00Happy Day O' Birth!!!Today is Shan's Birthday!!!! Whoo hoooo!!<br />
<br />SO this post is for her :)<br />
<br />
SHANNON! You are so so wonderful! I hope that this next year will be even more amazing than the last.<br />
I pray that in this next year God would do something new. (As if moving to Texas and starting a new job wasn't new enough ;) ) That He will renew dreams and desires that have been in hibrination and would breath life into them once again. That He would open doors for you to walk through with all the grace and confidence and humility you have a a Daughter of the King. I am so thankful for your friendship and for your heart. You are a lovely person inside and out! I can't wait to see what God does for you in this next year!!!<br />
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"'Do not call to mind the
former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold I will do something new,
now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a
roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.'" Isaiah 43:18-19 </span></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YYVSaYvOqJQE0psankrYRe0F5FVRspTq3AT9ymIG5ZcBsdfDS6hbJlHAdLZKEtM8QkDqklC3cJ52mWOngwOeg1GHEAjFHEBG8nNSQk9blbq_W4H3h1sodU0Mc6XNYAhGrsMlZ1Si9-tD/s1600/154489_10151368016667930_2068878830_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YYVSaYvOqJQE0psankrYRe0F5FVRspTq3AT9ymIG5ZcBsdfDS6hbJlHAdLZKEtM8QkDqklC3cJ52mWOngwOeg1GHEAjFHEBG8nNSQk9blbq_W4H3h1sodU0Mc6XNYAhGrsMlZ1Si9-tD/s320/154489_10151368016667930_2068878830_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You pretty thing, you!!</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LOVE you dear friend!!!</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C</span></i></div>
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<br />All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-9805051466636494452013-04-25T22:36:00.001-07:002013-04-25T22:36:39.618-07:00It's all in your Perspective<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Well hello there :)</div>
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It's been a while since I posted...sad day :(</div>
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Because of that, I have several random pictures I wanted to post that may not necessarily all go together completely. They are all things have either been a part of my world lately or something God has been teaching me. Take a look!</div>
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<b>New Discoveries:</b></div>
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Ok, so one of the best things about being in a new city for me is that I don't know every street or beautiful place to visit. I love taking different roads home each day from work and just getting lost in a different part of the city that I've never seen before. I stumbled upon this lake that way. Just driving around one day. It was absolutely the most peaceful place to just stumble upon. I love being around a different kind of landscape and just seeing a different kind of beauty that God created with just as much detail as what I grew up around but SO different. These other pictures are of a nature preserve that I am now in love with. So much green!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s8-0phSvRpi50tIE3ZrUvYexTCGK6VCmPN6-lJiEUGEKrAMC0hdQVcDVjDi_jAhQgjQpfytjjcuGZ7HkRl8188Whiaxqb_u3pXNrKDtCAWOlIcB5rsThqYEvBUr9z7gwNeHHRD2lLPq2/s1600/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2s8-0phSvRpi50tIE3ZrUvYexTCGK6VCmPN6-lJiEUGEKrAMC0hdQVcDVjDi_jAhQgjQpfytjjcuGZ7HkRl8188Whiaxqb_u3pXNrKDtCAWOlIcB5rsThqYEvBUr9z7gwNeHHRD2lLPq2/s640/park.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>New Memories:</b></div>
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I am thankful for new friendships and memories. I miss all of my close friendships in AZ so much. And I can get quite sad about it if I think about it too much. The other day though, I was thinking about how much I missed everyone and then God gently reminded me how He has blessed me with some pretty awesome friendships here too. So I'm blessed twice as much! Amazing, life-long friendships at home in Phoenix and now new friendships here in Dallas. What an amazing perspective! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHpwPQnK_ylw8GzelUlzixwKxMD3VDgIw0yzqk9ajnaqxAZfXyFwoA9ilSv-gTMN7k7G_TXMmHTMvu4_L090KKTn8Ak4QjPudMrYO2WBs7FHyZGzlhFhAIeWQ67vgTwdBpuI2ORfHoFkZ/s1600/baseball.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHpwPQnK_ylw8GzelUlzixwKxMD3VDgIw0yzqk9ajnaqxAZfXyFwoA9ilSv-gTMN7k7G_TXMmHTMvu4_L090KKTn8Ak4QjPudMrYO2WBs7FHyZGzlhFhAIeWQ67vgTwdBpuI2ORfHoFkZ/s400/baseball.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Oh, I shouldn't have!</b></div>
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Ok, this may not be super exciting to all of you, but i was so excited about this find. I actually bought this bow necklace for a friend but then decided I needed one too :) </div>
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Completely smile worthy!!</div>
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<b>And lastly,</b></div>
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I couldn't say this better myself. God has been working on me lately with my attitude. It's funny because many times, I know I have an icky attitude about something going on but no one else really can tell because I just seem quiet. But God still knows my attitude regardless of whether others notice. This little graphic is on my iPad to remind me that its <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ALWAYS </span>a good day to have a good day :) We are all blessed and highly favored so let's act like it. The amazingly wise Courtney Rose always says she doesn't have the luxury of having a bad day. She's just too blessed. Such an essential perspective.</div>
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Well, that what has been going on in my world lately. Hope you all have a fabulously blessed weekend!</div>
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Shan</div>
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-70287718215678651772013-04-09T00:20:00.000-07:002013-04-09T10:49:14.297-07:00My WednesdayWhy Wednesday you ask?<br />
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Because it's Tuesday...and I thought it was Wednesday and decided to just role with it.<br />
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Because...it's <i>that</i> kind of a day.<br />
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So let's get to it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vV4wQG4h6u-r48dDAumjjVdqmueY7IokBRBx0pRM9DlEjXXKLQ0pCRMqqfHJAPbjJfDBqYmr5RlnEoMgmuBOHaM-UAz3BTCyNezV0tAL0qk-GclofZJQr7XoFv5_os27hh0mnCXgfvrC/s1600/wed+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vV4wQG4h6u-r48dDAumjjVdqmueY7IokBRBx0pRM9DlEjXXKLQ0pCRMqqfHJAPbjJfDBqYmr5RlnEoMgmuBOHaM-UAz3BTCyNezV0tAL0qk-GclofZJQr7XoFv5_os27hh0mnCXgfvrC/s640/wed+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> ** cool mug <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lenzcup-Discontinued-by-Manufacture/dp/B008BBNNE0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1365526169&sr=8-5&keywords=canon+lens+mug">here</a> // similar nail polish <a href="http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4960025">here</a> // app for android can be found <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.neilandtheresa.VignetteNewDemo&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsInVrLmNvLm5laWxhbmR0aGVyZXNhLlZpZ25ldHRlTmV3RGVtbyJd">here</a>. **</span></span></div>
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This week, God has me thinking about Exodus 33. There is just so much in these verses.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Exod-33-12"><sup class="versenum">" </sup>Moses said to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, “You have been telling me, ‘Lead these people,’ but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. You have said, ‘I know you by name and you have found favor with me.’</span><span class="text Exod-33-13" id="en-NIV-2487"><sup class="versenum"> 13<b> </b></sup><b>If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. </b>Remember that this nation is your people.”</span><span class="text Exod-33-14" id="en-NIV-2488"><sup class="versenum"> 14 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> replied, “<i>My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest</i>.”</span><span class="text Exod-33-15" id="en-NIV-2489"><sup class="versenum"> 15 </sup>Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.</span> <span class="text Exod-33-16" id="en-NIV-2490"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”</span><span class="text Exod-33-17" id="en-NIV-2491"><sup class="versenum"> 17 </sup>And the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”</span><span class="text Exod-33-18" id="en-NIV-2492"><sup class="versenum"> 18 </sup>Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”</span><span class="text Exod-33-19" id="en-NIV-2493"><sup class="versenum"> 19 </sup>And the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.</span> <span class="text Exod-33-20" id="en-NIV-2494"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”</span><span class="text Exod-33-21" id="en-NIV-2495"><sup class="versenum"> 21 </sup>Then the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.</span> <span class="text Exod-33-22" id="en-NIV-2496"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by.</span> <span class="text Exod-33-23" id="en-NIV-2497"><sup class="versenum">23 </sup>Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”</span></span></div>
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Let's start with verse 12...Moses knows what God says about him. <br />
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Up next verse 13...He doesn't just know what God says, but He is acting in that. Saying, "God, if what you have said of me is true, then let me walk in that...further that blessing and promise." He wasn't afraid to ask something of God...wasn't afraid to ask for more of God, more of His favor. <br />
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Third...He asked for the right thing..to learn. To be taught the ways of God...and beyond that, with motive of knowing God. <br />
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Fourth: verse 14...God's answer is His presence. When Moses asked for God to teach him, and give him favor...God's answer was simple...His presence. After all, how do we expect to learn from God, of God if we are not with God? <br />
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This week, I want to be more aware of God's presence...I want to recognize Him in every moment so that I may learn...so that I may walk in favor. There is so much more in these verses...too much to write in one post. But I hope you keep reading, and I hope you keep thinking deeply, allowing God to move you, to teach you. <br />
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Happy <strike>Wednesday</strike> Tuesday everyone! <br />
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All Things Loverlyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01129727393313928847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3850083233890733561.post-20156643563626019962013-04-02T13:00:00.000-07:002013-04-02T13:00:00.871-07:00Worthy<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="text Ps-95-6" id="en-NIV-15461">"Come, let us bow down in worship,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-95-6">let us kneel before the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> our Maker;</span></span><span class="text Ps-95-7" id="en-NIV-15462"><sup class="versenum"> </sup></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-95-7" id="en-NIV-15462"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>for He is our God</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-95-7">and we are the people of his pasture,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-95-7">the flock under his care"</span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-95-7">Psalm 95:6-7 </span></span></div>
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In our Bible study we have been studying the book of John. This week we discussed Jesus, our shepherd.</div>
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We couldn't help but go to Psalm 23 where David so beautifully describes the loving care of a shepherd. Such care and protection. I love how the verse above compliments Psalm 23...we are His people, the people of His pasture, under His care. Doesn't that make <i>you </i>want to worship Him?</div>
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This past week some friends and I got together to have a night of worship and prayer.<br />
Beautiful, beautiful worship.<br />
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I can give no more glory to God than I cangive more light to the sun...but I can recognize, honor, and praise. I can use my gifts, my hands, my lips to show His glory.<br />
To declare Him worthy of <i>all </i>glory.<br />
Wednesday, we did just that. We gave Him "room to move" as we invited Him into our night.<br />
We held our hands high, bowed our heads low and declared Him worthy. <br />
It was such a beautiful night in God's presence, moving as the body of Christ in and out of song.<br />
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Here are a few shots I snagged during the night.<br />
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