tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54901511809690491302024-03-24T00:09:48.176-07:00Mari Ann with an iUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-54296591337971450972023-07-23T05:30:00.000-07:002023-07-23T05:30:02.960-07:00Do people even blog anymore?<p><i>I've been listening to the song "You Will Be Found" on replay lately. It's from a Broadway musical, but has been redone by Cory Asbury and Natalie Grant. There's a line that just keeps resonating with me: "Even when the dark comes crashin' through, When you need a friend to carry you, And when you're broken on the ground, you will be found.'"</i></p><p><i>I know this song wasn't originally written about Jesus. But....in those moments when I was broken on the ground, He was there. I guess you always wonder if, in the most desperate of moments, He will be there. He will. He is.</i></p><p><i>I wish I knew how to translate that to all the people I see everyday. I see them grasping for drugs and love and money. Those things are so temporary, and when you are "broken on the ground" none of them are there. You are alone.</i></p><p><i>My thoughts and prayers are for A.H. this morning. He is such a mess - and yet - God put Him in my heart to love. He just keeps messing up, but has had no one to invest in him and truly love him. He has a houseful of kids who will keep this cycle going, But God. God can intervene and give him joy and contentment and hope. Please believe and turn away from sin A. It will cost you everything, but you will gain everything.</i></p><p><i>ma</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-65165196217463473132018-04-01T06:00:00.000-07:002018-04-01T06:00:22.026-07:00New beginnings<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We dedicate another baby today. </i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's a day to dress up and take pics and have special cookies as we celebrate Easter and Graham Franklin McKelvey. </i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As I was reading Scripture today, I came across Proverbs 3:6: </i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."</b></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That seems fitting for today. Those are words we pray over all of our lovely babies as they grow and learn and find out who God really is. My biggest hope for them is that they will have a confident, joyful relationship with Him and that they will live their lives serving and loving others. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I am so grateful for our children who are raising their kids to know Jesus! It isn't easy. It requires constantly going against the direction the world is pushing them in, and never letting up. It requires countless hours of prayer and patience and strength. I know they are up for it - they come from a strong legacy of faith.</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is a battle going on for our babies' hearts, and today we commit to pray and teach Graham throughout his whole life that God is stronger. We promise to continue to live our faith out day-by-day in front of Him, so that he will see how very much God loves him and share that love with others who don't know. It isn't an easy task, but we gladly take it on. </i><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-10691304535957439442018-02-03T04:57:00.001-08:002018-02-03T04:57:15.854-08:00Desperate for You<i>"Holy desperation."</i><br />
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<i>"Clearly God responds to it. He wants our relationship with Him to be our consuming passion - what we think about, what we talk about, what we're constantly hungry for more of and willing to do anything for - because He knows once we've experienced His manifest presence, our appetites will be whetted for more. And more." Priscilla Shirer from "Awaken".</i><br />
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It's been a tough week. Most days, serving others is rewarding and adventurous. SHN went from probably ten calls a month to <i>seventy-seven </i>in January. That's a big jump. I should probably be ecstatic about that, but instead, at least today, I am just tired. <br />
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There have been days this week when I felt God moving and doing tremendous things! People I didn't know have offered to help with building reno out of the blue, and organizations I wasn't aware of have offered items for free that are desperately needed. These connections are obviously not ones I could have orchestrated myself, and I marvel at God's provision. He truly provides.<br />
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Then there are other moments, not as many, when I can't get it all done and things are overwhelming. I feel it most when someone calls the HopeLine and their problems are so huge I don't know how or where to start. I feel it when the work to be done is enormous and I wonder what in the world qualifies me to do this. <br />
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When I finally stop my racing thoughts, God reminds me that I am not the catalyst. He is. I am not responsible for finding workers, or growing SHN, or making sense of people's messed up situations. He is. I forget that sometimes in the rushing flood of tasks and calls and needs. I forget that He is enough. It isn't just a couch or a bed that SHN must offer, it is <i>hope.</i> And that hope doesn't come from me. <br />
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Every so often, I have to recenter and realize that I'm not off-balance because there is so much to be done, or because I'm not organized enough, or because I haven't had enough "me" time. I'm off-balance because I am not going to God as my source of strength and wisdom. His presence alone gives me the ability to see clearly and be peaceful.<br />
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I think I will recenter today. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-84980696108490911422017-12-17T05:43:00.001-08:002017-12-17T06:37:27.821-08:00Radical Christmas<i>It was the worst house I had ever seen, in the U.S. anyway.</i><br />
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<i>The details don't matter, suffice it to say the beautiful young woman and her children were living in conditions that no one should have to live in. Her options were few. She didn't have much money to stretch each month, and she had to keep a roof over their head. It sure wasn't much of a roof. </i><br />
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<i>Her eyes lit up as we brought in household items and staples. And Pop-tarts. Her kids NEVER got Pop-tarts. </i><i>The items we offered would help for sure. They would stretch her budget and perhaps make life a little bit less terrifying for the short time they lasted. </i><br />
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<i>The questions I wrestled with at the beginning of Spread Hope Now, well, I don't wrestle with them anymore. Questions like "Why her and not me?" and "How could any human being treat others with so little respect?" are not productive and just lead me around in circles. It doesn't matter "why" or "how". God has those answers, not me, and it doesn't change what He expects from me.</i><br />
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<i>The question I AM asking is "What can be done for her?" There are no easy solutions. If we report the landlord, the house would most definitely be condemned, and she would be homeless with her babies. If we help repair the home to some degree, the rent could go up and she could not afford that. Yet, how can we do nothing?</i><br />
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<i>There's an answer, I just don't know it yet. I remind myself every day that God is always working, even when I cannot see it. He SEES her. He expects me to SEE her. </i><br />
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<i>I do.</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-17699736321733758112016-05-01T19:19:00.005-07:002016-11-07T04:41:48.698-08:00Lessons learned in Haiti<i>Sometimes opportunities come at inopportune times. </i><br />
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<i>My last mission trip was like that. I had so many things on my plate - a roof project, and family stuff, and an upcoming Mobile Pack Event. When I got the invitation to go to Haiti along with a Feed My Starving Children team, I thought of a thousand reasons to turn it down. Going just didn't make sense.</i><br />
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<i>As you can see, I couldn't turn it down. </i><br />
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Outside Love a Child School at recess.<br />
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Serving Manna Pack food in a remote mountain village.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-75053022149848312412015-06-07T06:18:00.000-07:002015-06-07T06:18:07.323-07:00"anything" - abandoning entitlement<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Expectation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Unfulfilled expectations are something I have struggled with before, and probably always will. Anyone else? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I don't think I really expected my life to be perfect or easy, because it didn't start out that way. I did, however, have a plan and a goal and I headed toward that with everything I had. I mean, ever since I was very young I had a picture in my head of what my "ideal" life would look like, and I orchestrated lots of details to make it happen. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But..... what happens when life doesn't look like that? Honestly, it feels like failure. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In chapter 5, Jennie explains that "It is too easy in this country for blessings to become rights, for stuff and money to become what calls the shots in our lives. And before we know it, God's gifts have replaced himself." Wow.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Why do we settle? The point is not that we have a plan and it doesn't work out. The point is that we shortchange ourselves when we pursue our plan and not his. On page 46, don't miss it......"There is another normal - it is invisible and lasts forever and it doesn't fall down. The ironic thing about believing in God and supernatural things is that the invisible stuff is actually the most trustworthy, the most stable. So the concrete things we can see and touch, they become the wind, they become the things we try to catch, and over and over, they pass through our fingers and souls, keeping us empty. But when I take my empty self to God, he feels familiar and stable and more like concrete than wind."</i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All those things that scream perfection to me, they don't satisfy my soul. How could they?</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>It is definitely a matter of focus. When I focus on what I want and what I don't have, my heart hurts and feels cheated. When I focus on how good God is, how much He loves me and wants me to love others, perspective shifts and the hurt dissipates. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Later in the chapter comes this: "But God often seems unconcerned with helping us maintain same, simple lives where everything fits and works. I don't know what God's plans are for you, but I do know that <b>we don't hear from him until certain things die.</b> (emphasis mine) He doesn't compete. And when He does speak, it typically costs us something."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So what had to "die" for me? My expectation of what my life should look like had to go, as well as my security. I really like security. I mean, really like it. I was finding security in my family, my church, my knowledge, my plan. Unfortunately, those things are not constant, and the continuous shifting was wrecking me. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What I learned in the process is that I don't dream big enough dreams. God's plan for me is complete and satisfying and amazing! When I stop mourning the things I didn't get, and let go of them, God shows me the better things. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I won't tell you it is easy. Letting go of what we know for something we can't define is terrifying. It is also necessary. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>In the final words of the chapter, Jennie describes a friend of hers who abandoned her plan for God's better one. She describes her like this: "She still bleeds God, and her life is being poured out on the neediest and the most broken. She traded entitlement for surrender, and God took her up on it."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I pray I will look like that. </i></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-7558382705556082402015-05-21T19:41:00.003-07:002015-05-22T02:12:21.053-07:00"anything" - (chapter 4)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Sure. We are abandoning the approval of others and getting our heart under control. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Easy, right? Is that even possible?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>We talked about our preoccupations, our "streams" if you will, this week. What are those messages, those thoughts we have running underneath the surface that get pushed to the top when we are squeezed? Those unspoken but learned messages can send us careening in directions we don't want to go, and make us do things we didn't mean to do. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Jennie Allen asks the question "How does one control the heart?" Our small group couldn't answer that one. In fact, we all laughed out loud thinking about all the times we have tried but failed!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>As women, we are blessed with lots of feelings, aren't we?! That can be such an asset. We can offer comfort and empathy and hope because we feel things so deeply. Or....we can let our emotions rule us and carry us to unhealthy places. (and I don't mean Taco Bell)</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Proverbs 21:1 says "The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever He will." When we let God control our heart, he brings us back into fellowship with him, and changes our perspective to his perspective.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I passed out blank index cards and asked everyone to write down the things that were keeping them from praying that "anything" prayer. Not everyone wanted to share their thoughts, but there was some discussion that centered around fear, loneliness, loss of control. Can you relate? </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What would it take for you to let go of those things? </i></span>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-35331555343955320762015-05-04T04:35:00.000-07:002015-05-04T04:35:39.955-07:00"anything" - missing buttons/losing control<i>"We are supposed to want God all the time for everything and trust Him with every aspect of our lives. We are also supposed to hand write thank-you notes and vote in local elections."</i><br />
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<i>Let's face it. We are "supposed" to do lots of things. We are supposed to be good, love others, be beautiful and together, prompt, organized, genuine, on and on. Praise God for giving us grace - but that doesn't mean everyone else does. Jennie points out that when God gives us grace He takes something from us. He takes our control.</i><br />
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<i>Last night I listened as my daughter Meredyth gave her testimony in small group. Her stories were my stories. As tears ran down her face and I listened to her words, I relived every moment of her pain. I thought of how much God had taught me since she was born. Ah....my plan was to dress her in frilly dresses and big white bows and protect her from every hard thing. I was single-minded in my pursuit of perfect motherhood. I wanted absolutely none of the horrible things that I had endured to touch her in any way, and I never wanted her to feel the insecurity and helplessness that I felt. </i><br />
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<i>But...life doesn't work like that. </i><br />
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<i>If I had my way, Meredyth would have never felt a moment of pain in her life. She would never have been broken and afraid. I felt like I failed when I could not protect her from life, but God had a plan all along. His plan is so much better than mine! My role was not to protect her from all the hurt, it was to teach her who will heal those hurts, put her back together, and make her stronger.</i><br />
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<i>What I see in her that I struggle to see in my own life is that the broken places are actually the beautiful ones. As women, we are most beautiful when we are vulnerable and teachable. When we let go of control and fear, and trust God with our stuff, He gives us freedom. What a trade!</i><br />
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<i>"Freedom isn't found in rebelling or pretending. Both places bind us tighter. Freedom is found in a person who took care of the buttons we are missing, the places that are scarred in us and stolen from us......If I view God rightly, I run to Him the second any weight descends on my shoulders He deals with it. I go to Him broken, like the adulterous woman in the Bible, and he takes my hand and helps me up and says to me as He said to her, 'Neither do I condemn you, go and from now on sin now more.' (John 8:11)</i><br />
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<i>And from the final page of the chapter:</i><br />
<i>"This is the gospel:</i><br />
<i>We all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)</i><br />
<i>And then God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh. (Romans 8:3 paraphrased)</i><br />
<i>Christ did what none of us, no matter how bright and shiny could do.</i><br />
<i>We get to be free."</i><br />
<i>Hallelujah.</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-23987355893216020192015-04-28T10:04:00.002-07:002015-04-28T10:04:54.477-07:00"anything" - Clarity<i>Chapter 2 of "anything" is sub-titled: abandoning pretending". What a concept. As believers, we can come to a point of fatigue - fatigue that comes from striving for goodness. We can think we are right, we are good enough, we are on-track. We can hide our weaknesses and our struggles, thinking we should present a pretty package to the world. It is exhausting!</i><br />
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<i>Jennie talks about Adam and Eve's decision to choose evil, and their shame afterward. They were without a church or Bibles to pressure them, yet their inclination was to hide and pretend. Don't we also find comfort in hiding and pretending? It seems safer to present ourselves as together and secure rather than humbly show the world our flaws. As Jennie says: "Humility is costly".</i><br />
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<i>We like "good" people. We like good children and good adults, and we find them acceptable. But, Jesus went to people who were broken. Broken people needed Him, and still do.</i><br />
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<i>There is something really beautiful about a woman who is open and humble about her brokenness. We can let down our guard around someone like that, and just be who we really are. What would it take for you to just relax and push away the pretense? We can be women who are tender, and approachable, and openly broken. When God is our refuge and our constant, it is safe to just be ourselves. </i><br />
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<i>Let's not wait for someone else to do it first. Jennie wrote about a group of men who had been in prison. These men were open and vulnerable, and grateful. She said it was as if "they had 'screwed up' written on their foreheads." In small group, we talked about how people would react if we walked into church like that! It might be scary, but it would also be liberating. Perhaps we won't write on our faces that we have "screwed up" and aren't perfect, but maybe we live in such a way that we are always ready to share our weaknesses.</i><br />
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<i> I think we can do that.</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-9456592524434702362015-04-21T18:20:00.001-07:002015-04-21T18:20:35.166-07:00"anything" - Risk<i>Our small group met Sunday for our first discussion of Jennie Allen's book "anything, the prayer that unlocked my God and my soul". I was thrilled to hear that everyone loved the study so far and the message had really resonated with each of them. I love these women, and I love their transparency. It isn't easy to be open, but they are willing.</i><br />
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<i>We started by asking a question from chapter one:</i><br />
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<i>"How do you give someone God?" Jennie says her dad did his best to give her God, and as a parent, I can relate to that. How desperately I wanted to give a relationship with Christ to my children, my family, my friends! All we can really do is teach <b>about </b>God. That isn't the same as <b>knowing</b> Him, is it?</i><br />
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<i>"The only exercise that works 100 percent of the time to draw one close to the real God is risk......To risk is to willingly place your life in the hand of an unseen God and an unknown future, then to watch Him come through. He starts to get real when you live like that." (page 9)</i><br />
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<i>Risk can be a scary thing. It perhaps is most frightening if you are a woman - but I might be biased there. We can love so many things more than our God: children, spouses, jobs, comfort, control. We can spend lots of effort and time trying to protect these things. Trying to reduce the risk.</i><br />
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<i>Can you do it? Can you pray that prayer from the introduction that Jennie prayed? "God, we (I) will do anything. Anything." I asked that in class and got some honest answers. Some said "No" and some said "Partially". (which also means no) What will you say?</i><br />
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<i>Jennie says in chapter one: "I believed He was big enough to save me forever, but now I would have to grow to believe he was big enough to weave in and out of my every day leading me, changing me."</i><br />
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<i>Let's believe like that.</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-13575516315026293152015-04-19T14:25:00.001-07:002015-04-19T14:25:29.261-07:00"anything"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO3AM9AmGw3zVXpdxuKWm7muW4ojqyk2AKxeazzNwhyphenhyphenOe55wpQKkCX6n8X5GINxJ-WA5y1Wqg0TLu7BH7a0aHXZHl507Nwr7VhMujwYLZBdIP4oBpE-ZsY9OIiejXMHjkWz6tDlXl8HHC/s1600/anything.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimO3AM9AmGw3zVXpdxuKWm7muW4ojqyk2AKxeazzNwhyphenhyphenOe55wpQKkCX6n8X5GINxJ-WA5y1Wqg0TLu7BH7a0aHXZHl507Nwr7VhMujwYLZBdIP4oBpE-ZsY9OIiejXMHjkWz6tDlXl8HHC/s1600/anything.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>It has been a while.</i></div>
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<i>I don't write much any more. Oh, I compose things in my mind, but they never really make it to paper or computer. The longer the hiatus, the harder it is to begin. There was a time when I swore I would never again write a single word. </i></div>
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<i>But, there is Katherine. Katie is my sweet, precious niece. I have started leading a small group of women at church, and Katherine wants to join us from another city. I invited her to explore the "anything" book with us, and told her I would post our insights.</i></div>
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<i>For our first meeting this evening, I am asking all the ladies to read through Chapter 1, ending on page 11. Warning....this book is not lighthearted and fluffy! We will be discussing what it means to pray the prayer:</i></div>
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<i> "God, I will do anything. <b>Anything." </b>(and that is just from the introduction!)</i></div>
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<i>I prayed something close to those words just over three years ago. God turned my heart and soul upside down, and continues to do so on a regular basis. </i></div>
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<i>We meet in 2 hours, so stay tuned, Katherine! I love you!</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-87805746542393267822014-09-04T04:27:00.001-07:002014-09-04T06:02:54.904-07:00True.....or False?<h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>"God will never give you more than you can handle."</i></span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>We have all heard that statement. In the last couple of weeks, I have heard it repeatedly. Granted, I have attended two funerals, and it seems to show up often at those kinds of things. Every time I hear it, I flinch a little.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>God consistently gives Michael and me more than we can handle.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Why would He do that? I have some thoughts.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>We are pretty self-sufficient people around here, and we can just be rolling along, handling whatever comes up, when we suddenly realize that we haven't relied on God for much of anything. We can just be doing the next thing, and the next thing, and the next thing. Michael and I know everything is better when we are relying on God for every single thing - our marriage, our attitudes, our outcomes. Yet, complacency seems to lurk nearby. Every time we are dwelling nearer to Him, we vow to stay in that place and never never leave. Every single time.......</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>It seems like whenever life becomes too much for us to handle, change is coming. Familiarity is, well, familiar. It is also comfortable! We don't always want to do a NEW thing. But when life is too much for us to handle, we begin looking forward, praying constantly for vision and solutions. We don't want to move forward, but we SURE don't want to stay where we are.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>My best prayers come when life is too much for me to handle. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>It's a place of surrender. It's when I pray "God, I can't do this. I need You," and really mean it. It's when I get my eyes off myself, off my circumstances, and focus on the eternal. I start eliminating the things that don't matter at all.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>In Michael's last sermon, he said "Control is an illusion". Isn't that the truth? It scares us, though. We like to think we can somehow make sense of the chaos, squeeze it into manageable compartments that make us feel less afraid. We like to know what is coming, what's ahead. We like to brace ourselves.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>What if we expected life to be more than we could handle? I think our prayers would sound different. Instead of praying "God, help me handle everything that is coming, and help me fix my problems", I would pray "God, I can't do this without You. I can't make sense of what is happening, but You can. I need your perspective. I need your wisdom. I need you to hold me up."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>That sounds like a better place to be.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Thoughts? </i></span><br />
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<i>ma</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-18480523405299800712014-09-02T05:07:00.002-07:002014-09-02T05:07:15.453-07:00Remembering....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgVfJb_ExD7H1onFeFHy2yi8wgwr0UNUUzYLuGbyBFJR1HH27jztpShbmUR-EqTYc_-xdq3BINyrjTU9xIaCtB7V_hky-crzX0idxOt-Yl4nIIIAB-FaH6BMt6jbqE0K7JCpMrK0NhC-m/s1600/Meme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgVfJb_ExD7H1onFeFHy2yi8wgwr0UNUUzYLuGbyBFJR1HH27jztpShbmUR-EqTYc_-xdq3BINyrjTU9xIaCtB7V_hky-crzX0idxOt-Yl4nIIIAB-FaH6BMt6jbqE0K7JCpMrK0NhC-m/s1600/Meme.jpg" height="320" width="185" /></a></div>
<i>My last living grandmother passed away last week.</i><br />
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<i>Meme had been ill for a very long time. It was quite difficult to see her struggle every time I saw her, but our visits were such a gift these last couple of years. She was living in a convalescent center, not really convalescing, but being well cared for. </i><br />
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<i>Michael was asked to "do" her funeral service, (perform? preach? conduct? none of those seem right), and it was his first. Noah made me laugh when I told him......"I bet Dad didn't plan on that when he got ordained!" Indeed, Noah, he did not! </i><br />
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<i>The service was in the small town where she resided, in a little family-run funeral home. It was beautiful. I had the privilege of planning her service, and it was important to me that it reflect Meme's grace and beauty. My cousins helped me choose delicate pink lilies, white larkspur, and purple waxflower for the arrangements. (Notice the gardening terms! I have come a long way!)</i><br />
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<i>Meredyth gave the eulogy, and it was very appropriate. Thanks, Mer! She captured the nurturing, selfless, generous personality of my grandmother. She also spoke about her sassiness! We think we have discovered the source of our family's spunk and determination. (From that side anyway. It runs strong on both sides.)</i><br />
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<i>Michael gave a touching message about what Meme meant to him, as well as sharing Meme's faith. She was a very private person, but through her illness her barriers were broken down and we were able to talk about Jesus. I am so thankful for those conversations! I remember her telling me "When things get difficult, you find out what you really believe. Jesus is always there. He is how we make it through." </i><br />
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<i>I was thinking about all of the things Meme taught me, and one thing really stuck out. She had been through tremendous tragedies in her life: betrayal, disappointment, fear. She lost both of her children to cancer way too early. Through it all, she just kept giving. She loved without boundaries. Even when she was hurting, she chose to love. </i><br />
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<i>I'm amazed by that. </i><br />
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<i>And blessed to be her only granddaughter. </i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-44118324741451011942013-07-16T07:14:00.002-07:002013-07-16T08:41:27.271-07:00On Being an Introvert.......<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>There are (finally) some great books and articles about introverts circulating around the internet and the marketplace. If you are NOT an introvert, they may not interest you. However, I believe extroverts could truly benefit from striving to understand their counterparts. If you are an extrovert who lives with an introvert, or has an introvert as a friend, and you are constantly asking them "What's wrong?" every time they get quiet, then watch this video. If you are an extrovert and you are uncomfortable around people who don't always assert their ideas without giving them lots of thought, watch this video. If you are an introvert, then you will find validation when you watch it.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a world that equates success with pushing your agenda and being gregarious, it's tough to be an introvert! Susan Cain explains the differences between the two personality types very well. I recently read her book "Quiet, The Power of Introverts in World that Can't Stop Talking", and I highly recommend it.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The video is roughly 20 minutes long, but worth the time! </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Oh yeah...and I could totally relate to the camp story!</span></em><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/susan_cain_the_power_of_introverts.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-40215997787212998142013-05-24T09:10:00.000-07:002013-05-24T09:10:49.094-07:00Another favorite......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHA3E6_TM8elZx-fieSNmu_SbYfa-5MgGKeasJw-ptoJbF8-kkPwu3Of99RU1y_Q27DYPIxW62iw_s1UcPKuMe4K_wXIEj0WBEIlCJkwCuW94mwR6wIpNXGZhwmCqSkml-UzO9ETpu_jk/s1600/Collin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHA3E6_TM8elZx-fieSNmu_SbYfa-5MgGKeasJw-ptoJbF8-kkPwu3Of99RU1y_Q27DYPIxW62iw_s1UcPKuMe4K_wXIEj0WBEIlCJkwCuW94mwR6wIpNXGZhwmCqSkml-UzO9ETpu_jk/s1600/Collin.jpg" /></a></div>
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<em> <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo courtesy of micah and patty</span></em></div>
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<em><strong>This is Collin</strong>.</em></div>
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<em>My last post was a list of favorites, and that list would be incomplete without Collin! Micah and Patty brought this beautiful little boy into our family over two years ago, and we will never, ever be the same.</em></div>
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<em>I remember well when Micah and Patty told us they were expecting a baby. The months prior to that had been a hard time for me. I had lost my mom not long before, and was still dealing with the shock and pain. Their announcement was like a ray of sunshine poking its' way through a dense, dark cloud. It reminded me that life goes on, and joy returns.</em></div>
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<em>I know there are books and songs written about the joys of grandchildren, and they are all true. They are a present from God, and bring nothing but pure, unfiltered joy. However, I don't want to make the mistake of just lumping them all into one basket. Just like each of my own children, I want to appreciate the myriad of things that <strong>only</strong> Collin brings to the world and to our family. We will have many grandchildren, but only one Collin Rainey. </em></div>
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<em>Because my daughter-in-love is one of the most giving and thoughtful women I know, Michael and I get pictures of our Collin on a daily basis. Just when our day seems like drudgery, a picture will pop up on our phones and there he is! They live oh-so-far-away, but feel much closer when we get to see Collin enjoying ice cream or swimming lessons or gymnastics. We get to Skype often, and how I appreciate the technology!!!! Because we interact all the time, it doesn't take any time for Collin to warm up to us when we get to see him in person.</em></div>
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<em>But I digress......my purpose here is to celebrate the things that make Collin unique!</em></div>
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<em>I love the way he looks at the world! He is constantly figuring out how to put things together, or how to place them in a linear fashion. A few days ago, he took Mardi Gras-looking beads and hung them over each kitchen cabinet in exactly the same pattern. I just wanted to get inside his brain and ask "What made you think of that"? Minutes before I watched him make two parallel lines in the hall with all his sports balls. He wasn't finished until the job was complete. </em></div>
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<em>I love how he hides in the cabinet, in the dark, and patiently waits for the right moment to emerge! I hear him yell "Mia" from behind the door, and I want to leap through the computer screen and lift him into my arms. Collin is inquisitive, eager to learn, artistic, and funny. He loves books, balls, Legos, and m & m's! </em></div>
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<em>He also loves playgrounds, his tricycle, and ice cream! He is not afraid to try new things, and he is extremely patient for a two year old. Sometimes he likes to stop and talk to us on Skype, and sometimes he is just too busy playing or exploring. It's fun just to watch him play trains, or spin around, or stack up all the pillows on the couch. </em></div>
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<em>I can't wait to see Collin develop and "become". I am looking forward to those "Collin and Mia moments" when I let him know that no one else fills the space in my heart that he does. We have plans when I go visit! I told him on Skype that I will hide surprises for him in my suitcase and he can dig them out. (I hope I have room for my clothes in there!) We are also going to the park, and sharing an ice cream, (unless he wants the whole thing), and shopping at Lowe's for a blue birdhouse. (his choice of color)</em></div>
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<em>Thank you, God, for Collin. Mia and Poppi are grateful.</em></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-18640180785581771142013-05-22T12:02:00.001-07:002013-05-22T12:02:51.594-07:00Who's your favorite?<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm really bugged by something.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">There seems to be a push by moms to "admit" they have a favorite child in their family. That's fine....admit away. What is <strong>really</strong> bugging me is the assertion that ALL moms have a favorite child and some just aren't honest enough to say it out loud.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> I have wanted children since I was 5 years old! My mom used to say that I asked her how many kids I would get to have when I was in kindergarten </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So for those moms, like me, who passionately love <strong>all</strong> their children equally, I will "admit" why <strong>all </strong>my children are my favorites. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Micah is my favorite because he is my firstborn! I was very young when I had him, and we had so much fun together. Micah is my favorite because he is uniquely Micah! He is brilliantly "book-smart" but full of common sense and compassion. His work ethic is just astounding. He will do the hard thing when it is required, and take no shortcuts. He and I share a dry sense of humor with a touch of sarcasm thrown in! He is my favorite because he is an amazing husband and father. I see that Micah has the spiritual gifts of discernment and leadership, among others, and he exercises them freely.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">JJ is my favorite because God chose him for our family when he was already a teenager! From the first time I met JJ, he stole my heart. I didn't know he would legally become my child, but I knew he was already firmly planted in my life. JJ is my favorite because he has a great sense of humor, and any room just "lights up" when he enters. He has a tenderness for people who are hurting, and he loves to help. He will always jump in and do the jobs no one else even sees or wants to do. We both came from a place of childhood heartache, and that bonds us together. I see that JJ has the gifts of encouragement and helps, among others, and he serves with joy.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Meredyth is my favorite because she is my first girl! She is one of the most passionate people I know, a trait she shares with her daddy. Every day is a party - a reason to celebrate and be joyful. Meredyth is my favorite because she overcame overwhelming adversity, not once but over and over, to triumph! She jumps into everything she does with both feet, and does what it takes to reach her goals. She is passionate about her friends, her political beliefs, her family, and her God. She sees things through to the end. She looks for the good in situations, and uses the bad to learn and improve. I see that Meredyth has the gifts of wisdom and faith, among others, and she lives that out daily.</span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Noah is my favorite because he is my baby! Many people urged us to stop having children when we had the "perfect mix" of boy and girl, but our family would not be even close to perfect without Noah. Noah is my favorite because he is kind and funny and brilliant, and he doesn't even know it! He has a compassion for others that thrills my heart, and he will go out of his way to make others feel welcome and loved. He knows what is important in life, and he strikes a great balance. He is protective and chivalrous and very, very funny!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">He is fun to be around, and a great judge of character. He will do the right thing, even if it costs him. I see that Noah has the spiritual gifts of discernment and mercy, among others, and I see those growing all the time.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have a favorite "son-in-love" and "daughter-in-love" also! Patty came into our family first, and then Heidi, and then Cooper.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Patty is my favorite because she is my daughter and a best friend! Her love and devotion to Micah and Collin is evident in every single thing she does. It is not a surprise to anyone that Patty is giving and caring and wise. What might surprise you is her awesome sense of humor! She can hold her own in this family, and that is not an easy task! She is always creating great family memories, and strives to keep us all very close in spite of the distance. One thing I know.....if I need her, she will hop in a car and be there as fast as she can. (proven over and over) I see that Patty has the gifts of teaching and hospitality, among others, and she exercises them every single minute.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heidi is my favorite because she is uniquely Heidi! I wish I had more of her sense of adventure. She embraces life and jumps in with both feet. She is not afraid of new places, or meeting new people, or discovering new things. Heidi is loyal and kind. We share a love of decorating and creating and writing. She is easy to be around, and so helpful! One of my favorite times with Heidi was after Meredyth and Cooper got married, when we sat on my bed with Patty and discussed the evening together. The girls pulled 15,000 bobby pins from my hair and we laughed and talked until we were exhausted! I see the gifts of faith and giving in Heidi, among others, and I love that about her.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Cooper is my favorite because he is my first "son-in-love"! He loves Meredyth with everything he has. Most people who meet Cooper would notice his professionalism and maturity and attention to detail. But you would miss out if you didn't see his dry sense of humor and love for people! He is always up for anything fun, and adapts to any situation. He is a problem solver, and highly motivated to serve. He looks for the best in people, and then works to bring that out. He has that coaching gene like Michael does. I love his willingness to embrace new things! His gift of leadership is what others would see first, but I see faith, teaching, and giving, too.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ok....this is a cheesy post. But I am trying to make a point. If you are a mom, don't think you are supposed to have a favorite. You most definitely are not! My job as a mother is not to identify with one child more, or enjoy one child more than another. It is to find the very best qualities in each of my children, and develop those attributes so that they can serve and bless others. They were not put on earth to make me feel better about myself! I love seeing how God made each of our family members into a perfect piece of our family's story. Each of us brings something unique and positive and enjoyable to the dynamic. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you, God, for knitting together the perfect mixture of people to form our family!</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-14512749222179512942013-04-02T06:49:00.000-07:002013-04-02T06:49:16.444-07:00Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vykD03dQIpVsJ2ncwEK06CL3Nh9ziugh-_QN33xzYwAYEqOBEm7XcyA789pRHKTWiIGw9DUyKCd9kF-HgVgk8ceasZ5lq3LfvLuuIoh3FF3WHW5y4eO96PrD_SzzujqoQ0f1gUd-2Iv/s1600/Esther.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9vykD03dQIpVsJ2ncwEK06CL3Nh9ziugh-_QN33xzYwAYEqOBEm7XcyA789pRHKTWiIGw9DUyKCd9kF-HgVgk8ceasZ5lq3LfvLuuIoh3FF3WHW5y4eO96PrD_SzzujqoQ0f1gUd-2Iv/s320/Esther.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I finished my last workbook page of this study today! I suppose it would have been better if I had begun writing about my experience with Esther as it unfolded. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I decided not to do that, however, because I didn't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't taken this particular study. Every study has a different message for the one who completes it, and mine is no exception. God spoke to me in a variety of ways from the book of Esther - none of which I expected.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Going in, I felt pretty confident about my knowledge of the book. That's always a big mistake! I decided to look at it with fresh eyes, as though I had never read it before. It can be hard to put aside your preconceived notions, can't it?! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I had always believed Esther to be priviliged and brave and confident and worthy. I won't spoil it....but will say my view of her completely changed. I related to her in a way I never thought possible. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"It's Tough Being a Woman". Isn't that the truth? It's tough being a woman:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in another woman's shadow.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in a world where beauty is a treatment.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in a mean world.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">thrown a giant size weight.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">in the tight fist of fear.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">who can balance passion with patience.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">who feels responsible for the how.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">What woman doesn't experience all these things in her lifetime? </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I wrapped up today, Beth asked us to summarize what we savored most in our nine week journey. I will close with my own synopsis:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"It is to be expected that things will be tough for me as a woman. I should not be surprised by the difficulties and I should be prepared for them. But....that shouldn't stop me in ministry or in forming relationships because God has a great plan for my life and I have to keep moving forward. God will reveal His purpose in me. I have a story to fulfill, and that story was written by God. It is an amazing story and it is bigger than I can even imagine!"</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-51334268302491652462013-03-14T21:43:00.001-07:002013-03-15T03:51:10.222-07:00Precious Memories<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I like to plan special days: days filled with family and laughter and lovely moments. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sometimes, though, you don't even know a day will be memorable. It just turns out that way. You are in the middle of it, and you just want to freeze time for awhile. You know that years from now you will look back on this very day and know that it changed you somehow.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Today was one of those days.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I decided to fill my ailing grandma's room with music. I took her a CD player, and a gospel CD of older hymns sung by a men's quartet. Her private nurse Megan helped me hook it up so she could reach it. She is pretty much bedridden now, so the days can seem long. I wasn't sure if she would want to listen to it during the day when she had company, but I thought perhaps when she was alone it would bring her comfort. I really wanted her to have comfort.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My uncle Bill was also visiting, and we each pulled up a chair close to Meme. She asked me to turn her music on low, so we could still visit. Megan had to leave, so it was just the three of us in the cozy room, door closed, settled in. Uncle Bill asked if he had ever told me how he came to know Jesus, and I shook my head. I couldn't wait to hear. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">One morning, a man who worked for him on the farm knocked on his back door. My uncle was 77 years old at the time. The man, Willis, asked to come in and speak with him about something. He said he had been up all night worrying, and had to share Jesus with him. He couldn't rest until he had shared his faith with his boss. They talked for a bit, and Bill thanked him as he left. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Later in the day, my uncle tried to take a nap, but he couldn't stop thinking about Willis and his words. He called a local pastor he knew in town, and asked if he could come to his office right away. The minister told him to come, and met him at the door of the church. And that very day, he gave his life to Christ. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Uncle Bill shared with me how Jesus had changed him. He had given him a love for people that just grew and grew. He joined the church right away, and was baptized in a private meeting with his family. His voice broke as he remembered those precious first days as a believer. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The music played on as we each told story after story of God's faithfulness. My grandma quietly listened from her bed, and tapped her feet in time with the gospel music. She was too weak to say much, but she hung on our every word. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The afternoon passed much too quickly, and it was time to go. I kissed Meme and told her I loved her, and that I would be back very soon. Uncle Bill and I slowly walked out together, and I told him how much I loved his story. I knew I would never forget it. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I drove away, I wondered if Willis ever knew how he impacted my family. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And I wondered who was waiting for me to knock on their door and tell them I couldn't rest until I told them about Jesus and how He changed my life.</span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-53840087273649354002013-03-13T07:01:00.002-07:002013-03-13T07:01:25.304-07:00I had an Encounter with Elijah<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Aha! Piqued your interest with that title, didn't I?</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Well, it wasn't THAT Elijah. It was a monumental encounter, nonetheless.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last week, after much prayer and waiting for God's answers, we placed my grandma on hospice. She has been sick for a long time, and has been in and out of hospitals for months. She is very tired. It has been a difficult but precious time for us. I have spent many hours with her talking about our faith, sharing old recipes, remembering childhood stories. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The day after my great uncle signed the hospice papers, I drove over to visit with Meme and see how she was feeling. I cannot imagine being where she is: knowing it is time to stop actively fighting for your health and life. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I strolled down the hall of the nursing home, I greeted all the aides and nurses who give her daily care. Just before I reached her room, I heard the most beautiful male voice I had ever heard singing "Precious Memories". It was angelic and filled with emotion. Not quite sure where it was coming from, I paused to listen. Meme and I had talked about her favorite songs while she was in the hospital, and "Precious Memories" topped her list. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I slowly made my way down to her room, and peered in. Meme was sitting in her chair, eyes closed, while a young man gently held her hand and sang the second verse of her favorite hymn. I didn't want to interrupt the moment, so I very quietly eased into a chair to listen. I could see peace on her face, and feel God's presence in a powerful way. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Finishing his song, the man rose to his feet and apologized for not knowing all the verses. I was shocked he knew the song at all, since it was quite an old hymn and he wasn't very old himself. He saw me sitting there, and turned to greet me. Reaching out his hand, he said "Hello! My name is Elijah!" I thought to myself "That doesn't surprise me at all!" I told him I was her only granddaughter, and that I was thrilled he was there. He told me he was the hospice chaplain and would be coming often to pour positive words into my grandmother's life. What an incredible blessing.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My grandma said "My granddaughter is Methodist just like me!" and I could hear the pride in her voice. We have had a bumpy road, the two of us, but in that moment we were just two women who loved the Lord and shared a lifetime of memories. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We spent a few more minutes talking about Jesus and how He changed us. Elijah told us how he became a hospice chaplain, and how he much he loved meeting with people of different denominations and learning their stories. We discussed that Jesus is the only way to come to God, and how incredible it is that God would love us - even before we love Him. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As Elijah stood to leave, he shared a moving prayer of thanksgiving and healing over my grandma. My eyes filled with tears as I thanked God for that pause in my busy day. I knew that I would never forget those few moments. It was a tremendous gift to us at a time when our lives are filled with medicines, medical equipment, and glimpses of death.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It reminded me that God is near. And loves us so.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-18349404161321991342013-01-31T08:28:00.000-08:002013-01-31T08:28:10.530-08:00Reflecting on 2012....<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Let's face it...January is almost over and 2012 is long gone! It was a year of great change, growth, and emotion. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In family news, many of our kids relocated in 2012. Some went to Texas, one went to war, and some moved back to our hometown. We cherish the times we get to spend with each of them! We pray for them in a very specific way every day. Michael and I sit down every few months and make a list of their needs and make it a priority to pray blessings over each of them. It is thrilling to see God's answer to those prayers. We don't always get the things we want for them, but we know God is good and has a plan for their lives. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In spiritual news, 2012 brought more changes than we have ever had in one year. It was scary, exciting, scary, thrilling, scary....You get the point. There is nothing like knowing that you are in the center of His will in ministry, even when it is hard. I never in my life dreamed we would change denominations, or move to another church, or have to leave the youth ministry we desperately loved. All we knew was the Holy Spirit was saying to step out and TRUST. What I learned was that God does not dwell in one denomination, we are called to love each other FIRST, and God's plans are so much bigger than I could ever dream. He has shifted my focus completely off myself and on to the needs of hurting people around me. For too long, my primary thoughts about church were based on making it a commity and ministering to those in that community. Wow. It seems crazy to even write that now! As I study Jesus' ministry, I see that He sought out the people nobody noticed and changed their lives. I want to bring that hope to those who need it. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">2012 also brought GriefShare back into my life. If you told me 2 years ago that I would get to facilitate a group on my own, I would have never believed it. It would have been impossible to believe I would ever feel strong enough to talk about my Mom's death with others, and show them how God can heal that pain. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Other 2012 happenings: my first overseas mission trip, a great women's conference with Jen Hatmaker and Meredith Andrews, fun with Collin, (our grandson), a trip to the beach, and multiple Bible studies. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Don't know what 2013 will bring, but we are excited to see! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-55881255773424922132013-01-16T08:37:00.000-08:002013-01-17T18:14:01.403-08:00I let go of all I have.....<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dg7h6GiNTLg?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<em>LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this song!</em><br />
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<em>Last weekend I attended a women's conference featuriing Jen Hatmaker and Meredith Andrews. Ya'll know how I feel about Jen Hatmaker.....</em><br />
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<em>I wasn't sure exactly what the conference was about because the brochure said it was about "God's Love". I'm all about God's Love, and I knew if Jen was speaking it would be seriously challenging to my spiritual walk! She didn't disappoint!</em><br />
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<em>In three sessions, Jen talked about how the church has to change its approach to address our changing culture. I was pretty familiar with her viewpoint, since I have read "Interrupted" 7 times now! (not kidding) I totally agree.....we have been so busy "blessing the blessed and saving the saints" that we have neglected to go outside our walls. The church is not the central part of our communities that it was in our grandparent's time. People don't often look to the church to solve their problems or meet their needs any more. The answer lies in going to them, and having genuine relationships with people outside the church. </em><br />
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<em>It was refreshing to go to a women's conference that wasn't about "Becoming a Confident Woman" or "Being a Better Wife" or "Improving your Marriage in 6 Easy Steps". (Ok....the last one was sarcastic. I admit it.) I'm ridiculously tired of trying to improve myself. I think I will leave that job to the Holy Spirit from here on out!</em><br />
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<em>Meredith Andrews led the worship the first day, and the song above is from her new album. She was 8 months pregnant at the conference, and I have no idea where she got her breath to sing it! Take a listen and be blessed!</em><br />
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<span id="goog_767508672"></span><span id="goog_767508673"></span><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-87986918276496344702012-11-27T06:24:00.001-08:002012-11-27T06:24:16.427-08:00Baby, It's Cold Outside!<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love the crisp, cold air!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Today it is is 28 degrees and blustery and FREEZING outside! I LOVE it! The things that make my allergies crazy will be frozen and dead. I get to wear my heaviest sweaters and my favorite riding boots. (I do not ride, but they are SO cute!) </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No Black Friday for me, but Cyber Monday was a draw for sure. I sat on my couch, in my fuzzy Old Navy pajama pants, and picked out the perfect last present for Collin. I drank my coffee while I watched rain pour from the sky. My house was soooooo cozy!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We already made our annual trek to the Yule Log Cabin and picked out the perfect Christmas tree, and the house smells like a Frasier fir. My lovely husband climbed on top of the house to put up the icicle lights that never seem to go up easily! He knows I love them and so he never complains. The mantle is decorated with poinsettias and garland and stockings and candles. The antique Nativity set that was handmade and given to my grandma and then my mom and then me has been placed in a prominent spot so I can enjoy it all the time! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I never forget the loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate with us: my grandfather, my grandma and my mom. They all loved Christmas. But....their traditions are alive in my home, and in my heart. As I wrap presents, I remember how my mom carefully constructed beautiful bows with her broken hands. I remember my grandfather slipping me a $100 bill when I was a teenager, so I could have a rabbit fur coat like all the other girls in junior high. I remember my grandmother cooking for days and days in preparation for Christmas dinner. </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">In our Thanksgiving gratitude service in the Chapel last week, we wrote a thank you note to our Heavenly Father and placed it on the altar. Mine was hastily written through falling tears, but I was able to thank Him for the years I had with them. It's so easy sometimes to think about what I have lost rather than what I have gained! </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">How are you preparing for the season?</span></em><br />
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Blessings........<br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-78429548271406316902012-11-13T09:42:00.002-08:002012-11-13T09:42:48.565-08:00Still being "Interrupted"<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I haven't posted in a long while. Every time I started to, I was nervous that someone would read something into it that I didn't intend. What I finally have realized is that if someone wants to look for and believe the worst in you rather than the best, there really isn't anything you can do about it! Please know that I write to share my heart and what God is doing in it. I meticulously read and reread before I push "Publish", so that I don't write anything to offend someone. If I ever do, please believe it is not intentional. So here goes......</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I know...I know. Everyone is tired of hearing me talk about Jen Hatmaker's book "Interrupted"! I have posted about it before, and discussed it ad nauseum with anyone who is standing near me for more than 5 seconds! But, as the title of this post tells you, I am still being "Interrupted"! </span></em><em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Nearly every single day, God keeps confirming his message to Michael and me, and that message is laid out in this book. I am reading it aloud to Michael when we have some time to discuss it. Studying with your husband is just awesome!</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's been a long time since I have felt a restless anticipation and excitement for what is coming! Last night, I saw the joy of ministry light up in Michael's eyes once again, and I was nearly driven to tears. I haven't seen that in awhile. We have been in an "intensive care" of sorts....a place of healing and learning. God's peace was with us, but we are anxious to move forward. Patience....not my strong point! </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For the last couple of months in Wednesday night service, our pastor has been interviewing pastors of different denominations. It has been enlightening to say the least! One thing has struck me every week: each pastor has said something to the effect of "Our denomination was started because we were just trying to get it right. We were trying to return to holiness."</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Wow. </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This Christmas season, many churches from varying denominations will partner with us to provide a "Radical Christmas" to the needy in our community. I can't wait to see Christians all over our town banding together, pooling resources in an effort to "feed His sheep". </span></em><br />
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<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I think this Christmas is going to be awesome.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-84201148792246667862012-11-01T19:19:00.001-07:002012-11-01T19:19:00.364-07:00Read this!!!! Jen Hatmaker - BLOG<a href="http://jenhatmaker.com/blog.htm#.UJMtfXMjuy8.blogger">Jen Hatmaker - BLOG</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5490151180969049130.post-72681850825161678502012-08-31T07:20:00.003-07:002012-08-31T07:30:37.282-07:00The Grace of God<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTO4xuv_mJ_wQrU3_0HPCy3Q6t_F2uIZ9qaCFifN7fRzLnQno7mYl7c0IBg6JJ_Y_skSIfyJj53im0JZ6dRxxKLt699SBNbi__vEOU8wKjL2yWFcX3NqdkSKasOj0LZa_9z3UIpd9hkWq/s1600/Andy+Stanley.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px; height: 300px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5782842221491408834" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTO4xuv_mJ_wQrU3_0HPCy3Q6t_F2uIZ9qaCFifN7fRzLnQno7mYl7c0IBg6JJ_Y_skSIfyJj53im0JZ6dRxxKLt699SBNbi__vEOU8wKjL2yWFcX3NqdkSKasOj0LZa_9z3UIpd9hkWq/s400/Andy+Stanley.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">I have to admit I haven't picked up an actual book in a while! Other than reading from my Bible Study book, I usually download on to the Nook for convenience. I must say, it feels good to hold a "real" book in your hands from time to time!<br /><br />Andy Stanley's book "The Grace of God", was on my want-to-read list. Having used his youth material in the past, I enjoy his writing style and find him to be exceptional in his efforts to make practical points. <br /><br />"The Grace of God" did not disappoint! I was riveted by the examples of grace that Stanley drew out for me to see. He went back to the beginning of the Old Testament, and then took the reader on a journey through the examples of God's grace that we may have just missed. In an effort to understand God's amazing grace extended to me, I devoured this book. No matter how much I study and ask for wisdom and insight in this area, it seems there is always more to learn. <br /><br />I recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow in this area. Come to think of it.....who wouldn't?<br /></span><div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1