tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607990505921535982024-03-04T22:39:37.289-06:00 Living by Faith ...it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.comBlogger292125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-8691358002916943212015-08-16T19:35:00.002-05:002015-08-16T19:41:18.117-05:00One week agoOnly one week and yet it seems like a lifetime ago.<br />
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Last Sunday night at this time I was sitting in a church service when I heard the words I knew would be coming soon, yet they stung to the depths of my being. I had just finished sharing about our amazing mission trip to China and when I sat down my dear friend looked at me with eyes that told me what I didn't want to hear and without telling me what had happened, I knew! She said, "Right before church your sister called me." I knew what those words meant and with tears streaming down my face I walked out of church with my family close behind. I knew it was my Nannie and had hoped I could be there for her. I quickly found out that she had already gone to her eternal home and all I could do was be there with my family. My heart hurt to know none of us where there when she took her last breath, yet I know that was probably how she wanted it. As I found out more information, I discovered that at 4:38 pm I had been at my sister's house and was looking at her clock and telling my girls we needed to hurry up and get to church. At that exact same moment my Nannie was taking her last breath and probably saying "I need to hurry up and get to Jesus."<br />
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This past week has been difficult as we have gone through preparations and the funeral process but what a blessing to share memories and hear stories of how she touched so many lives. Now we will all continue through the grief process and learn a new normal. I know she would have been so proud of how beautiful she looked at her funeral, how many family and friends were there and how handsome her great grandsons were as they carried her to her final resting place on this earth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkT18hY0IEqQhs1TCGahHIxlHCp9Ofl1QH5NMDWd9kvmFSPibO-_rK2hacnjNi5Zy_jw7AOMlQYujVMasvcWQwDal2FTxv1zJQxxIJdgLZsO5hIpABlBLH2x_3aanBokqduwC8P49NlU8/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkT18hY0IEqQhs1TCGahHIxlHCp9Ofl1QH5NMDWd9kvmFSPibO-_rK2hacnjNi5Zy_jw7AOMlQYujVMasvcWQwDal2FTxv1zJQxxIJdgLZsO5hIpABlBLH2x_3aanBokqduwC8P49NlU8/s400/IMG_0941.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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We all knew it was time for her to go home to her Jesus, but letting go is SO HARD! I've told many people that my brain knew this was right, yet my heart was not in agreement. Next to my mom she was THE MOST amazing, Godly and influential person I had the blessing to call mine. Until we meet again my heart will cherish every last word and hug she gave and the lessons she taught me.<br />
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The following words were ones I had written two weeks before she left us. I thought it would be the last time I would see her and yet I had the blessing of seeing her again. However, this was the last time she would speak words to me, since the next time I visited she was unable to speak.<br />
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I'm currently reading the devotional, <u>One Thousand Gifts</u> as I record all the gifts God has given me. One of the greatest gifts I've ever been given was my Nannie. As I entered her room today she awoke and said the word, "sleepy" and returned to sleep. I sat for a few hours as she drifted awake, but mostly she slept. I played hymns on my phone for her and occasionally she would smile through her sleep. The last hymn we would listen to was "It Is Well With My Soul" by Mark Schultz. After that song, I tried to wake her again to tell her I had to leave. The previous attempts to wake her had been unsuccessful, but this time she awoke. I told her "I LOVE YOU" and in her feeble voice she softly said the words I will cherish forever, "I LOVE YOU," then she closed her eyes and slept again. I told her she could go home to Jesus when she was ready and she shook her head, yes, with a peaceful smile.<br />
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As I left the nursing home tonight, God gave me the most beautiful sunset in the sky and I turned on the radio to someone talking about Rev. 20 and the end of this life and the beauty of heaven.<br />
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I decided on the best cure for a difficult day-ice cream! So I stopped at DQ as I was about home and ordered a Reese's Blizzard. I was disappointed when I drove off and realized they gave me an Oreo Blizzard instead. Disappointed, until I realized that was just another God wink for the day! You see Nannie's go to cookie was always an Oreo! God made sure I knew He was thinking of me as I cried over an Oreo Blizzard and smiled through the tears of days gone by and Oreo stained faces at my Nannie and Grandad's house. </div>
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Today God gave me 1000 gifts all tied in one as I had time to love and be loved by my precious Nannie. The following words are hanging in her room and are so very true!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-85828181384603676552015-07-30T22:21:00.001-05:002015-07-31T06:46:24.927-05:00These hands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am constantly reminded of these words to the song, I'll Keep On,</div>
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as my precious Nannie nears the end of her life here with us. </div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; line-height: 19px;">"I'll Keep On"</span></div>
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<span class="feat" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 700;">(feat. Jeremiah Carlson)</span></div>
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<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; text-align: center;">
<b>Oh these hands are tired<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Oh this heart is tired<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Oh this soul is tired<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />But I'll keep on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I'll keep on </b></div>
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<b>I'll keep on </b></div>
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These hands</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj5mmcNPLQnjqdC4hVwB1y-7sTYQai6Qqz9Fv4qMiY3gEURyDz_by2U65jcVsbpdb5BtVWbd4kCSvdrXkrCqWr2Iz4lGoyZhzr05t2DJ9m4cbisJo0YbEbxjbgBCqWMHidnZwUUBViRyp/s1600/IMG_0662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj5mmcNPLQnjqdC4hVwB1y-7sTYQai6Qqz9Fv4qMiY3gEURyDz_by2U65jcVsbpdb5BtVWbd4kCSvdrXkrCqWr2Iz4lGoyZhzr05t2DJ9m4cbisJo0YbEbxjbgBCqWMHidnZwUUBViRyp/s320/IMG_0662.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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are the same hands that once held me as a baby,<br />
and washed my hair with one hand<br />
while handing me an Oreo with the other.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXqNs4eqmur-86vtep1M2-z9TD88m16w6_VfscmNUhL_9_MAZnHXRnPgWkL4E8uSDypRMJ6tIUTp7QNYQJdRb3VLmFXDlBzRpd_lKDFG1ZOz24eT2tCSxrE4BY4WylS4VZ5yBHr1o26XI/s1600/photo-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXqNs4eqmur-86vtep1M2-z9TD88m16w6_VfscmNUhL_9_MAZnHXRnPgWkL4E8uSDypRMJ6tIUTp7QNYQJdRb3VLmFXDlBzRpd_lKDFG1ZOz24eT2tCSxrE4BY4WylS4VZ5yBHr1o26XI/s320/photo-13.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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They taught me how to pick strawberries and how to serve others.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAjX1WDwr7cbdRTXnqbElVxffGekkHjln315laxS-HBiEjtM1HoFtGRYmWg05DQW82ZD0epKaHhmj27mp7BHI5AjHWzlrOUyVZary0w9M9apoYzfXaOX38mHpzmkkj29qDsMQVPSoBUDu/s1600/11074996_10203533687654262_1927025938998169782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAjX1WDwr7cbdRTXnqbElVxffGekkHjln315laxS-HBiEjtM1HoFtGRYmWg05DQW82ZD0epKaHhmj27mp7BHI5AjHWzlrOUyVZary0w9M9apoYzfXaOX38mHpzmkkj29qDsMQVPSoBUDu/s320/11074996_10203533687654262_1927025938998169782_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Lately, these hands have held mine as I've watched her grow </div>
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more and more frail. </div>
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These sweet hands have held the hands of girlfriends, </div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">and children</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">and grandchildren</span></div>
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and great-grandchildren<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYQa5XO0t4XEhIAFRPh67KEb_1nqlBnrfO8u266HgnEVeZLvRAq-UM82FMrJ_1d3Apdks6dud8B8QlaiJQ5bmQEDjp5o4g3v8Mc3g9BjCAhIpYY4OcklHPMCAgtwflkvNAkg9BfOcXOye/s1600/IMG_3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYQa5XO0t4XEhIAFRPh67KEb_1nqlBnrfO8u266HgnEVeZLvRAq-UM82FMrJ_1d3Apdks6dud8B8QlaiJQ5bmQEDjp5o4g3v8Mc3g9BjCAhIpYY4OcklHPMCAgtwflkvNAkg9BfOcXOye/s320/IMG_3422.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ucAm9PhlJtIknHrXDTPfkJcGAX7kdYXCPuivrYzkI5-o3zkQzHspRzi-dhjZhG4_f7p6JsIS0TF2L_aRwnSdILmqq-jGmKNbI2d3Rsi4V9l9KKn57K7uIUlbcyTQUUtFq5aPZw4jn6cd/s1600/IMG_2861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ucAm9PhlJtIknHrXDTPfkJcGAX7kdYXCPuivrYzkI5-o3zkQzHspRzi-dhjZhG4_f7p6JsIS0TF2L_aRwnSdILmqq-jGmKNbI2d3Rsi4V9l9KKn57K7uIUlbcyTQUUtFq5aPZw4jn6cd/s320/IMG_2861.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and a great-great grand baby</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBzBC9xwmyGJjv29pEpxwJLKq9eKxzspZl9L7Ag8MWc20JABc0IMfynPWcan3WbRhrn4ZOJKsmgnpBjoD-FPmVXamPNfBsDXJgp7yDXUPUOYFMFtk5bGwBinc05Tlo9rrWCquLtOVqgxN/s1600/IMG_3074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGBzBC9xwmyGJjv29pEpxwJLKq9eKxzspZl9L7Ag8MWc20JABc0IMfynPWcan3WbRhrn4ZOJKsmgnpBjoD-FPmVXamPNfBsDXJgp7yDXUPUOYFMFtk5bGwBinc05Tlo9rrWCquLtOVqgxN/s320/IMG_3074.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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and through it all they have shown LOVE and generosity to </div>
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people all over the world </div>
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and to family who will always cherish her memory. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-61536462403401409932015-06-21T17:10:00.001-05:002015-06-21T17:13:31.194-05:00Our mission blog Since I am posting for our mission team I am using a separate blog and have not had a chance to link it to this one yet. If you are following me here I am going to include the link where I will be posting. We are having an amazing trip so far and can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for the rest of our week.<br>
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Please jump on over here to see what God is doing through us this week:<div><br>
<a href="https://homes4hearts.wordpress.com/">https://homes4hearts.wordpress.com</a><br>
<br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh9ESZNw8ccetEJm08kqZXCk8uJ8KDsfJ4XvCzkuMksvNUEZ2G8GLXN44V5JNW4CAN9xMOXsVuu31O57ZNk8Yj7HWRCI55eUjvAKf4AoWu9mrNspvwwbiGlZHMvWoZO2Ti5T4tKIwomRu/s640/blogger-image--1444728741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMh9ESZNw8ccetEJm08kqZXCk8uJ8KDsfJ4XvCzkuMksvNUEZ2G8GLXN44V5JNW4CAN9xMOXsVuu31O57ZNk8Yj7HWRCI55eUjvAKf4AoWu9mrNspvwwbiGlZHMvWoZO2Ti5T4tKIwomRu/s640/blogger-image--1444728741.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-77181965169201843332015-06-14T21:25:00.001-05:002015-06-14T21:25:32.414-05:00The road before usI don't know about most families, but in our family it seems that every weekend we look at the week ahead and plan what we will face throughout the week. There are school activities, church activities, volleyball, piano lessons, work and the list goes on. With adult children, one in high school, another in elementary and now grandchildren we seem to stay pretty busy and it is easy to forget how God goes before us each step of the way. He orders our steps and directs our pathway and for that I am eternally grateful!<div>
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Let me share something that happened last week and how He planned every moment before I was even aware of the situation.</div>
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One evening before bed my right eye was hurting and I figured I had something in it. I put eye drops in and went to bed. When I awoke the next morning I had a small "bubble" inside my lower eye lid. It didn't hurt, but it was annoying and something that wouldn't go away. During lunch I went to the eye doctor and after taking pictures of my eye he determined that some things did not look quite right. He referred me to a retina specialist for further examination. Friday, I went to the specialist and after having my eyes dilated and poked and prodded on he determined that I needed to have laser surgery to strengthen my retina that appeared very weak and in danger of detaching. Fortunately, he had an opening that day and I had the laser surgery in his office. After having 307 laser beams into my right eye the specialist feels like my eye is strengthened and I am safe to travel this week.</div>
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That experience was not pleasant, but I am so thankful for the opportunity to see the world before me and experience all it has to offer. I thank God for that little "bubble" and the annoying feeling that led to an exam with a wonderful well-educated doctor who was able to repair my eye before further damage was done. I've thought many times this past week how blessed I am to have my sight and how we often take such things for granted.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you." </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Matthew 11:10</b></span></div>
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Now, just as He went before me last week, I know He has already gone before our team as we will leave for China this week. We will serve in an orphanage and try our best to share the LOVE He puts in our hearts in whatever way He directs.</div>
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We covet your prayers as we follow where He leads. </div>
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May we SEE with eyes that HE has prepared and hearts that demonstrate HIS love. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-25295507855958424412015-03-27T20:35:00.000-05:002015-03-27T21:40:29.037-05:00Moments in time<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I used to think that "older" people were crazy when they would remark how time flies so quickly. Well, I guess I must be one of those "older" people now! It amazes me how quickly time seems to fly and the years are gone before we know it. The moments of joy mixed with sadness all flow together to make up this beautiful tapestry of our lives.<br />
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When I awoke this morning and looked at the date my thoughts turned to six months ago. We were anxiously awaiting the birth of our first grandson. The anticipation grew as we waited for Nathan to come tell us about this newest addition to our family, and our joy overflowed as we heard the news. Nothing compared to the first moments as we held him in our arms and our hearts filled with a new love we had never before experienced. <br />
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I chose a scripture to pray for and over Cooper at his birth. It is a scripture that I continue to pray for him as I watch him grow and anticipate the days ahead as I pray that God will lead and protect his little life.<br />
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<b><i>For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues</i></b></div>
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<b><i> through all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NIV)</i></b></div>
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September </b></div>
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October</b> </div>
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November</b><br />
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February</b> </div>
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<b>March</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Next week we will celebrate 92 years with my precious Nannie and the sweet moments with my grandparents are memories I will always cherish. I pray we can be half the grandparents to our grandchildren as mine were to me. </span></div>
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<b><i>Each day is a gift, and as we open the gifts I give God the glory for blessing us far more than we will ever deserve!</i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-83181876061686396032015-03-18T09:55:00.000-05:002015-03-18T09:55:02.756-05:00Drops in the OceanThis morning as I awoke to the sounds of the rain on my metal roof I knew I needed to hear the words of the Lord to get me out of bed and moving! I would have much rather snuggled up and kept on sleeping when that 5 am alarm went off! As I turned on the radio this was the first song I heard and it spoke to the depths of my being. I hope the words will speak to your heart as well.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">HAWK NELSON LYRICS</span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Drops In The Ocean" </span></div>
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>If you wanna know<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>How far my love can go<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Just how deep, just how wide<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>If you wanna see<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>How much you mean to me<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>Look at my hands, look at my side<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>If you could count the times I'd say you are
forgiven<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">It's more than the </span><span style="color: blue;">drops in the ocean</span></i></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP_ZFn72e3wMb139YXccTMHXyaxo9YeCKsnx7MOHTfun5UAFtI2EjDhfg9hMBlhozLfS_OaBY-4JTv6ULxKKqH8gqo3LQPY5jtDajbDUEzmjxcDjT1vTCszWgg8LoYJo5CvB5qCaTTjun/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheP_ZFn72e3wMb139YXccTMHXyaxo9YeCKsnx7MOHTfun5UAFtI2EjDhfg9hMBlhozLfS_OaBY-4JTv6ULxKKqH8gqo3LQPY5jtDajbDUEzmjxcDjT1vTCszWgg8LoYJo5CvB5qCaTTjun/s1600/IMG_3964.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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</h2>
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In the area where we live we are continually reminded that there is a shortage of water and the lakes are drying up. It's often easy to forget the true depth of the water in the ocean and how </div>
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deep and vast it flows. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Do we also forget how deep His love is for us? </div>
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<br /></div>
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Isn't it amazing that HIS love for us is more than the </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>DROPS IN THE OCEAN?</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9gTAJURnjb_kSOoRdETQvRFnCxwn5QSKwHKraDebQAQNFbl-uvIWbHOlcEuvRecXvH-oaULmYFcL8b4pV7wYXQiGSxBvXWAeINBryNGOfhXCSdZ_2LbLrbig80FP6N0OOUWJYURMepG9/s1600/IMG_3947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9gTAJURnjb_kSOoRdETQvRFnCxwn5QSKwHKraDebQAQNFbl-uvIWbHOlcEuvRecXvH-oaULmYFcL8b4pV7wYXQiGSxBvXWAeINBryNGOfhXCSdZ_2LbLrbig80FP6N0OOUWJYURMepG9/s1600/IMG_3947.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is nothing I love more than the ocean and there is no one I would rather </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
hang out with at the ocean than these dear people. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We laugh, we cry, and we share moments that we</div>
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will always treasure. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b> the name of the LORD is to be praised.</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><b>Psalm 113:3</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-67782867094156264632015-03-18T08:48:00.001-05:002015-03-18T08:48:17.118-05:00Snow DaysLike a few other posts, I started this one and didn't realize I never published it. So, a few weeks later, here it is:<br />
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When the world complains about another snow day and being stuck inside I am rejoicing! As a teacher it isn't the idea of being out of school, but rather the idea that I am inside with some pretty special people that causes me to rejoice! Our snow days usually include a delicious breakfast prepared by an amazing daddy, along with games, rest and snuggling on the couch. There are movies and books to read and then when we actually get snow we get to play! Here in Texas, snow and not ice is pretty rare so we have to enjoy it while we can! How could I complain when I get to spend hours with these amazing people? Now we are off to play! </div>
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<b>Cherish every moment...for it is only this moment that is promised.</b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-36281267402225191102015-01-01T01:39:00.001-06:002015-01-01T02:21:01.217-06:00December 31, 2014<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Hebrews 7:26</span></div>
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<b>Two Thousand and Fourteen</b></div>
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<b>2014</b></h3>
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<b>A year that strengthened our faith through laughter and tears</b></h3>
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One etched in our memory for years to come</div>
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One that included abundant prayers</div>
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We experienced heartache and grief as we heard the horrible news of our son's injury and we </div>
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rejoiced as we watched God heal his wounds. </div>
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We shed tears at the loss of a precious friend gone too soon, and we rejoiced at the </div>
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birth of our first grandson. </div>
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Through the heartache and tears, the rejoicing and smiles, our confidence in <b>THE ONE</b> who led us through every mountaintop and every valley grew stronger and our faith deepened. </div>
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I heard the following quote on the radio today, </div>
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<b>"The greater the love that dwells in a person, the greater the person in whom it dwells." </b></div>
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(author unknown)</div>
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I hope I am a greater person at the end of this year than I was 12 months ago because of the love I shared with others. Thank you, to those who have loved our family </div>
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and shown us the unconditional love of the Lord.</div>
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Our lives have been richly blessed through many of you this past year!<br />
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our growing family</div>
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Stay tuned as 2015 will add a few more beautiful faces!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-7849899763474831642014-12-27T23:13:00.002-06:002014-12-27T23:13:40.264-06:00December 27-Our birthday girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY-WDVatCiwzjHagWT3E0L_efArjrJ7kw8r7_EHQlhVfSq0eQMPzyYnUt9FSOnN3aQs56Yt659eLrtTgGIlJwyTx4Uox-YcjlBaT3_Utg3QZ8eA2AVSCSuijSScuNXPvYrmB0MuaHsD-r/s640/blogger-image-2014807588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Words of wisdom from our newest nine year old:</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZr6HeKwLV0vggPReAZ1M0GodqYRfesqffnxQWFr7jQ5YSyHFBjC995mfKI9EKWomQ8NkwWKWjfbSQt9zjTiMcEGL_EtYgYVMVZ4dTopZtQzpx90F2DS0Tn6t06pZNwvEPviyHXyZ4DTn/s640/blogger-image-1570602264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZr6HeKwLV0vggPReAZ1M0GodqYRfesqffnxQWFr7jQ5YSyHFBjC995mfKI9EKWomQ8NkwWKWjfbSQt9zjTiMcEGL_EtYgYVMVZ4dTopZtQzpx90F2DS0Tn6t06pZNwvEPviyHXyZ4DTn/s400/blogger-image-1570602264.jpg" width="300" /></a></h3>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Relax deeply-</i></b>"you must not do anything, just breathe<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> deeply"</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-style: italic;">Dream big- "</b>my dream is to become a doctor, have a daughter, have a nice car."</h3>
<h3>
<b><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Believe with all your heart</i></b>- "what I believe: Jesus! I believe I'm going to have a nice, crazy future."</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaY-WDVatCiwzjHagWT3E0L_efArjrJ7kw8r7_EHQlhVfSq0eQMPzyYnUt9FSOnN3aQs56Yt659eLrtTgGIlJwyTx4Uox-YcjlBaT3_Utg3QZ8eA2AVSCSuijSScuNXPvYrmB0MuaHsD-r/s640/blogger-image-2014807588.jpg" /></div>
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With a birthday only two days after Christmas we typically celebrate with the family earlier and then have a special day with just a few of us on her actual birthday. So, today started with hot cocoa in mom and dad's bed, along with some interesting conversation and a few good laughs. </div>
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Then, daddy prepared a late breakfast topped with candles and a </div>
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Happy Birthday song that hopefully was not recorded!</div>
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After a relaxing day at home, we went to the movie to watch Annie and consume lots of buttery popcorn and soda. Followed by dinner at her favorite place, Panda Express. </div>
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I'm not so sure her use of chopsticks would be acceptable in China, but it certainly gets the job done!</div>
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Our evening ended snuggled on the couch, in front of the fire playing games. It is so hard to believe that our sweet girl has already spent 5 birthdays at home. It seems like she has always been part of our family. We thank God for every birthday we celebrate as she continues on the journey(in her own words), to her <b>"nice, crazy future."</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-85665780973091621022014-11-23T23:29:00.002-06:002014-11-23T23:30:53.168-06:00November 23-Indescribable gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV)</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Gifts that money can't buy....</span></b></span></b></div>
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<b>A godly husband...</b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimybeR1GXXw24T2ZvvFjBYCv3rIrJUl48x4AXStBDHDlCTdYYLpJj50UDl-iUMYZab478Op_1QSO9ondGUD43ZM-zSEwuyOb1UDbJuJPuHsGzkulrPJWIgm7BjfVsJkPDahKg6ARsrBl56/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimybeR1GXXw24T2ZvvFjBYCv3rIrJUl48x4AXStBDHDlCTdYYLpJj50UDl-iUMYZab478Op_1QSO9ondGUD43ZM-zSEwuyOb1UDbJuJPuHsGzkulrPJWIgm7BjfVsJkPDahKg6ARsrBl56/s1600/IMG_2605.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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</span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Best friends....</span></b></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlJig_GVt8b_QLgENoS1VEdSTPQu2pmQ7qgYg_pa-yLILKwqwO63F14gKXaGOJurvT3f0eXv3eVqHl9PX4MD8rk6sYrE3NABNhQWKE5df2JU3P25hJBMgKJnuv0OgpzzMfnw-YgOaRGfu/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlJig_GVt8b_QLgENoS1VEdSTPQu2pmQ7qgYg_pa-yLILKwqwO63F14gKXaGOJurvT3f0eXv3eVqHl9PX4MD8rk6sYrE3NABNhQWKE5df2JU3P25hJBMgKJnuv0OgpzzMfnw-YgOaRGfu/s1600/IMG_3167.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Brothers....</span></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGBaxoslLl_4PO0LSWzyCE0s7T1PhE6L7pYKmHUgPY8PU6U3_GZkkhSTkZv9DJjulJi23djR8cgYv8PbERFta29GqmvdX7I2z_ITY-dRydSHHHTmI1emCVev2MtLPSP2JXg1y47UsADj/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGBaxoslLl_4PO0LSWzyCE0s7T1PhE6L7pYKmHUgPY8PU6U3_GZkkhSTkZv9DJjulJi23djR8cgYv8PbERFta29GqmvdX7I2z_ITY-dRydSHHHTmI1emCVev2MtLPSP2JXg1y47UsADj/s1600/IMG_8852.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sisters....</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQux3so6zEu0Ge8KylKQoPtgl6IXZxucvR3MpuhdutbEMHr2teFFkKJ9a34pQFfCor9PnsWDlKl3G-9G8QahYsfszB6Jw66ejbbjr3COOIZQRlQIoeekgNXiGnH1wfVCIgImQuDeBZK2z/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQux3so6zEu0Ge8KylKQoPtgl6IXZxucvR3MpuhdutbEMHr2teFFkKJ9a34pQFfCor9PnsWDlKl3G-9G8QahYsfszB6Jw66ejbbjr3COOIZQRlQIoeekgNXiGnH1wfVCIgImQuDeBZK2z/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A Godly mother....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsr7SA5SLTw27JE-356cpcvLCXgIvYxcC1-cLqsx3X3u8_Bzf5QHTadEb8n3HyYn5WKCQnU8NO0fcj23snKwj652pftxNi2AwgC7nQqa4GtwHIMlTpldstcOALtAEKiXC8I39oOD9rAC9/s1600/IMG_6383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsr7SA5SLTw27JE-356cpcvLCXgIvYxcC1-cLqsx3X3u8_Bzf5QHTadEb8n3HyYn5WKCQnU8NO0fcj23snKwj652pftxNi2AwgC7nQqa4GtwHIMlTpldstcOALtAEKiXC8I39oOD9rAC9/s1600/IMG_6383.jpg" height="220" width="400" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> Grandparents.... </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObbEn6_CLv5xACC_DZvAOiATgf64rqB05WLQ1_dBle5xLl11LXGvv3YpZwgr0hrOOkW6zReMJAiDFWX35J-D3ub6vrXqiWdYyHhiEoGSkPvaFeDayS2JDzOt-9rkhTb5dFanQ2dOzHMr8/s1600/IMG_6327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjObbEn6_CLv5xACC_DZvAOiATgf64rqB05WLQ1_dBle5xLl11LXGvv3YpZwgr0hrOOkW6zReMJAiDFWX35J-D3ub6vrXqiWdYyHhiEoGSkPvaFeDayS2JDzOt-9rkhTb5dFanQ2dOzHMr8/s1600/IMG_6327.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And one of the very best...</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A grandbaby to snuggle</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLubqj3vDb6AoT_9UzvTQe5CinyQ-4Rw2eL9NMtXglYEb5eI4wGwTnUW334F0l_AObAlRa2XsnBD80b3yljUvSrxtTIfCS97jbXmg41KffdaZ8UTFXKTSnowM_XG0Usac_GS1jb8Y856H/s1600/IMG_6513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLubqj3vDb6AoT_9UzvTQe5CinyQ-4Rw2eL9NMtXglYEb5eI4wGwTnUW334F0l_AObAlRa2XsnBD80b3yljUvSrxtTIfCS97jbXmg41KffdaZ8UTFXKTSnowM_XG0Usac_GS1jb8Y856H/s1600/IMG_6513.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This week of Thanksgiving we have so many things for which to </div>
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give Thanks and the greatest gift of all is a Father in </div>
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Heaven who has provided us with grace, mercy, miracles and </div>
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most of all a future glory in Heaven that far outweighs any gift we will ever </div>
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experience on this earth. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4OWj5JCQfUnREnZjVoaPII-z6dFl1MyUwwwKl1rSjogEp0JaWEhy48dMaiUPbwwLWVCx2csk32LnQIA6jBWayRzsJECQOmODP25VxNvVCwQKHQWmnPktPmtPFTYCXZQRlfRDZ1qEDNjH/s1600/ced2b354801715755d89c302084d7f59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4OWj5JCQfUnREnZjVoaPII-z6dFl1MyUwwwKl1rSjogEp0JaWEhy48dMaiUPbwwLWVCx2csk32LnQIA6jBWayRzsJECQOmODP25VxNvVCwQKHQWmnPktPmtPFTYCXZQRlfRDZ1qEDNjH/s1600/ced2b354801715755d89c302084d7f59.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-62938628138303375442014-11-22T23:56:00.000-06:002014-11-23T00:22:53.272-06:00November 22 - Spending of Ourselves<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>...if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Isaiah 58:10</b></span></div>
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As this cool, rainy day draws to a close I find myself reflecting on a devotion we chose for our family tonight. </div>
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<h3>
<b>How do we spend ourselves? </b></h3>
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We spend our money....our time...our resources...but how do we spend ourselves?</div>
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Something happened to us tonight that I don't remember happening ever before. After enjoying a nice dinner at On the Border we received our check and were told that someone else had picked up our tab. What a joy to be on the end of such generosity. To whomever it was, </div>
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<b>thank you very much</b>!</div>
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Last week, I had a precious friend give me a calendar for next year because she heard me say I needed a new one. I was overjoyed to be on the receiving end of her sweet gift. </div>
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So, I ask myself, do I give away to others the way they have given to me?</div>
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"When we begin to invest the resources of our lives into others, the way God has invested himself for us, ...our light begins to shine." (Heartwork devotion)</div>
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Whether it is painting the dull wall in an orphanage to brighten it up for the children,</div>
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or using your voice to sing His praises,<br />
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<div>
Or taking the time to share the little moments</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4r6siAoxaOLOKv5MkTwc2e9-YmcmxdFT8zcySRsDz1w8VsgcMmFCvyaM0oacDMW9Kj88JLKA1yDumvcfWZOEG1dPiTaBrb_otrD-BxdTRuE_oUBDnGtFStHWHMOMt4yxgaXTBcAptNdQ/s1600/IMG_6458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4r6siAoxaOLOKv5MkTwc2e9-YmcmxdFT8zcySRsDz1w8VsgcMmFCvyaM0oacDMW9Kj88JLKA1yDumvcfWZOEG1dPiTaBrb_otrD-BxdTRuE_oUBDnGtFStHWHMOMt4yxgaXTBcAptNdQ/s1600/IMG_6458.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
or gently caring for a little one, who can't care for himself,<br />
<b>Spending of ourselves is the most rewarding thing we will ever spend!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR4inZ86qJ1_HHRbPc9a37kNEe804akaHyd5J0U7Hv4JQpEAsm3SIJflnHnVkzrCWzHn0hMzo7fA1Svl6-jr2C8-vhzU15ocqWUCcIgQMOMvVEtECSp7OdEhJp3DHpdT61OtTQ6uKeMJF/s1600/IMG_6500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDR4inZ86qJ1_HHRbPc9a37kNEe804akaHyd5J0U7Hv4JQpEAsm3SIJflnHnVkzrCWzHn0hMzo7fA1Svl6-jr2C8-vhzU15ocqWUCcIgQMOMvVEtECSp7OdEhJp3DHpdT61OtTQ6uKeMJF/s1600/IMG_6500.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHnMZCW0kGbvZn5Tcq0YfYEKA5ltiF8PKkfj2TJsh-YdfE1kOSBucbyrJItMA9eUJg_ArPkPifLGUSRDnYMDKMPeSlzP6hj9iXu7bci-UCYlxjuzQvyKjTs1HsJlFtid2sljS-ydjl-_K/s1600/IMG_6501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHnMZCW0kGbvZn5Tcq0YfYEKA5ltiF8PKkfj2TJsh-YdfE1kOSBucbyrJItMA9eUJg_ArPkPifLGUSRDnYMDKMPeSlzP6hj9iXu7bci-UCYlxjuzQvyKjTs1HsJlFtid2sljS-ydjl-_K/s1600/IMG_6501.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sometimes spending of ourselves means sharing a victory with those<br />
who look up to you the most.<br />
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<b>Congratulations, Lady Eagles on winning state!</b><br />
<b>You have giving so much of yourselves and we are so proud of you!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rm6NLCQrkUIlQ-P7EyKpu48yjDux56MtRGLtDUX2Y6wX-BPCe_j3QhBMCKlkalnrHq4VMhnwXp01d2N-KMXTLLiXtTgTYaDAD8j4knMwjqFEUINCFy0E9T-mz67wj9piNtl9Ie445vxD/s1600/20140624-IMG_4707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rm6NLCQrkUIlQ-P7EyKpu48yjDux56MtRGLtDUX2Y6wX-BPCe_j3QhBMCKlkalnrHq4VMhnwXp01d2N-KMXTLLiXtTgTYaDAD8j4knMwjqFEUINCFy0E9T-mz67wj9piNtl9Ie445vxD/s1600/20140624-IMG_4707.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>But most of all, it requires giving away part of ourselves that we may not realize we had to give,</b><br />
<b>but when we allow God to mold us, we may have more to give than we ever realized. </b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-4072471263942462632014-11-18T22:39:00.000-06:002014-11-18T22:42:51.162-06:00November 18-National Adoption Day 2000<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: red;">Ephesians 3: 20-21</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: red;"><br /></b></div>
Fourteen years seems like such a long time ago and yet it seems like just yesterday. That was the day, that so many of my dreams came true as I became the mom to a beautiful baby girl. One I had longed to call my own and had loved for over a year even though it wasn't official. Our precious baby girl was placed in our arms October 27, 1999 and officially became our daughter on November 18, 2000. <br />
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<br />
It was the second annual National Adoption Day and it was one that was celebrated by many around the US. From the judges, to new parents and every CPS worker present, there was abundant celebration. There were stuffed animals, cake, punch, banners, news crews and tears of joy. I had never before spent so much money on one outfit, but I had to purchase the most precious outfit I could find for our special day. She was dressed in pink from head to toe and everyone in the family came along to celebrate this special day. This was truly one of the very best decisions we have every made and one that we thank God for impressing on our hearts. So many times we don't understand when God doesn't answer our prayers, but if we would just wait, He often makes it all clear in time.<br />
<br />
What I saw as an unanswered prayer, not allowing me to birth a little girl, became a prayer of thanksgiving that was far greater than I could have ever imagined when he blessed me with this little angel. Foster care and Adoption took a step of faith we couldn't have taken without God and our family, but it was the greatest step we have ever taken and the rewards will continue for generations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi756ToMHcEdC0YYBJz03C-V39k8rjCgQEsILzlwUUlj1W35xSeoROEfSCsKV2GDr66EukRwkKdGXnu3mjkhUlHSIw8Taf0EQDcXNsj542_6xDL2BcI3Jdu4kFj0rRw6LH2g8wppBZ2xoBI/s1600/IMG_1623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi756ToMHcEdC0YYBJz03C-V39k8rjCgQEsILzlwUUlj1W35xSeoROEfSCsKV2GDr66EukRwkKdGXnu3mjkhUlHSIw8Taf0EQDcXNsj542_6xDL2BcI3Jdu4kFj0rRw6LH2g8wppBZ2xoBI/s1600/IMG_1623.jpg" height="640" width="473" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Her smile is contagious</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7mRLDnU8ilzj41ZTwbxp9ts1azCayeeVxKkHdg-RA-btGpaYHdmXxWYZbW7VQuMJhTgJsctB7ZXeuALSMxuH4-RX9JYgOPdVeLfS3BfNVNXKz6F_86jeO5r5FDQAwxrEYwZcWzzclX2D/s1600/IMG_1626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7mRLDnU8ilzj41ZTwbxp9ts1azCayeeVxKkHdg-RA-btGpaYHdmXxWYZbW7VQuMJhTgJsctB7ZXeuALSMxuH4-RX9JYgOPdVeLfS3BfNVNXKz6F_86jeO5r5FDQAwxrEYwZcWzzclX2D/s1600/IMG_1626.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Her eyes sparkle </b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She lights up a room</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuug4E0vL0lQtZU0j5-pd9epV8y9E08F9WqP99wy8mI4rw4cKNexezOUtz3ZA1sxt-3yNXMaURwq4cuQDmLKSPnffpfZgWaAmx0sDjgZbJonAgvT40mQaRbK4-C6SHUspP02lZnnw3gve/s1600/IMG_2955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbuug4E0vL0lQtZU0j5-pd9epV8y9E08F9WqP99wy8mI4rw4cKNexezOUtz3ZA1sxt-3yNXMaURwq4cuQDmLKSPnffpfZgWaAmx0sDjgZbJonAgvT40mQaRbK4-C6SHUspP02lZnnw3gve/s1600/IMG_2955.jpg" height="640" width="392" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>As her mom and dad, we couldn't be more proud of the young lady she has become</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>both inside and out. She has a love for the Lord, her family, and friends and she makes our heart overflow with joy!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq85tRdKm5sItzwIPGgLzrI-vJ-5sXm7lPYILYEMrAepAD2v1tlgxVmOUD6kABfFHCW_axc_rKcVSFQEWaQ3QvKOaL7DjVTEh2RAOPL-VFrNAgYejPRH5v82yKNN2uvs2-hLaobwzQO8-9/s1600/IMG_3169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq85tRdKm5sItzwIPGgLzrI-vJ-5sXm7lPYILYEMrAepAD2v1tlgxVmOUD6kABfFHCW_axc_rKcVSFQEWaQ3QvKOaL7DjVTEh2RAOPL-VFrNAgYejPRH5v82yKNN2uvs2-hLaobwzQO8-9/s1600/IMG_3169.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW</b></div>
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<b>AND THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US THE MEANING OF </b></div>
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<b>TRUE LOVE AND FAMILY</b></div>
</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-89335148263244504682014-11-13T21:09:00.001-06:002014-11-13T21:09:53.358-06:00November 12-Every Little Thing!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>From the oldest member of my family to the youngest, and everyone in between-</b><br />
<b>It's all yours Lord!</b><br />
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<b>From the highest mountain top, to the lowest valley -</b><br />
<b>It's all yours, Lord!</b><br />
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<b>From the depths of the deepest ocean-</b><br />
<b>It's all yours, Lord!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoSli6BQCOaKariSK_pFw93mHeDsZNnTxwg9RfIS1cy6tYKAm_Szg9OLLttt8cUCj9Fmk0uWT7axDhzd3It3CQHCNv1kpll4Nii6MqzCvhXDPgsSyF_EjTwm_PRcAA4dhipf1_lu0XX1o/s1600/IMG_0504+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYoSli6BQCOaKariSK_pFw93mHeDsZNnTxwg9RfIS1cy6tYKAm_Szg9OLLttt8cUCj9Fmk0uWT7axDhzd3It3CQHCNv1kpll4Nii6MqzCvhXDPgsSyF_EjTwm_PRcAA4dhipf1_lu0XX1o/s400/IMG_0504+2.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>From the orphan's bed who longs for a family</b><br />
<b>It's all yours, Lord</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp19p5U-L0DyL_Bt53qC3A_lluaQQrKZxEqEusqHrCOOnBamTA9BPD0pLMWM5IlBz1KySZkdDvyEXsIQEwSpVPLIP7FvXI30cZCHj4HqkXOW69tuifp4lrqg9EhC3vQME4E37KhmYfuNY/s1600/IMG_4939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp19p5U-L0DyL_Bt53qC3A_lluaQQrKZxEqEusqHrCOOnBamTA9BPD0pLMWM5IlBz1KySZkdDvyEXsIQEwSpVPLIP7FvXI30cZCHj4HqkXOW69tuifp4lrqg9EhC3vQME4E37KhmYfuNY/s320/IMG_4939.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>From the oldest of friends to those new and far away -</b><br />
<b>It's all yours, Lord</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FP6_XPfITNjC-0uUHRUD9vBuwtOsEgHzackQJ1QeCJJZP7gXPc9gvwJNGw_kfaNsdrwuOd6nKkgdx7MxCq1riBHqjHj7SXwOzyph15CeRC8EDXKskxuI5raML0yZQ1kLegXA3mHaAF3y/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0FP6_XPfITNjC-0uUHRUD9vBuwtOsEgHzackQJ1QeCJJZP7gXPc9gvwJNGw_kfaNsdrwuOd6nKkgdx7MxCq1riBHqjHj7SXwOzyph15CeRC8EDXKskxuI5raML0yZQ1kLegXA3mHaAF3y/s400/IMG_5192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>For that I am thankful! No matter what comes our way, </b><br />
<b>It's all yours, Lord!</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-32280907265850422892014-11-13T19:00:00.000-06:002014-11-13T19:00:51.196-06:00November 11-Devotion<div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>(1 John 3:16 NIV)</b></span></div>
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There's no other group more devoted to each other than members of our military. They have each other's backs in the good times and bad. They are committed to protect and save the lives of their own, no matter the cost. I am proud of the time my oldest son spent in the USMC; not only did it teach him a great deal, it also taught our family a new level of respect for our military. It saddens me that so few people have a respect and admiration for those who protect us everyday.<br />
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Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to stand around the flag pole with 200+ students and faculty as we watched students raise the flag, sing, and say the Pledge of Allegiance. I hope in some small way they were able to appreciate their gift of freedom and gain a greater respect for those who protect that freedom. Knowing the grief one of those families has had to endure for my freedom makes me treasure it even more. Thank you, to each man or woman who has taken on this duty-you are the picture of a<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">True HERO</span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-13638785741614416782014-11-10T22:19:00.000-06:002014-11-10T22:19:15.865-06:00November 10-Birthday Blessings<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>I will most gladly boast...about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may reside in me.</b></span></div>
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When I am weak, then He is strong. Everyday, I am reminded in some way how very weak I am; whether actually in strength, or in the way I respond or fail to respond. Weakness is not something we delight in, but I see that it is when I am truly weak, that I give Him the opportunity to show off His strength. </div>
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Yesterday, I celebrated another year of life with my friends and family and today, on my true birthday, I was blessed to have a quiet evening of celebration at home. I am blessed beyond measure to have such an awesome family with whom I can share these special moments. As a mom, it is so easy to believe the lies of the enemy and feel like such a failure at times. I am reminded tonight that the still quiet voice of My Heavenly Father tells me that He has come to give me life and give it in abundance<br />
(John 10:10). My precious children were quick to remind me how OLD I really am, and I am reminded of my Sunday School teacher years ago who always told us she was, "40 Blup years old." She never revealed how many years the "Blup" stood for, but I am there!! I am discovering that each of those years are so very precious through the good times and bad and each one leaves with it a trail of memories to treasure.<br />
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The things that brought me joy yesterday and today were not the gifts that I received, but the special people who gave them and the love with which each one was given. This morning, I was met with homemade cards and muffins with a candle on top from my two sweet girls. Then, as I drove up this afternoon my soon to be 4 yr old granddaughter was ecstatic to show me her little card where she had written her name. My husband brought me lunch, flowers and a gift to school today, and yesterday I was blessed with beautiful gifts and cards from the rest of my sweet family. Tonight, I sat and read every Facebook message and thought about each name and the memories of each person. Whether we barely know each other, only met once or have a lifetime of memories, each message was special because someone took the time to think of me.<br />
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I pray that in my weakness each person who crosses my path in this journey of life may see </div>
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His strength. </div>
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THANK YOU, LORD FOR BLESSING ME WITH ANOTHER YEAR TO CELEBRATE </div>
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WITH SO MANY SPECIAL PEOPLE!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-22227773768833041702014-11-09T22:18:00.000-06:002014-11-09T22:20:32.469-06:00November 9-Legacy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. </span></div>
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I am so thankful for my mom and mother in law who have put the needs of their family </div>
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before their own needs. </div>
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They are now great-grandmothers and pass on their love and wisdom to each of us. </div>
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I pray I can be half the grandparent they have been and </div>
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pass on the love for the Lord to my grandchildren that they have to us.</div>
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Thank you, Mimi and MawMaw, for the LOVE </div>
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you have taught all of us and the example you've both set.</div>
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I have some big shoes to fill!</div>
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We had a fun day of celebrating our November birthdays</div>
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Lots of candles and lots of laughs today!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-54561861772204098382014-11-09T21:52:00.001-06:002014-11-09T21:52:22.563-06:00November 8-Discipline<span style="color: red;">because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. (Proverbs 3:12 NIV)</span><br />
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How can we love our children so much and yet discipline them, or far worse, fail to discipline them?</div>
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In the classroom it is generally easy to tell which children have been disciplined at home and which ones have not. So many parents think they are doing their children a favor by being their friend and not being too harsh with them. Sadly, it is often those students who are disrespectful and difficult to teach. Unfortunately, the lines have become so tangled and parents either discipline too harshly or not at all. In either case, the child is the one who suffers. </div>
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What a heartbreaking thing to see the results of parents who cause harm to their children and often have them placed in foster care due to abuse. I am so thankful for friends who open their homes to provide a safe haven for these children; ones who long to be loved and disciplined in a way that demonstrates love. Would you be one of those who opens your home to provide that safe haven for a precious child? </div>
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Discipline is never pleasant at the time, but I am thankful that my heavenly Father loves me enough to discipline me and not leave me the same. Each child is so different and needs to be disciplined in his/her own way. I know I have failed miserably at times in the way I have disciplined my own children. Thank goodness, my Heavenly Father is THE PERFECT PARENT and He is able to supply my children's every need-what a relief to know that when I am weak, He is strong. I am so thankful my own parents and parent-in-laws were able to discipline in love and I pray my own children will remember that as well and be able to pass that down to their children for generations to follow. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-78554180521319615712014-11-07T23:03:00.000-06:002014-11-07T23:05:43.918-06:00November 7-He hears our cry<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,</i></b></span><b style="color: red;"><i> nor his ear too dull to hear. </i></b><b style="color: red;"><i>(Isaiah 59:1 NIV)</i></b></h3>
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What a blessing to know that He hears my cry, even when others do not. He knows my needs and understands when I need a rest. He paints a beautiful sunset and showers me with love.<br />
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After a busy week, Friday could not get here soon enough. There's just something relaxing</div>
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about coming home to this view that causes me to breath a sigh of relief and know that </div>
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the worries and stress of the week are all in His hands! </div>
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This promise also tells me that He hears the cry of the orphan child and promised to save her, just as much as He heard my cry for rest. </div>
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He hears the cry of the lonely foster child placed in an unfamiliar surrounding and </div>
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promises to shower her with love. </div>
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He hears the cry of the little child with cancer and promise to comfort and heal her.</div>
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And He hears the cry of the widow living out her later years in a nursing home</div>
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and surrounds her with family to share precious moments.</div>
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<b>If He hears the cry of all of these,</b></div>
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<b> why can't we trust </b><b>Him to hear our cry and </b><b>provide our every need? </b></div>
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<b>Lord, increase my faith and continue to remind me that you hear the cry of those </b></div>
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<b>who call out to you!</b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-39955254890640573972014-11-06T22:37:00.002-06:002014-11-06T22:45:50.758-06:00November 6-Persist<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. 2 Tim. 4:2</span></div>
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It seems that <b>"Persist" and "Difficult" </b>are synonyms? </div>
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Maybe not, but it seems like this is generally the case. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whether persisting through the difficult times of a relationship,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajxZDc8fInWQQ2_ADz-k_WhaNkF382C8WtZln_Nyt04l7x4StowYZYdYlL96QJtPtp-DWQ5lxynq17uiNPBZSYaskIOLZH0YZGm4ZrfrbA-4Qv6KLvrjfUo76OdY72jLQbymvNqiuJZqp/s1600/IMG_5492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiajxZDc8fInWQQ2_ADz-k_WhaNkF382C8WtZln_Nyt04l7x4StowYZYdYlL96QJtPtp-DWQ5lxynq17uiNPBZSYaskIOLZH0YZGm4ZrfrbA-4Qv6KLvrjfUo76OdY72jLQbymvNqiuJZqp/s1600/IMG_5492.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a> </div>
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until the beautiful days of celebration</div>
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3DBiho56XVrwcjOVPTFHjDvQomayGsb6U9NReHQuiTxHOcc3iOUnzaxIPqHBZjVyej1HLJALW-cY7e1Pxt9XhxfiCmEgiiBK8L0-nPEt7EwU5yLxc0iMiitHyIWD8smqiK0Uvb895toA/s1600/IMG_3022.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3DBiho56XVrwcjOVPTFHjDvQomayGsb6U9NReHQuiTxHOcc3iOUnzaxIPqHBZjVyej1HLJALW-cY7e1Pxt9XhxfiCmEgiiBK8L0-nPEt7EwU5yLxc0iMiitHyIWD8smqiK0Uvb895toA/s1600/IMG_3022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; clear: right; color: #444444; float: right; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: 34px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></div>
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Or the pains of labor</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WqLzyKmrrbzRSYKPCLbcZqS9t33PkPJEVKnxeGfUDRn7G0_4wxRf8-EQSH_2r55HLM3eD_NlqIZUMS_prQTWFHdxblBVd5JcgYxwsT8OQ_90vzgxREYd0-vBxTO3BrFXFoCMcU4yP8dc/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WqLzyKmrrbzRSYKPCLbcZqS9t33PkPJEVKnxeGfUDRn7G0_4wxRf8-EQSH_2r55HLM3eD_NlqIZUMS_prQTWFHdxblBVd5JcgYxwsT8OQ_90vzgxREYd0-vBxTO3BrFXFoCMcU4yP8dc/s1600/IMG_2884.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Until the beauty of birth</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21E_HHoW7DCT73-RoCUAi5Tr-g51rUq0ZnGLJ4MKZ8aOttajTn49TSJGBrD3xXBtaW0IUi7N8-WIn9e2fc7eNtXes9eBEc4461DGND3p-dzZc4sA4hTJcxy2DxPvZtshhVXwfe2A9KAgf/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21E_HHoW7DCT73-RoCUAi5Tr-g51rUq0ZnGLJ4MKZ8aOttajTn49TSJGBrD3xXBtaW0IUi7N8-WIn9e2fc7eNtXes9eBEc4461DGND3p-dzZc4sA4hTJcxy2DxPvZtshhVXwfe2A9KAgf/s1600/IMG_2976.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Life is about <b>persistence</b> and He tells us to <b>persist</b> whether it is convenient or not. </div>
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That doesn't sound like an easy task to me, but </div>
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one that is worth the reward.</div>
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Marriage isn't easy, raising children isn't easy, and loving the unloveable isn't easy,<br />
waiting for a miracle or healing isn't easy, </div>
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<b>BUT</b></div>
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Imagine the eternal reward we will experience when we <b>persist.</b></div>
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<b>How about loving an orphan or sharing the gospel with someone just one more time?</b></div>
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<b>Do you have what it takes to persist? </b></div>
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<b>If not, HE does and He will supply your every need.</b></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b style="line-height: 34px;">You can do ALL THINGS through HIM who gives you </b><span style="line-height: 34px;"><b>strength!</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (</span></span><span style="line-height: 34px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Phil. 4:13)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">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. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Romans 12:1</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">The word sacrifice doesn't have a very pleasant ring to it! We each make daily sacrifices-sometimes with a good attitude and other times, sadly, our attitude isn't very Christlike. We generally think making a sacrifice is a bad thing, when in reality it may be THE BEST thing we have ever done. Here are just a few times I've felt like at the time were a </span></span><span style="font-family: times new roman, times, serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;">sacrifice, when in reality it ended up as some of the greatest blessings of my life. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 20px;">Times when I have been very hesitant to spend money, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 20px;">thinking we should be saving it, have been the times when we have some of </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 20px;">the sweetest memories. Ones that can never be replaced. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB0DZJUl7UbBzpwTaifFgIJLMdG5PIsu2dygAhS2tTDMA5FASMcNiArK6LcWV79g-nSVro2g-vEG8jzMbllv2Kz5QU9TjMYhEzqZIypBDWBsSu6DN-BtNQEfHJnwxwRMGIYZOirLhw31u/s1600/IMG_1487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDB0DZJUl7UbBzpwTaifFgIJLMdG5PIsu2dygAhS2tTDMA5FASMcNiArK6LcWV79g-nSVro2g-vEG8jzMbllv2Kz5QU9TjMYhEzqZIypBDWBsSu6DN-BtNQEfHJnwxwRMGIYZOirLhw31u/s1600/IMG_1487.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7c3YGZjIM5J0aLYZibbLD3Vpiq2rdlvXuS-V97edtRgNuraoOH3ym0BpWE0vjkv-GNRXJAp_Jw0S7HA7e9FWBxjM6AvR8pxpcZZrw_VyAD2DBFl_wk55ItdMGigkzPvevmRh_W2GKu0R/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7c3YGZjIM5J0aLYZibbLD3Vpiq2rdlvXuS-V97edtRgNuraoOH3ym0BpWE0vjkv-GNRXJAp_Jw0S7HA7e9FWBxjM6AvR8pxpcZZrw_VyAD2DBFl_wk55ItdMGigkzPvevmRh_W2GKu0R/s1600/IMG_1464.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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When I was so hesitant about taking my son to China with me due to the cost of two of us going, I found that God provided every penny and </div>
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I experienced the sweetest times watching him interact with such</div>
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precious babies. </div>
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When I was NOT thrilled about sacrificing the foods I liked to eat, I realized that the memories made around a table were sweeter than any food </div>
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my taste buds would ever enjoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesSXoFTdpkATMUTmw1JTUe6HCJXz25aj-Ygv0ZxM97Hi57OPq2wl7WlTXT44V5Q6-QwvaLgmmu91XPgJNclv4jwIN6wbijXpFAHxJ88fbpoQ0NT10o5UKqYXT8OWiw-wwGUC7iTAZeF7q/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesSXoFTdpkATMUTmw1JTUe6HCJXz25aj-Ygv0ZxM97Hi57OPq2wl7WlTXT44V5Q6-QwvaLgmmu91XPgJNclv4jwIN6wbijXpFAHxJ88fbpoQ0NT10o5UKqYXT8OWiw-wwGUC7iTAZeF7q/s1600/IMG_1882.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I sacrificed being an "empty nester" God gave me a far greater </div>
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blessing than I could have ever imagined. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28G3bI8eIQwrDPTiT5Kq0jZDVRZG4Lrtw6ZebIZZ1el6lZChXHMr9v3DXXU-xHv8_POeRecRGJUAMlrVC5Qf7VZ15JEtICd-UOskY0IcRqJqyTfhGXaAelzoUaRsLg6eI-Aw-Kag5HEli/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28G3bI8eIQwrDPTiT5Kq0jZDVRZG4Lrtw6ZebIZZ1el6lZChXHMr9v3DXXU-xHv8_POeRecRGJUAMlrVC5Qf7VZ15JEtICd-UOskY0IcRqJqyTfhGXaAelzoUaRsLg6eI-Aw-Kag5HEli/s1600/IMG_2950.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
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When I gave up an evening of relaxing at home for a walk, I experienced His glory more than any computer or television.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwBw-fQlDw-pp63XMjEZ_mNrgIYnMpQwksUBBC5JeDWBHPUtnM1C8rq1JM_qaOlrpNYgb8ebU3lfTwswa3IFHUu_pL-8KLAanEwJiE9DX8hLua9lHC22Gx2O1AssBgrOnytJ-OFsdDyZC/s1600/IMG_4413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwBw-fQlDw-pp63XMjEZ_mNrgIYnMpQwksUBBC5JeDWBHPUtnM1C8rq1JM_qaOlrpNYgb8ebU3lfTwswa3IFHUu_pL-8KLAanEwJiE9DX8hLua9lHC22Gx2O1AssBgrOnytJ-OFsdDyZC/s1600/IMG_4413.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', times, serif; font-size: 20px;">When I chose to give up a much higher paying job and less stress, I chose to teach and it is little reminders like this that make it worthwhile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>So, the next time you dread making that sacrifice, whether money, time, or comfort, remember that it could very well be one of the greatest blessings of your life!</i></span></div>
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P.S. Please don't misunderstand me! These are just things I have personally experienced and I would NEVER compare my small sacrifice with the ULTIMATE SACRIFICE my Saviour made, or the men and women protecting my freedom make on a daily basis!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-27429594579229243642014-11-04T23:23:00.001-06:002014-11-04T23:23:29.388-06:00November 4-More of You<div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NIV)</span></div>
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With my next birthday coming up very soon, I was thinking ahead to what I really wanted; not gifts, but what do I want my life to look like. First, I was thinking in the way of the dreaded scale and how I want less of me when I step on that scale. As those thoughts went through my mind, I realized I want LESS of ME in more aspects than what I can see physically. On my drive tonight to enjoy dinner with some long time friends, I heard this song twice. It sums up what I really desire-</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You-Less of Me. </span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">I made my castle tall</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">I built up every wall</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">This is my kingdom and it needs to fall</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">I want You and no one else</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Empty me of myself</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Until the only thing that's left is</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Less of me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Make me who I'm meant to be</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">You're all I want all I need</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">You're everything</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Take it all I surrender</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Be my king</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">God I choose</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Less of me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">This life I hold so close</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Oh, God I let it go</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">I refuse to gain the world and lose my soul</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">So take it all I abandon everything I am You can have it</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">The only thing I need is</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Less of me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Make me who I'm meant to be</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">You're all I want all I need</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">You're everything</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Take it all I surrender</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Be my king</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">God I choose</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">Less of me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">More of You</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">All to You I surrender</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">All to You my blessed Savior</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #444444;">I surrender all</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><i><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"> by: </span><a href="http://www.metrolyrics.com/more-of-you-lyrics-colton-dixon.html#ixzz3IAO0idw8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: proxnov-sbold, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; outline: 0px; text-decoration: none; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Colton Dixon</a></i></div>
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I'm not exactly sure what that looks like, but I know He will show me if I strive to keep my eyes on Him. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-4607359636273404802014-11-03T21:37:00.001-06:002014-11-03T21:37:42.788-06:00November 3- The Rock of Our Salvation<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Rock of our salvation.</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Let us come before him with thanksgiving</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>and extol him with music and song. </b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Psalm 95:1-2</b></span></div>
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Singing for joy is not something we do very often outside of church or musical events. How about shouting aloud to the Rock of Our Salvation? This morning as I drove to work I wanted to sing for joy to the Lord. I was thankful no one was in the car with me, but it felt good to sing to the Lord, knowing that He delights in hearing my praise even if it isn't in tune.<br />
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So many times we make excuses for why we can't sing, serve, give, etc. David and I just had this conversation yesterday about how we can always find an excuse for anything. The things that are important are the things for which we will make the time, effort and money. <br />
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Tonight, as I walked in front of the casket of a young man, 23 years old, who went to school with my son, I was reminded how quickly life can pass us by and be gone. My heart breaks for his family and his young children. I pray that they can lean on the Rock of Our Salvation and know the comfort He gives.<br />
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It is my prayer that everyone of us will stop making excuses. May we sing and shout and come before Him with Thanksgiving. May we take the time for those who are important to us. Maybe He is calling you to step out in faith and give a little extra to someone in need, become a foster parent for a hurting child, take that step toward adoption even if the finances seem impossible. Whatever IT may be, we aren't promised tomorrow; pray about it and take that leap....sing, shout, and come before Him with Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_tobUutRl9DEu8GqGA2C290-hrixvii_JoSnQGEGS8Ud_Xnqs6LR_U2CUIQ-SGtyxUwUov4FIgdNfqv5m0ix5tGF3ug2T7YtUH5Yw2LJ2BIb1lvkPw1RSevQnyDKMLj5TGoekYalmS3z/s1600/IMG_4827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ_tobUutRl9DEu8GqGA2C290-hrixvii_JoSnQGEGS8Ud_Xnqs6LR_U2CUIQ-SGtyxUwUov4FIgdNfqv5m0ix5tGF3ug2T7YtUH5Yw2LJ2BIb1lvkPw1RSevQnyDKMLj5TGoekYalmS3z/s1600/IMG_4827.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Traveling to China with these two gave me plenty of reason to sing and shout His praise~</div>
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Is there anything more precious than laughter from a child?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYYFnRfQ8pMUbOpNID5EdzuQEGNPFFQdgZ_eq2XBaZ0ed1uKKkE6V6lPv39kWWfJ4K_V7HHpUPvBlKHUecaT7Zn-_Tea8T5C6rIfVnLavfmQks6Iu7VB3PJRrPedGCXSsFcdWqofsgB2Y/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYYFnRfQ8pMUbOpNID5EdzuQEGNPFFQdgZ_eq2XBaZ0ed1uKKkE6V6lPv39kWWfJ4K_V7HHpUPvBlKHUecaT7Zn-_Tea8T5C6rIfVnLavfmQks6Iu7VB3PJRrPedGCXSsFcdWqofsgB2Y/s1600/IMG_9238.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Dancing with my son brought lots of laughs!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-22588766776503172072014-11-02T19:46:00.001-06:002014-11-02T19:46:07.817-06:00November 2nd - Confiding- Orphan Sunday<span style="color: #cc0000; text-align: center;">"The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare."</span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Psalm 25:14-15 NIV</span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He confides in us and makes His covenant known to us? Even when we mess up and are so undeserving? Yes, my loving Father loves me enough to share His desires with me. This verse says I only have to fear Him and keep my eyes on Him. If there is anyone who is undeserving of His grace and mercy I would most definitely fit into that category. He has picked me up out of the mud and mire more times than I can count, and still, He loves me enough to share His heart with me.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, we learned that a childhood friend of my son's was tragically killed in an auto accident last night. My heart hurt when I heard those words from him and all I wanted to do as a mom was to make the pain go away. Oh, how my Father wants to provide our every need and heal our hurts more than we do for our children. I would ask you to keep this young family in your thoughts and prayers. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Why am I so passionate about orphan care and adoption? For one, I experienced God confiding in me 15 years ago as I longed for a little girl. I didn't do anything worthy of the gift He gave, but He made His covenant know to me because I was available. Nothing I did could make Him love me more, but by being available He poured out blessings that I could have missed out on had I not have been listening as He confided in David and I. Not only did He give us a gift we longed for, but He caused our cup to overflow years later with another adoption of our youngest daughter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXqrItTe8mKtFpdujICLTVmW-hD0xJbnJaU-bj3iJEHawGOCSUDJKanFcX9h2i4nOIilITfJReXxoBb7CzOQHVg7HbQQhMYZ0-0oiR-Bq4O2bIVsS9FKTwbZDpuKFH8obg027_kNLrqbZ/s1600/IMG_2995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXqrItTe8mKtFpdujICLTVmW-hD0xJbnJaU-bj3iJEHawGOCSUDJKanFcX9h2i4nOIilITfJReXxoBb7CzOQHVg7HbQQhMYZ0-0oiR-Bq4O2bIVsS9FKTwbZDpuKFH8obg027_kNLrqbZ/s1600/IMG_2995.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Today, I sat and held my newest grandson and whispered words of blessing over him. As I showered him with love my thoughts couldn't help but think of all the little babies out there without anyone to shower them with love. Our little bundle of joy is loved more than he will ever know and will always have every need met. My greatest prayer is that as I share about God's heart for the orphan someone's heart will be broken and they will take that leap to provide for one child so that they will know the love of a forever family.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-3391076412702155412014-11-02T00:20:00.003-05:002014-11-02T00:20:52.983-05:00November 1st-Thankfulness<br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: orange;">T</span><span style="color: red;">he Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. </span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: red;">He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">Psalm 145:18-19</span></i></div>
</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I have witnessed how He has fulfilled our desires and how He has saved us</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">and I can't think of a </span><span style="color: #444444;">better time than </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November 1st </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">to </span><span style="color: #444444;">share some of those ways. </span><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">It is my goal to share a short blog post each day in November </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">to document some of the ways God has blessed us </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">and encourage someone to cling to Him </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">if you are waiting for your desires to be fulfilled. </span></div>
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It has been a hard lesson, and one I am constantly learning, but I </div>
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am realizing that God generally does not fulfill our desires </div>
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in our time frame or in the exact ways that we expect.</div>
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Oh, but His ways are far higher than our own</div>
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and He has far greater plans for us than we can ever dream. </div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November has always been my favorite month of the year, mainly because it is my </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">birthday month </span><span style="color: #444444;">and also because I love fall more than any other season.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Fifteen years ago November became ever sweeter </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">as we were blessed a few days before(Oct. 27) with our precious baby girl and foster daughter.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Then, one year later we were beyond blessed by the miracle of adoption on</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November 18, 2000</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">which was the 2nd annual </span><a href="http://www.nationaladoptionday.org/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #e06666;">National Adoption Day </span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">What a day of celebration it was!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">The joy in the courtroom was abundant and I can still remember the huge smile on the </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">face of the judge who graciously donated his services that day </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">for every child who was adopted. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November has always continued to be such a special month. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Not only is it my birthday month, it is also the birthday of </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">The United States Marine Corp.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">On </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November 18, 2005</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Justin graduated from boot camp and became a </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">US Marine-Semper Fi!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Even though he only served in active duty for four years, our family gained </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">a new sense of pride and love for our country and for </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">those who daily serve us and fight for our freedom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">For that lesson, and new sense of pride we are forever thankful!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">Today, we got to celebrate once again as Justin returned home after fighting </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">forest fires in </span><span style="color: #444444;">California for the past seven months with the </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">US Forest Service. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I thank God for bringing him home safely!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">There isn't much of anything better than a huge bear hug </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">from one of my kids; after so many months away it was </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">a special moment when he surprised me today and brought tears to my eyes this </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">afternoon as he arrived home. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I'm sure I will continue to think of so many more reasons why </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">November is special and I can't wait to share those over this next month.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">So today, in honor of the many blessings I have received </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">and the fact that it is </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">National Adoption Month</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">I would like for others to join me in sharing our abundance with </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">others who are less fortunate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I encourage anyone reading this to commit to sharing your abundance with someone this month. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">If you need a way to do that feel free to join me </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">in giving away some extra warmth to </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">kids in need. I would like to collect new or gently used coats, hats, mittens</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">socks and blankets to share with kids in our local CPS custody. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">These precious kids don't deserve the difficulties they must endure and</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">if we can provide them a little extra love and warmth maybe </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;">that little bit will put a smile on their face.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02154492628644614103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760799050592153598.post-28454268468494836382014-08-13T21:54:00.000-05:002014-08-13T22:43:05.335-05:00Summer whirlwind!Seriously…I can NOT make this stuff up! I'm not sure how our family constantly has such a crazy wild ride on this roller coaster of life, but things around here are NEVER dull! Through the mountains and the valleys we've had a summer of rejoicing and shedding tears. Words can't express the thankfulness we have for those who've walked this journey with us and have been there to laugh and cry along the way!<br />
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As summer winds down and I go back to school tomorrow I want to share some amazing ways we've watched God work. This may be long, but I am going to give you a glimpse into how God has held our hands on this wild ride for the past 10 weeks!<br />
<br />
June started with a bang! The same day school got out for the summer, our precious dog, Ranger, ate something toxic. We thought we were going to loose him and were so upset as we watched him fade away; he is only one year old and a true part of our family. Thank you, Jesus, for a wonderful vet who met us after-hours and cared for our baby! Ranger stayed there over the weekend and thankfully felt back to his spunky self within a few days.<br />
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The next week Lia had her one year cardiology appt. and she checked out wonderfully! We don't know what the future holds for her, but we do know THE ONE who holds her future! She has a slight mitral valve regurgitation and her O2 rates have dropped from about 98 to 95, but she certainly never lets that slow her down and her cardiologist was very pleased with how well she is doing. Before her dr. appt. we went to have her beautiful long hair cut so that she could donate it to <a href="https://www.clf4kids.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>The Childhood Leukemia Foundation</b></span></a>. They make wigs for children, like our niece Jaycee, who have lost their hair to this nasty disease.<br />
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Then on June 18, after raising funds, and a great deal of planning and praying, Brandon, Tia and I prepared to go to China with a group through <a href="http://www.awaa.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>America World Adoption Association</b></span></a>. We were blessed with a couple of families who donated strollers for us to take to <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.morningstarproject.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><b>The Morningstar Foundation</b></span></a> </span>in Beijing for the precious children in their care before we headed to our final destination to work in two different orphanages. </div>
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The blog we kept for our journey to China and back can be found here: <span style="color: blue;"><b><a href="http://actchina2014.wordpress.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://actchina2014.wordpress.com/</span></a>.</b></span><br />
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While in China, we loved on babies, met new friends, and watched God work in amazing ways. I had the awesome opportunity to give one of the Ayi's(Nannie's) a Chinese bible. The joy on her face was THE MOST PRECIOUS LOOK you could ever imagine. I just wish and pray that we would all have such a joy when we open up our bibles. This was a book that in her words was, "THE BEST GIFT!"<br />
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In July, we spent time getting over jet lag, watching some volleyball games and loving on our friends and family. July 4th is always a fun time when we celebrate our freedom with friends and family and this year we did that plenty!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to see what the future holds for these two lovebirds!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On July 8, I was blessed to spend a day with friends(and Brandon) on a road trip to Houston to see this precious family, the Henderson's, who have been battling a terrible illness with a long hospital stay with their darling daughter, Maggie. Please stop over and check out how far they have come and pray as they continue this long journey! Thank you, Lord for the healing we are seeing you do in Maggie's life. We pray you continue to move mountains until she is 100% healed. </span></div>
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The week of July 13 is one I will always remember for being one of those weeks that changed our lives! Monday, Tia left for church camp and David went to the dentist to have a tooth pulled. While he was gone, our mamma goat gave birth to twins, one of which was definitely a runt and had to have help with nursing. David came home on pain meds, but being the trooper he is, he helped me feed the baby before falling asleep!<br />
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Thankfully, God went before us and had everything planned out long before we did! On Tuesday, David would have normally been at work, but had taken off some time because of the pain meds he was on. About 5:45 p.m. we got a call that Nathan had been injured at work; about 5 hours away. Since David was home we were able to throw things into a bag and leave immediately. Friends stepped in to get us to Nathan quickly, care for Lia, feed our animals and other things I may never know!<br />
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After spending four days away from home, Nathan was able to be transfered and have his facial repairs done closer to home. The day before Nathan's surgery, Tia had her wisdom teeth out(I will save myself some grief and NOT post those photos!)She did great and thanks to her "other sister," Baleigh, she had a smooth recovery. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Nathan is on the mend, although it will be a long road to a full recovery until his facial nerves regenerate and potential other surgeries happen. We appreciate all </span><span style="text-align: left;">of the prayers and acts of kindness as you have been the hands and feet of Jesus to our family during this difficult time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After a few days, Nathan and Lexe fortunately felt good enough to make the drive to Lake LBJ where we had already planned our family vacation. I think it helped his spirits to be around family and friends and we were all so thankful for some time to rest and rejuvenate after the previous few weeks. We missed Justin this year, but know that he is doing a wonderful job during this season of wildfires in CA. </span><br />
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After coming home we enjoyed a beautiful baby shower as Nathan and Lexe prepare to welcome our first grandchild into the world in just a few more weeks. </div>
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<b>Nothing like ending the summer with a bang! </b></div>
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After we noticed electric bills much higher than normal we started investigating the cause. Apparently our water well was running continuously, so we needed to have that repaired. Once the company came today, it was discovered that we had tree roots <b>30 feet long</b>(yes, that is how long they stretched!) wrapped around the casing of our well. Our friend who owns A & V Water was able to fix it for now and buy us some time to save up to have another well drilled. We are so thankful that we have the time to prepare and that it wasn't gone today! In his words, "You can't say your roots don't run deep!"</div>
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It has been a whirlwind of a summer, but through each mountain and valley I pray our roots have dug in a little deeper to <b>THE ONE</b> who has supplied our every need and held us through every twist and turn.<br />
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;">So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;">continue to live your lives in him, </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;">rooted and built up in him, </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;">strengthened in the faith as you were taught, </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;"><b>and overflowing with thankfulness.</b> </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 34px; text-align: center;">Col 2:7</span></div>
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