tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61009953242259655092024-03-05T22:30:01.319-06:00Hard Naak LifeLoving God and Loving People in This Messy LifeStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-14705267197070591262020-12-26T17:39:00.004-06:002020-12-27T13:12:31.187-06:00See the Good. Be the Good. An Update<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Almost three years ago I wrote a </span><a href="https://www.hardnaaklife.com/2018/01/seebethegood.html" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">post </a><span style="font-family: georgia;">I really believed in and
that I hoped would be a source of motivation to others looking to make life a
little better. It was a post on seeing silver linings, of looking for the
good even in places of pain and disappointment, and it was about making even a
small difference in the day-to-day life of others. See the good, be the good
became a reminder that positive things hide even in negative places and that
some days I might need to be that positive thing.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Many people will look back on this last year through
tear-stained eyes, grief holding on tight to hearts and minds, as grief often does.
When mentioning all that transpired, there will be understandable disdain for
the events of the previous months and we will all collectively hold our breath
for fresh starts and blank slates. But I cannot let this last year fade away as
an unhappy memory when I firmly believe there is goodness to be found even in
the most trying of times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">This past summer, my son and I watched every Marvel movie chronologically
from Captain America: The First Avenger to Spiderman: Far from Home. Later my
kids and I worked our way through the Harry Potter films. As we immersed ourselves
in these rich stories of good versus evil, it helped to lay the foundation for uncovering
the good to be found in this year. J.K. Rowling, in The Prisoner of Azkaban, gives
Albus Dumbledore a memorable line. “</span><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;">Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of
times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.</span>”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia;">That’s the thing
about good versus evil. The light always wins. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The light
always wins against the dark because the good, the One who is immeasurably and
overwhelmingly good, has already triumphed over evil. “The light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5) Anything the world can bring us is only temporary because His victory is eternal.
He is the light of the world that brings light to the world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>See the
Good</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Seeing
the good means looking for this light; it means looking for big and little pictures of grace in a world that seems starved for good gifts. For our
family, the lockdown created by the pandemic allowed for much needed rest after
a difficult season of change we experienced the last half of 2019. The time at
home gave us permission to slow down, to spend time together, to work our land
and cultivate our homestead, and most importantly, to heal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I
know for some it was a difficult thing to find the good. In a year marked by
sickness, death, loneliness, and fear of the present and future, it wasn’t easy
to see even a small glimmer of hope. But leaning in to peer a bit closer,
beneath the murky waters of this year, we might just find a shimmering pearl of
goodness hiding in the sand. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I
encourage you to look back and find a bit of encouragement from the last year
that will help to propel you into the new. Even if you find yourself limping day
after day, the goodness is that you are here. You woke up yesterday and today,
and tomorrow you will greet a new day. In a dark season, that is enough.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Be
the Good</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But
if you are ready, if you want to take a step toward adding a bit more light, I
ask that you try to not only see the good in each day, but be the good to those
around you. I keep reading stories of so many negative attitudes and behaviors; people have forgotten how to treat each other. We are collectively hurting
and as the old cliché says, hurt people hurt people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This
new year will not necessarily mean all the bad will cease to be. On the
contrary, we will probably continue to endure sickness, death, and loneliness. We
will always have those in this broken world. The difference between then and
now is that we can choose to be a source of light in dark days. We can
choose small acts of kindness and edifying words. We can choose to be the good
to those around us who need us to reflect the light of the one who has forever
overcome the darkness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">See the
good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be
the good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And as
Dumbledore encouraged, remember to turn on the light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #202124; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVnP0ZDCgXhgV0KdghkFz6Ab8XZOBWLcgtFgI9wHCbINJaZJnvD1S0u4ZMuIxMRviY-ekBjzexAdZZw5thfuifkWC5lu8IGcX6fCSDTyyifQQqJLZjCpdkhSD9EUJjgyOcLXdmTgSoAPU/s940/see+the+good+update+2020.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVnP0ZDCgXhgV0KdghkFz6Ab8XZOBWLcgtFgI9wHCbINJaZJnvD1S0u4ZMuIxMRviY-ekBjzexAdZZw5thfuifkWC5lu8IGcX6fCSDTyyifQQqJLZjCpdkhSD9EUJjgyOcLXdmTgSoAPU/s16000/see+the+good+update+2020.png" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></o:p></span></p>Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0Tennessee, USA35.5174913 -86.58044737.2072595124447645 -121.73669461779099 63.827723087555242 -51.424199982209018tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-77716608286631267102020-04-02T16:50:00.000-05:002020-04-03T08:36:01.103-05:00God is Faithful<br />
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God is faithful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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In the book of 1 Samuel, Samuel sets up an Ebeneezer stone, a
reminder stone meaning “Till now the Lord has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12). I
have my own Ebenezer stones, things that help me to remember that the Lord has
been with me and he is faithful. I can look back on these situations and
experiences and clearly see God’s faithfulness. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What about you? What are some of your Ebenezer stones? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We don’t always see God at work in something as it is
happening. Instead we can look back to times that prove his promise that he
will never leave us nor forsake us. He is eternally faithful. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of my favorite verses comes from the book of
Lamentations (3:22-23). This truth has been a comfort to me so many times when
I’ve felt overwhelmed, confused, alone, hurt, full of sorrow, anxious, or
angry.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for
his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your
faithfulness. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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When the storms rage in our lives, he blankets us in peace. When
we feel empty in our loneliness, he reminds us he is always with us. When we
feel consumed by struggles and difficult situations, we don’t have to fear or
worry because he is our refuge and strength. When the world feels bleak, the
sun still rises every morning to remind us that he is always at work and he is
faithful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I encourage you to take it all to the Lord. Anything that is
holding you hostage or making you feel defeated, you can lay it at his feet. He
promises that “he will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you
will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart” (Psalm 91:4).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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God is faithful. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-52668881621040009552019-07-02T20:43:00.002-05:002019-07-03T06:48:41.840-05:00Stop Settling for Counterfeit Love<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">While pregnant
with my second child, I had to stop wearing my engagement ring and wedding band because my
fingers were too swollen.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> I felt bad not wearing it, but I also didn’t want to spend a bunch of money to replace the
ones that were just too small. After all, I was going to be back in the </span>originals <span style="font-size: 12pt;">after I
had that baby, right? (haha) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Finally, it just felt too weird not wearing a ring, so my husband got online and ordered a shiny, new, temporary ring. The cost?</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">$4.00 shipped. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After about seven years of wearing that ring (yes, you read that right...seven years), it lost one of its fake diamonds, so we bought a replacement.
The cost was around $5.00. Inflation, I guess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">My current counterfeit
ring and its cheap predecessor have been the symbol of my marriage for the last
eight years. When people look at it, they assume it’s a ring of real diamonds.
It sparkles and shines. It's beautiful in its simplicity. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But it is an impostor for the real thing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many of the lies
we believe about ourselves, the lies the world tells, and the things we use to fill our days and our hearts are cheap imitations for the love that only God can
provide. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The world's love is fleeting, it is fake, it is self-serving, and it is imperfect. Why do we keep trying to fill ourselves with this empty love? </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We
can try all we want to replace His perfect love with counterfeits, but we will
keep thirsting for what only the Living Water can quench. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Let’s reflect on
some truths about His perfect love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344699"><br /></a></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;">Know therefore that the </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"> your God is
God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a
thousand generations. </span></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344699" style="font-size: 16px;">Deuteronomy 7:9</a></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344710"> </a></span><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;">But God shows his love for us in that while we
were still sinners, Christ died for us. </span></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344710" style="font-size: 16px;">Romans 5:8</a></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span class="text"><span style="background: white; font-size: 12pt;">But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.</span></span></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344727" style="font-size: 16px;">Ephesians 2:4-5</a></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk526344727" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">The enemy tells us we have to work for love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells us we have to love ourselves more,
push our own agendas, or
focus on our external beauty rather than our spiritual health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God loved us while we were still sinners. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">You matter. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">You have dignity because you are an image bearer of God. </span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is nothing you have to work for or prove; you just have to follow Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Today we need to accept that He is sovereign and He loves us. His love is perfect and unchanging. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We have to take care of each other and
we have to speak truth to ourselves and into the lives of the women around us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 9.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Stop settling for counterfeit love and run to the One who loves perfectly. </span></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-57537071016759448472019-02-13T06:27:00.001-06:002019-07-02T21:13:07.055-05:00If Life is Feeling Too Busy, Here are 6 Ways to Practice Self-Care.If you came here looking for aromatherapy and bubble baths,
you’re in the wrong place.<br />
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<br /></div>
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Practicing self-care is more than just pampering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s learning to take control of situations, being
more organized to keep life more calm, and realizing it might be time to ask
for help.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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This time last year, I felt like I was just surviving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Working in an emotionally taxing job, keeping
up with my duties as a wife and mom, and having additional commitments in
various ministries was starting to wear me down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Wait. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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“Wear me down” is too soft of a description. If I’m honest,
a better way to describe my life is that I was feeling run over. By a truck. A really, really big truck.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I had to figure out a way to get myself together before the candles
I was burning at both ends burned me along with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are some of the ways I learned to stay sane.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1. Stop the mess before it completely takes over</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In college, I learned this really interesting concept called entropy that has stuck with me because I see it everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Entropy is the idea that everything will gradually decline from order to
disorder. I clean off the island and later that day, someone has put a small
pile of homework papers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s okay
though, that’ll be easy to clean up later, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then someone puts the mail there and a plate
and then an empty box of cereal and before I know it, I can’t even see the
surface anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's chaos. That’s
entropy, my friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever heard the saying about eating an elephant? <o:p></o:p></div>
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How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Or more specifically, a little bit every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my family spends 10 minutes a day picking
up before bed, we can combat the mess that is sure to multiply if it is
ignored. Then, when those surfaces are clean, there are no random socks in the
floor, and the dishes are in the dishwasher and not in the sink/on the
counter/on the island, and I can relax in my chair and read a book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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What’s one thing you can do every day to keep a mess from
getting out of control?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Make it a team effort</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I admit I like certain things done in a certain way. Maybe
you can relate. The problem with wanting to control the situation is that I try
to do everything myself, which in turn makes me feel overwhelmed. That’s not
good self-care.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s time to take some of that load and responsibility and
pass it around to the other people living under your roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assign chores, tasks, responsibilities, jobs,
or whatever you want to call them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hey,
they help make those messes, the least they can do is help clean them up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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How can you make this work at your house?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. Prep in advance</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s a taste of what life used to sound like every morning
before school.<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Mom, I can’t find any clean underwear.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“It’s in your drawer.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“No it’s not!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Yes, it is. *sigh* I’m coming in there.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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You get the picture. Basically, things existed in my house,
but no one could ever find them. These conversations drove me crazy!<o:p></o:p></div>
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This past summer, I knew I wanted the new school year to go
differently so I came up with a plan. Although it hasn’t been perfect, it’s
been really great at making mornings less chaotic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Every Sunday after church, I sit in front of the television
and fold all the laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I start a load
of one kid’s, then the other kid’s, then the parent laundry, followed by
towels and bedding. I watch television which allows me to relax while I do this mindless
task.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As I fold, I make outfit piles for
each kid, including underwear and socks, and put each outfit in a hanging cubby
hole in each kid’s closet. They choose an outfit from
the cubby, in no particular order, every morning before school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Let me tell you, it has made my mornings
smoother. It is so nice to get in my car and head to work not feeling frazzled
and stressed. Calmer mornings are worth the marathon laundry/television
sessions on Sunday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is one way you can prepare to eliminate some of the
stress in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Have a day of rest</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Saturday is usually the calmest day of my week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do my best on this day to make sure I’m
recharging my batteries. I sleep in, enjoy a cup of coffee or two (or three),
and enjoy a good book. </div>
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If I do have to leave the house, I spend a little extra time taking care of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is when I take a long, relaxing shower, do a body scrub, and deep condition my hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Saturday is a day of rest, but it’s also a day of pampering. A good
portion of my life is spent taking care of others, so it’s important for me to
take a day of rest because it keeps me more physically and mentally healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do you make time for rest?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. Be healthier</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m at the age where my back hurts for no reason and my
ankle knows when rain is coming. </div>
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I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m
getting older and my gray hair can prove it. My health needs to be a
priority. I take multivitamins, pre and probiotics, and elderberry gummies. I
wear a watch that tracks my steps and I try to be good about drinking
water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also try to get in some exercise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Recently my husband and I found a
punching bag on sale at the sporting goods store so we bought it and put it in
the basement. I have pink boxing gloves and I built the perfect playlist for getting
my frustrations out/getting exercise. It’s awesome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What can you do to create a healthier lifestyle?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>6. Do it anyway</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I love to stay up late and read. It’s my favorite. Do you
know what’s not my favorite? Feeling terrible the next day because I stayed up
late to read. I don’t want to go to bed at a decent time, but I do it
anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes I want to veg out in front of the television and
not have to think about anything, but I also need to spend time with the Lord
and read my bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to do nothing,
but tending to my relationship with God is the better choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never regret that time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t always want to eat healthy, but I do it anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t always want to get up a little earlier to make the
mornings smoother, but I do it anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sometimes, I don’t want to give up my Saturday night to hang
out with friends, but I do it anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Self-care isn’t always saying no to things. Often taking
care of yourself means saying yes to things that are good for you. Even if you
don’t always feel like doing it, do it anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What is something good for you that you should start doing?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Taking care of yourself is essential because when you take
care of yourself, you can be a better friend, worker, and family member, and you
can be better at loving those around you. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What is one change you can make today to practice self-care?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-3078008553711048512018-09-11T20:22:00.001-05:002019-07-02T21:13:37.387-05:00The Joy of the Lord is my Strength<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8gCaPJk1QzSB8bmmn6pNgd8PvB5CBmsn3N45Saja4dF3P4-ygegY6sZSd0O29e5jhDowU3SCBhDF_1fus3xnlEa9FgzLCwiHJE29ex0MDIBkPMRrxdWRftkhYua47hZxjaMd_inIq05Q/s1600/autumn+moments.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF8gCaPJk1QzSB8bmmn6pNgd8PvB5CBmsn3N45Saja4dF3P4-ygegY6sZSd0O29e5jhDowU3SCBhDF_1fus3xnlEa9FgzLCwiHJE29ex0MDIBkPMRrxdWRftkhYua47hZxjaMd_inIq05Q/s1600/autumn+moments.png" /></a></div>
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This morning, as I allowed myself to be still during our
school’s customary moment of silence, a song from my childhood came crashing
in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The joy of the Lord is
my strength.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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If you’re familiar with that song, you know it's the
same line over and over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easy to
sing and it’s one of those songs that embeds itself deep into a child’s
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Younger me didn’t necessarily
understand its meaning, but it brought me comfort nonetheless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Some mornings I wake up with a song in my head, a gift from
God whose mercies are new every morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There’s just something about a song in my mind that flows to my heart
and allows me to meditate on His goodness first thing in the morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Splendor and majesty
are before him; strength and joy are in his dwelling place.” 1 Chronicles 16:27<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Other mornings I wake up with no song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I’m so tired. How many
days until I can sleep in?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lord, I haven’t even
rolled out of bed and already I’m dreading the day ahead.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How will I make it
through what’s waiting for me at work today?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Help me, Lord.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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My quiet time rolls around and I force myself to sit still
and praise the one who gave me life and every good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s this act of thankfulness that brings a
song back to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Every morning He seeks me out, but I have to tune in to Him.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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The joy of the Lord is
my strength.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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True joy cannot be swayed by our circumstances, our
possessions, our friendships, or all sorts of external things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joy comes from a deeper place. It’s a fruit of
the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a gift in difficult
times and refuge from the cares of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s light in the darkness. Joy satisfies the heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“You make known to me
the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand
are pleasures forever more.” Psalm 16:11<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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If I’m being honest, sometimes it really hasn’t been my day,
my week, my month, or even my year (thank you, Friends theme song). It’s easy
to dwell on the bad and feel so disheartened.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The good news - no the GREAT news - is that joy is a product
of the Holy Spirit working in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Peter 1:8) that helps us through each
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know that trials will come, pain
is inevitable, and brokenness is always present, but the words of Psalm 30:5
bring peace. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can I get a yes and amen?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black;">Paul tells us in Romans 8:28 that God
works everything for good. </span>The good he is speaking of is our spiritual
growth, our sanctification. It’s us becoming more Christ-like. When we abide in
Him, our trials are still present, but they are bearable because joy and peace
rule our hearts. Our trials are dwarfed by the power of our God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">“But he said to me, </span></i></span><span class="woj"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">‘My grace is
sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ </span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;">Therefore
I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of
Christ may rest upon me.</span></i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black;"> <span class="text">For the sake of Christ, then, I
am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10</span></span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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In times that can be so stressful, so full of the enemy’s
attacks, the joy of the Lord is our strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It allows us see the good in others, laugh in the midst of trials, smile
through adversity, and trust that joy really does come in the morning.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The joy of the Lord is my strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-19518681615818315472018-07-09T05:52:00.000-05:002018-07-09T05:52:30.510-05:00Drifting Away in the Waves of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z6KcCGMG0vyvhH5iF-ADqCt7zDQMfDvEr4Ooi_30fehZvS0rHOg42C5_KgrMYZUU36aJDk1tXqe5S9LTbB-_SrK7suXxb7dOui7VGQi_yXrjHz-31ckX1n452hSoxGrdhWyXRvqnPDLU/s1600/drifting+away+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3z6KcCGMG0vyvhH5iF-ADqCt7zDQMfDvEr4Ooi_30fehZvS0rHOg42C5_KgrMYZUU36aJDk1tXqe5S9LTbB-_SrK7suXxb7dOui7VGQi_yXrjHz-31ckX1n452hSoxGrdhWyXRvqnPDLU/s320/drifting+away+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood in the sand and watched my two kids who were
oblivious that the momentum of the waves had moved them so far away from me.
They were laughing and jumping as the ocean pushed them farther down the
shoreline. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Earlier that morning, our family chose
an empty stretch of sand and set up chairs under the protection of beach
umbrellas in various primary colors. It was our home base for the day. The kids
ran to the shallow water to jump the waves as they rolled to the shore. I
watched as the waves came in at an angle, the strength of the water pushing the
two of them down the shoreline, away from me and away from our sandy home base.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ocean can deceive its visitors into feeling secure in
the shallow waters while it pulls them away from those who can watch out for
them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I walked down the beach until I finally reached my
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called their names over the roar
of the ocean, motioned for them to come to me, and showed them how far they had
strayed. They never even knew they had moved. They were surprised to be so far from where they started, but I
assured them I had never stopped watching them and knew where they were the
whole time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I pointed to the line of beach umbrellas and guided them back.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When Life Happens<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, the waves of life move us away from God. Work and
family are stressful, or we get sick, or death comes like a thief to steal
someone we love. We drift away in the waves of life, moving away from our home
base, not realizing how far life has taken us. We look up and suddenly see how
far we’ve gone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We look around in
desperation, in grief, or maybe in anger. We’ve lost our way without knowing,
but then we see Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God has had His eye on us the entire time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Psalm 89:9 tells us our God, who created the vast oceans and
the crashing waves, is in control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You rule the raging of
the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our God, who created you and me, knows the number of our
days, and chose us before the foundation of the world, also knows what waves will come crashing in on us. He knows our hurt, our
fear, our insecurity, our heartbreak, and our loss. When the waves of life
threaten to overwhelm us, He says:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fear not, for I have
redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through
the waters, I will be with you… (Isaiah 43:1-2)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Fear not,” He says, “I will be with you.” When you look up
to find Him, He will be there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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His eyes have never left you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">When We Choose to
Drift Away<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe we are having so much fun playing in the waves of life we don’t care where they take us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We let the ocean pull us away from home and we purposefully play the prodigal running away from our Father. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t
you know our loving Shepherd will leave the 99 to pursue the one who strayed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To pursue me? To pursue you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He never takes His eyes off us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Come Back to the
Living Water<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whether we are pulled away by the cares of life or allow
ourselves to drift, we can become so consumed by the water we’re swimming in
that we forget about the Living Water. <o:p></o:p>The Savior of the World, the Living Water, never takes His eyes off you or me. He pursues us when we stray, and he points us back to home when we drift away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; line-height: 107%;">But whoever
drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water
that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal
life. (John 4:14)</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Turn your eyes to Jesus, friend, because He never took his eyes
off you.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-5846943928106900432018-07-03T21:42:00.001-05:002019-12-30T09:23:41.880-06:00Reluctant Hospitality: When Opening Your Home Feels Overwhelming<br />
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I have a confession to make.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Practicing hospitality scares me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of hospitality. My shelf
is full of books on the subject and I’m drawn to blogs that center around
opening your home. My heart truly craves being hospitable to both friends and
strangers, but sometimes I am self-conscious about my home and my ability to
welcome people in. It’s a beautiful concept, but one I find myself struggling
to put into practice. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEngtTBoh3konAiJqgvW17tkdWvYpmpAsp0BiPy9wsorrEvvAlDBJ4CK8AdL3m_-RT6I9XEdeBlrAjEwlWurjjVZxEnC5lgk37dJt1CWXPdxrV7VRCRRYmMhToN5O94UNzUEBnqmnC-Np/s1600/reluctant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnEngtTBoh3konAiJqgvW17tkdWvYpmpAsp0BiPy9wsorrEvvAlDBJ4CK8AdL3m_-RT6I9XEdeBlrAjEwlWurjjVZxEnC5lgk37dJt1CWXPdxrV7VRCRRYmMhToN5O94UNzUEBnqmnC-Np/s1600/reluctant.png" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About two years ago, my husband and I started building our
home on some acreage out in the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We drew a floor plan on graph paper, then took on the laborious task of
building from the ground up with our own hands. With each long day that we
swung hammers, raised walls, put down flooring, and finally rolled on paint, I dreamed
of all the people I would one day invite into this space. We would have more
room, more outdoor space, and it would be better decorated and more
welcoming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that we’re moved in, it has all those things, but it is
also full of unfinished projects like baseboards and ceilings that still need
paint, patchy grass that becomes a muddy mess with every rain, muddy floors
from dogs that track in that muddy mess, and a honey-do list a mile long. There
is always an excuse for me not to invite people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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It all comes down to fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m afraid my house is never clean enough and I worry my
guests will see all the imperfections.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
keep putting hospitality to the side until projects are done, or life isn’t too
busy, or I feel like things are finally settled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes insecurity creeps in
that has more to do with me than the state of my house. Truth is, I’m not the
best at making new friends and social gatherings sometimes make me feel awkward
and lonely. These same insecurities arise when I think about inviting others to
my home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if it’s not the home
they’re judging, but me?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do I get past this fear, especially when hospitality
is a common theme running through scripture?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Years ago, I heard a speaker talk about loving others. He
spoke of his desire to be a “there you are” person instead of a “here I am”
person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A “there you are” person puts
the focus on others. It’s a beautiful description of loving our neighbor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is other-focused, instead of self-focused.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is Paul telling us, “Let no one seek his own good, but
the good of his neighbor” (1 Corinthians 10:24). It is Jesus ministering
to the masses, and to the individual. It is scripture reminding us that loving
others is part of the greatest commandment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being hospitable means putting others ahead of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’m focused on the guest and his or her
needs, the wall of insecurity and fear I built around myself crumbles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What does real, honest, open hospitality look like? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is
inviting people over for a pancake breakfast on a Saturday morning even though
there are dishes on the counter from last night. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a backyard bonfire, while your two
elderly dogs and one skinny, yellow cat snuggle up to your guests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s taco Tuesday, minus the crunchy taco
shells you forgot to grab at the store. Sometimes hospitality looks like
picking up a few pizzas and bringing them to a friend’s house, so she doesn’t
have to pack up all her kids and haul them across town during nap time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being hospitable is not extravagant and it’s certainly not
about putting myself or my home on display. True hospitality puts the focus on
the people who walk through my front door. When I make loving my guests a
priority instead of feeling stressed or self-conscious about the state of my
home, I create an atmosphere of comfort and fellowship. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hospitality isn’t about me. Instead, it’s about seeking what
is good for those God calls me to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is being a “there you are” person. I invite people in because I am imperfect, and
they are imperfect, but together we can create beautiful fellowship and beautifully imperfect friendships.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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If you let people in your life, soon they won't be just knocking on your door; they'll be knocking on your heart.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And you'll welcome them in with open arms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-66052943281131444682018-06-08T05:14:00.001-05:002018-06-08T05:14:24.511-05:00Life and Death are in the Power of the Tongue. Are you Speaking Life?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, someone I really admire gave me some
encouragement. It wasn’t prompted by
anything I said or did; it was just given to me freely, without anything
expected in return. And you know what? It was nice to hear.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spend the majority of my day focused on others: my high
school students, my husband, and my kids.
I pour out and don’t really stop to expect anything in return because
it’s my job to tend to the needs of others. Encouragement doesn’t come often,
but when it does it’s like taking a bite of chocolate cake. I don’t really crave it, but when I take a
bite, it’s like I should have been eating it all along. Loving, kind, encouraging words just feel
good. Maybe you can relate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Words have power. They can build someone up or they can do
major damage. Scripture is full of encouragement to use loving words, but also
warnings to keep watch over our tongue because it is the most difficult member of the
body to control. Sometimes the words just fall out of our mouths and before we
know it, we’ve wounded someone we love. James
3:5-6 tells us the tongue is a fire. “How great a forest is set ablaze by such
a small fire!” How do we keep more control over this dangerous weapon? How do we use the power of words for good and
not evil?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hiding His word in our heart by memorizing scripture is a
wonderful way to keep our words loving and positive. Luke 6:45 tells us out of the abundance of
our heart, our mouths speak. Speaking truth to ourselves, especially in times
of stress or hurt, can help to keep us from setting fires with our tongues.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Speak Praise<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>My mouth is filled
with your praise, and with your glory all the day. (Psalm 71:8)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I forget how big God really is. It’s easy to think of God as a loving, gentle
Father, because He is. But we also need to remember this is the same God who
created all things, who is yesterday, today, and forever, who is holy, is good,
owns the cattle on a thousand hills, who made the lame to walk and the blind to
see, and sits on the throne. Psalm 147:5 reminds us, “Great is our Lord, and
abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we acknowledge His attributes, it puts our own lives in
perspective. He is so much bigger and holy than we can fathom yet loved us
first and sent Christ to die for us.
Speaking words of praise exalts Him and reminds us to love Him,
which in turn helps us to love others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Give Thanks<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Oh give thanks to the
Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples. (Psalm 105:1)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over and over we are encouraged to give thanks. There is no
one more deserving of our thankfulness than the One who gave us life and every
good thing. If our mouth is full of thanksgiving it is harder to speak unkind
words and when we remember that God’s grace
has covered our sin, it is easier to show grace to others.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Speak Life<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The soothing tongue is
a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout our day, we have so many opportunities to build
up by speaking truth and life into another. Take some time today to speak
loving words to your spouse, your child, your friend, or a stranger. A small gesture can make a significant impact.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Speak Peace<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>A soft answer turns
away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When something annoys us, or conflict arises, our first
response can be to lash out. You know as
much as I do that no good thing ever happens as a result of hurtful words. One of our roles as a Christian is to be a
peacemaker. Notice I didn’t say
peacekeeper. A peacekeeper avoids conflict, but a peacemaker will resolve a
conflict using truth, respect, and kindness. A soft word can diffuse a tense
situation so we must use self-control and gentleness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><b>Love God and Love Others</b></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of loving God and loving our neighbor includes watching
the words we speak. We must give our praise
to the only One worthy of that praise, we should have hearts of gratitude that
express thankfulness to Him who is exceedingly good, and we must be careful
that our words build others up and not be used for destruction. It is not an easy task to control our tongue,
but having a mind and heart full of scripture plus a desire to seek His face
everyday can help to ensure that our words are “like a honeycomb, sweetness to
the soul and health to the body” (Proverbs 16:24).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How can you speak life into someone today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-44573865919860827752018-06-02T11:57:00.001-05:002018-07-09T06:19:30.232-05:00I Love Living in a Small Town (and Why You Might Also)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a teenager, I had big dreams for life in the big
city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My plan was to be a journalist and
eventually an editor of a magazine for women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was going to be married to my job and enjoy all the things that city
life had to offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My, how things change. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On this lovely morning, I am on my porch drinking coffee,
watching the cows graze across the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a far cry from big city living, but I couldn’t be happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who knew living in a small town would be
right for me? Who knew this once big-city-loving girl, really had a small-town
heart? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Certainly not me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
his plan all along that I would merge my life into this community and I am
thankful for this every day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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It is a privilege to live in a small town and if you live in
one also, I’m sure you’ll agree. There are aspects of a smaller community that
cannot be matched in larger cities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
town may be small, but the living is large. Not large in scale, but large in
the benefits to those who get to live here: slower living, the beauty of nature
not blemished by city life, and the comfort of a close-knit community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Small and Local<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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When we first thought of making this town our home, I admit
I wasn’t a huge fan of moving here. We do brave things for love, and for the
promise of a Super Walmart being built in town. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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After being here for 15 years, I’ll keep the love, but I’d
trade the Walmart in a second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Small towns provide unique opportunities for local business
to thrive and events and attractions to become ingrained in the community
culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past few years, we’ve
seen a revival in our downtown area mixing new boutiques and a lovely coffee
shop with an established pottery shop and tried-and-true restaurant. Our
library gives our kids plenty of opportunities to love reading and our bigger community
park borders the river that runs through our town. Although our old movie theater
is nothing but a lit marquee, it’s a pretty cool backdrop for local festivals
and bluegrass bands. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Farther out from downtown, we enjoy legendary shaved ice, an
ice cream shop, a local bakery, and every weekend night in the warmer months,
the drive-in is open with current movies. If you love the outdoors, you may
love our county’s waterfalls, caves, hiking, and camping spots that both
residents and visitors can enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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Our town really is a gem.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Community<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have small town charm and plenty to do on a weekend, but
my favorite part of living here is the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was young, I attended multiple elementary schools and
even spent half a year in Canada. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
family didn’t put down roots until I was about 10 years old, and I was happy to
blend in to my city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it our
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But there is something to be said for being a long-term
resident of a small town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have friends
who have lived here their whole lives and have maintained solid friendships
since Kindergarten. My own kids have been here since birth and we plan on being
here forever, Lord willing. What a sweet thing it is to make memories and friendships
for life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Don’t get me wrong, being a part of this community has taken
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Making friends has its challenges wherever
you live and unkind people permeate every town, but there’s certainly a lot to
be said for the closeness of a smaller community. My husband has roots here; it’s
what pulled us to this town. Many of the opportunities I have experienced are a
result of relationships he built prior to meeting me, but now our family
benefits from the relationships we’ve cultivated together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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God is so gracious in giving me a job at the local high
school which puts me face-to-face with many of our families and lets me see the
needs in our community. I have built solid friendships with fellow educators
and have watched our community rally around those with sickness and those who
have experienced loss. I have school spirit (sorry Hilltoppers, I’m a Warrior
now) and enjoy hating on the town up the road when football and basketball
season rolls around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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He has also allowed us to put roots down in a local congregation
where we get to worship and fellowship with people that have come to be dear friends.
These friends, no matter if they are life-long residents or new transplants,
love both our town and its people. This love doesn’t spread outside the walls
of our church unless we are actively loving each other from the inside. We are Believers
in community loving our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I Love My Small Town<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fifteen years ago, I had no idea how blessed I would be
living in a small town, but God knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
knew the Naaktgeborens needed to be here and that we would want to give as much
to our community as we would receive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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This town is as much a part of us as we are of it and there
is nowhere else I would rather be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-70075699263977067422018-04-28T18:53:00.000-05:002018-06-06T06:25:43.988-05:00Teach Us to Number Our Days<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I found <a href="http://www.hardnaaklife.com/2017/02/sweet-memories.html" target="_blank">Amy’s</a> obituary. As I unfolded the black and white clipping,
her smiling face looked up at me from the page.
My eight-year-old daughter leaned over to see and
asked, “Isn’t that the lady that was at your wedding? The one who helped you
get ready? I remember her picture from
your wedding book.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Reading the small clipping, I did the math and realized it’s
been almost 14 years since Amy passed away. She was 38. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a week, I’ll be 38.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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There are a handful of parallels between her life and mine and
the truth is, she had a substantial influence on me as a foundational branch in my
spiritual family tree. As a prodigal coming home to my Father, she gave me guidance and love. For that, I'll forever be grateful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is hectic, so I don’t think about her as much now
as I used to, but there are parts of her woven into the very fabric of who I
am. She came into my life at just the
right time and left so suddenly that I never really had a chance to tell her how
influential and important she was in my development as a young woman and a young
Christian. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Yet you do not know
what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears
for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most sobering aspect of life is how it is but a
vapor. We are here one day and gone the
next. Every day we live, every breath we
breathe, is a gift from our sovereign God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may only have today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I may only have this moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“So teach us to number
our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have the opportunity to live our days with intention, to squeeze
the goodness out of every moment, and to love the people He places around us and sometimes right in front of us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Enjoy His big and little
gifts.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Get up early to see the sky painted in various shades of orange
and pink as it awakens to the sun. Watch a bird make a nest and listen to her
sing. Walk barefoot in the grass. Sit back and watch the clouds float by. Run in the rain. Eat a crispy apple. Smell a spring flower.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s creation was made to be enjoyed. And as you partake, remember to be thankful to
the Giver of all good things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures." Psalm 104:24 (Read the rest of Psalm 104. You won't regret it.)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We were made to love.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every day we have the chance to make an impact on someone’s
life. All we have to do is ask the Lord
to open our eyes and prick our hearts.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s so easy to float through a busy life without making
contact with those around us. I can go
through my day just checking off my to-do list without looking up to see where
God might want to use me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many times
have we missed a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus? How many times have we ignored the prompting
of the Holy Spirit to stop and take notice? How often do we make ourselves the
priority instead of being a vessel to pour out His love?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or a sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." James 2:14-17</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Seek Him first.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most important aspect of living an intentional life is
time spent with the Lord. It is the foundation to living a life that matters. The older I get, the more God teaches me about
what it means to walk with Him. I know I cannot truly enjoy the people He
brings into my life and all that He has provided, without enjoying Him
first. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>O God, you are my God;
earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a
dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,
beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than
life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live, in your name
I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:1-4<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I enter another year of life, Lord willing, He will keep
teaching me to seek Him first, love those around me, and find the beauty in
ordinary things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Only the Lord knows the number of our days, so we should make
each one count. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-18276518269442586752018-01-02T09:14:00.003-06:002019-12-30T09:24:26.161-06:00See the Good; Be the Good: Why We're Adopting a Family Motto This Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo26yvQf6688NwFFOWlKHGRymHbNKrp-afn4VvVc2HqErccRi94YZRV9srWKi04XaHqkLRVDJKVhdy6aGjSTFWt7FDl8H_rQa_NledlJcPQs79O5nvX23Emfw4-XWYx20rzF-LRjYGpz7/s1600/see+the+good+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo26yvQf6688NwFFOWlKHGRymHbNKrp-afn4VvVc2HqErccRi94YZRV9srWKi04XaHqkLRVDJKVhdy6aGjSTFWt7FDl8H_rQa_NledlJcPQs79O5nvX23Emfw4-XWYx20rzF-LRjYGpz7/s1600/see+the+good+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love the promise of a new year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as Christmas ends, my mind starts anticipating the
freshness that comes with starting on day one of the new 365. When the calendar rolls over, I’m ready to
make the leap into new adventures and, Lord willing, improvements
to my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year, more than in years past, I’m looking forward to a blank
slate and new perspective. It is not unusual for someone to make resolutions in
anticipation of starting over, but I'm taking the idea of
change and motivation a step further and bringing my family along with me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re adopting a family motto.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past year was full of change for the Naaktgeborens. We finished building our house and finally
moved in at the end of summer. For the first time, both my kids were in school
which meant more streamlined mornings. I
had the opportunity to write more, but was also bogged down by work woes. It truly
was a year of highs and lows and, as a result, I found myself turning more
inward.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time for a change.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This year and beyond, my family will focus on loving God and
loving people. As we pursue God, our hope is He will use us to see the good and be
the good in our own family, in our friendships, in our church family, and in
our community. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So, what does this look
like?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">See the Good</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
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Sometimes it’s difficult to see the good, especially when a
situation seems like anything but. It’s easy to get bogged down by trying
situations, but much easier to endure when your heart is close to God. Saturating your life with scripture and prayer
gives you the ability to see the good in tough people and tough
situations.</div>
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We walk through life
sometimes with a black cloud of pessimism and defeat raining all over us, but
it’s important to remember what Jesus tells us in John 16:33:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>I have said these
things to you that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have
tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Jesus has already overcome the world; why do we walk around
in our day-to-day lives like He hasn’t? As Christians we know we have eternity
waiting for us, an eternity worshipping our perfect, loving, sovereign God.<o:p></o:p></div>
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God has overcome the world.
That gives us the freedom to see the good, the silver lining, in every situation
because God works everything for good. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It also allows us to see the good in the people we encounter
every day. We are quick to judge a person
by a particular situation, but one thing I’ve learned in my thirty-seven years
is that there is more going on than meets the eye. Every person is carrying his or her own burdens. We
shouldn’t be so quick to throw stones while we have planks protruding from our
own eyes. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Part of loving others as God loves us is to maintain
friendships and relationships despite all the imperfections.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Be the Good</span></b></div>
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Loving others also gives us the opportunity to be the hands
and feet of Jesus. We can live lives
where our fruit can impact others. Lives where we are doers of the word and not just
hearers (James 1:22). <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want my family to bear good fruit and, in doing so, learn
to look outside themselves. By creating
opportunities for good, as a family we can make a small impact in the lives of
others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There are two ways to “be the good.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Doing good in private or secret is desirable.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>But when you give to
the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing so that
your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward
you. Matthew 6:3-4<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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2. If doing good in secret is unavoidable, then ALWAYS give God
the glory and the credit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16</i></div>
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Here are some ways to be the good in someone’s life:</div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Write anonymous “just because you’re great”
cards</span></li>
<li>Gift cards in small amounts (coffee, fast food,
etc.)</li>
<li>Baked goods to bless others (my husband makes
delicious homemade bread)</li>
<li>Hand-written notes or text messages to let
someone know you’re thinking about them</li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cards for nursing home residents</span></li>
<li>Family projects like raising money for or
serving with various charities</li>
<li>Find random acts of kindness ideas on Pinterest
and let your kids pick</li>
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Remember that putting God first in your family will lead to
less selfishness and more selflessness.
My hope is that adopting this family motto and putting it into action will make seeing the good and being the good second nature in the lives of my
family members. And I hope they will
pass along this tradition and legacy to their own children.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>You’re Invited</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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See the good; be the good will be our family motto, but our
hope is that you will join us in the pursuit of loving God and loving others. Visit <a href="http://www.hardnaaklife.com/p/just-because-youre-awesome.html" target="_blank">this page</a> to download some simplistic
designs to print or use as your desktop wallpaper to serve as a reminder in
your everyday life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Will you join us in seeing the good and being the good in
your own families and communities? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-72653564587269579002017-10-19T11:43:00.001-05:002018-06-06T06:25:24.086-05:00When Parenting is Tough, Try These 4 Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5ggn_rui3toQmh2aJFQUHGvCti_n0JefAYeKm09fcklXEn6qbQRB5xboxVVHqwA7mkKOal8jHYpc1lxOL4_gXdSl96MW085doC7vGMJ59nWfNpf44XCEAsRsVBv31-I9mHwk99KPI_qq/s1600/when+parenting+is+tough+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5ggn_rui3toQmh2aJFQUHGvCti_n0JefAYeKm09fcklXEn6qbQRB5xboxVVHqwA7mkKOal8jHYpc1lxOL4_gXdSl96MW085doC7vGMJ59nWfNpf44XCEAsRsVBv31-I9mHwk99KPI_qq/s320/when+parenting+is+tough+%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Parenting is not for the faint of heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But, you know that don’t you. Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this post
right now. You read the title and
thought, “Heck yes, parenting is tough!” So, let me say this to you right now.
Solidarity, sister (or brother)! We both
know parenting is the best job in the world, but it’s also a butt-kicker. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As awesome as it is to be a parent, it’s also the hardest
thing I’ve ever done. </div>
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It’s funny to say
this has been a difficult week, because who am I kidding, it’s all been various
stages of difficult. When my kids were
infants, I wondered if I would ever sleep again. (Side note to new moms -
although elusive now, sleep does return…eventually.) Then came the toddler and
preschool years, where my kids were funny, sweet, darlings who probably thought
their names were “No” and “Stop that.” Now we are at the age where both kids
are growing into their unique personalities.
They’re hilarious, mean, smart, gentle, hostile, joyful, tearful, soft,
loud and a million other things in between.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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If you’re having a tough day, week, or year, here are some
things that might help:<o:p></o:p></div>
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1. <b>Pray and then pray some more.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Prayer shouldn’t be a when-all-else-fails life
preserver. Prayer should be our go-to
everyday, regardless of the attitude of ourselves and our children. Here’s the thing. We shouldn’t be living in
survival mode when it comes to parenting.
Instead we should be training our hearts and minds, and working on our
relationship with our Savior. When we come to God in prayer each day we work on
our relationship with Him. We surrender
our time to Him. We allow Him to work in
us. Our devotion to God and time with
Him allows us to abide in Him, bear good fruit, and really live out the fruits
of the Spirit. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. (John 15:4)</i><br />
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I need you to know that I am far from perfect in this
area. My time studying the Word and reading books far
outweighs the time I spend with Him in prayer. And you know what? It really
shows. If I spend time with Him, I am
more patient and better able to handle what is thrown at me that day. But if I neglect that area of my relationship
with Him, I get suffocated by the cares of life. Prayer is key to me being a more effective,
more loving mom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2)</i><br />
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2. <b>Be Present</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you know I’m the meanest mom ever? It’s true, just ask
my daughter. But guess what? I’m only
the meanest mom ever because I care about parenting my kids. Being present means being around and
available to praise them, but it also means allowing my kids to receive the
consequences of poor choices. Being present means listening to them and
spending quality time with them. It means
letting them tell me stories, letting them hold my hand, letting them snuggle
up in my lap. It also means talking them through sad days and letting them vent
when angry. And disciplining them when
needed to help them grow up to be better, more well-rounded adults. My kids
would choose time with me over their favorite thing any day because, at the end
of the day, all they really want is to be loved and feel like they matter. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Let all you do be done in love. (I Corinthians 16:14)</i><br />
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3. <b>Say Yes</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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You know what word I say too much? No. Most of the time it’s warranted:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>No, you cannot raise
tadpoles in the living room. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>No, you cannot wear
your Halloween costume to school. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>No, you can’t eat
suckers for breakfast.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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No is a popular word around here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Truthfully, there are many times I say no out of laziness. If I’m in
the middle of an enjoyable book, I don’t want to supervise an activity that involves
paint, glue, or glitter. Sometimes, I don’t want to stop in the middle of
loading the dishwasher to look at the eleventh block tower my son has built
that day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Whether it’s in the middle of being lazy or doing work, what
does it hurt to take five minutes to say yes? Sometimes it only takes 30
seconds. Sure, you had to stop what you
were doing, but it’s totally worth it to create memories, see the look of pride
spread over your child at your admiration of his or her creation, or just be
part of a small, but special moment.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. <b>Remember their Uniqueness </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Each of my kids has their own special personality. I remind myself of this often.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I
find myself getting frustrated if they’re not conforming to who I think they should
be. It is my job to teach, love, guide, and
discipline, but it's not my job to choose who they are as people. Being a
parent is a very important job because you walk the line between raising them
to be kind, well-functioning members of society and controlling them so much
they turn into little robots (or worse…Pharisees. Yikes!). It’s a precarious
balance that only God can guide (refer back to #1). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Let’s face it, not all our child’s personality traits are
perfect. That’s why we need to wisely
guide them to use their powers for good.
Think about the Incredible Hulk (yes, I’m referencing superheroes). Whenever Bruce Banner got angry he would lose
it and Hulk out, but he ended up using his powers for good and became an Avenger. You too can harness the unique personality
traits of your children and help them use those traits for good. Bossy kids will
grow up to be disliked, or even feared, but a bossy kid with the right guidance
can be an effective leader. Parents can
help a sensitive child who gets easily upset learn to use that sensitivity to
love others with empathy. Think about
your own child. How can you help them
think differently about the unique way they were made?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)</i></div>
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Parenting is tough, but remember you were given your child,
or children, for a reason. You have the
awesome responsibility to love them, lead them, be present, and show them what
it means to follow Christ. You can do this!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-41634811869595739272017-10-16T08:34:00.000-05:002017-10-16T08:34:01.632-05:00Autumn is a Season Perfect for Hospitality: Gather Your Friends and Family<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s just something about autumn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I can try to describe it with words like crisp, colorful,
and cozy, but really fall is something that must be experienced to remember why
it’s so special. The smell in the air is
different. The trees light up in blazing colors of red and orange. The wind becomes fiercer and brings with it a
coldness that sends shivers through bodies wrapped in flannels and scarves.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The season begs for bonfires, hot soup and warm bread,
snuggling under cozy blankets, and gathering with family and friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gathering. That’s my favorite
part of autumn. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I was in college, I started
meeting with a small group for the first time in the fall. This group was led
by an incredible woman named <a href="http://hardnaaklife.blogspot.com/2017/02/sweet-memories.html" target="_blank">Amy</a> who brought us in for bible studies, hosted
seasonal parties and wedding showers, and would gather us around her kitchen
table for tea and conversation. Her home
was always open to us. Every fall I
remember my time in my college small group, both for the sense of belonging
created there, and because autumn is always a reminder of Amy’s unexpected
passing. Her death left a desire in me
to open my home to love others like she loved me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, my family moved into our
new home. When we bought our land and
built our house, our goal was to create a space where our family could thrive,
but our hope was also to make it a place where people would want to gather. A
place where they would want to sit outside on cool evenings watching a fire
dance. A home where they would feel comfortable pulling a chair up to the table. A porch where they would sit for hours.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Based on what I just told you,
you could assume I’m great at this whole hospitality thing. Really, I’m good at
a lot of things, but hospitality is not one of my strengths. I don’t cook
because my family likes to eat meals that taste good. My house is never spotless; there’s always a
pile of papers on the island, clothes on the laundry room floor, or dishes in
the sink. Currently, there’s a path of
muddy dog prints from the back door, through the kitchen, to my master bedroom
that have been there for three days now. No lie.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the past, this kept me from
opening my home to others. I so desperately wanted, like Amy, to create an open
home, but it was embarrassing to think people would enter my house and see all
the ways I fell short. I kept walls up and doors closed, figuratively and
literally. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But not now. God has been using His Word to stir up a
desire to swing my doors and my heart wide open. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Throughout the New Testament we
read stories of people gathering in homes and around tables. The early church
made a point to function as a close community, to create a place of
belonging. Isn’t that what all
Christians are called to? The greatest
commandment tells us to love God and love people. And what better way to love people and live
out our faith than to open our home and our lives to others. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXuUb6PeDSKlE7M1knlG-WeyslI0VFDiH1o-1G2bi8FbEQp3DqtNpBSoLU2Zz810R4EsA4dLbDQOAI6VOEWtOCvMAXPaBi2gACMbbkfBZ94Qa1HTkaSWGuW3Q4EXPKWTwB-bFv06UV7rD/s1600/They+broke+bread+in+their+homes+and+ate+together+with+glad+and+sincere+hearts%252C.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXuUb6PeDSKlE7M1knlG-WeyslI0VFDiH1o-1G2bi8FbEQp3DqtNpBSoLU2Zz810R4EsA4dLbDQOAI6VOEWtOCvMAXPaBi2gACMbbkfBZ94Qa1HTkaSWGuW3Q4EXPKWTwB-bFv06UV7rD/s320/They+broke+bread+in+their+homes+and+ate+together+with+glad+and+sincere+hearts%252C.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
People don’t come into our lives
because we have it all together. Truth
is, not one person walking this earth has it all together. It’s about time we
take off our masks and start being genuine.
Embrace your imperfections because that’s what creates comfort and comradery. Imperfect people seek out other imperfect
people to do life together. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is busy and fast and hectic,
but we only get one life to live. In this one imperfect life, we have the
opportunity to leave a legacy of love.
As James 1: 22 (ESV) reminds us, we get to “be doers of the word and not
hearers only.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the leaves change and the air
turns crisp, may we have the courage to overlook our imperfect lives and bust
our doors wide open. And may God remind us this is a beautiful season to gather
and create belonging. <o:p></o:p></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-34993752398452615482017-10-07T20:35:00.001-05:002017-10-07T20:35:38.028-05:00The Enemy is Prowling: Three Ways to Keep from Being Devoured<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Why did you even come? They already have their friend group. There's no room for you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You have nothing of
value to say, and even if you did, you would just sound stupid.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>See? They’re not interested in talking to you.
They’re not interested in you at all.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Insecurity is a vicious feeling that festers in the mind and
heart. It will eat you alive. It builds walls between us and keeps
friendships from moving forward. It causes
relationships to sit idle and dead like stagnant water.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the past month, I dealt with deafening thoughts of
insecurity that threatened to immobilize me. I felt burdened at work, home, and
church.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, God’s truth is stronger than the enemy’s attacks
and I realized something was not right. I stepped out in faith and you know what I
found? I was not alone. Other women in my
life were transparent about their own struggles. All of us felt that sting of insecurity and
realized it wasn’t a coincidence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s the thing. The
enemy will do everything in his power to keep us separated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: white;">“Be sober-minded; </span>be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring
lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8</i></b><b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be on guard, friends. The devil is prowling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s no coincidence two of my sweet friends quoted 1
Peter 5:8 to me this past week. I also
know it’s not an accident they both described the hunting patterns of
lions to illustrate the same point. Lions don’t attack a whole herd. Instead,
they look for the stragglers; the ones separated from their group. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Isn’t that
so fitting? It makes perfect sense the
devil would want to keep us separated from our community. Of course he would want to make us feel like
we don’t have a place. We’re much easier
to devour.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, friends, how do we combat those feelings of insecurity that
make us want to shy away from companionship and community? Relationships are the key. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. <b>Pursue an active
prayer life.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spending quality time with someone is the best way to get to
know them. The same is true in our
relationship with our Creator. When we dedicate time in our day to be alone
with God, both in talking to Him and listening, our relationship with Him
strengthens. James 4:8 says if you draw near to God, He will draw near to you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. <b>Keep active in a
community of believers.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The enemy wants you lonely and alone. He wants to convince you that you don’t
matter, that you have nothing to offer, and that no one wants you. His goal is to break you away from your
support system. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t let him! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you feel like building a wall around
yourself, that’s a great indicator to build a bridge instead. Reach out to those around you and keep
showing up. Be honest about your struggles because there's always another woman feeling the same way. I promise, it’s worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. <b>Fill your life
with truth.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you want to have a better understanding of God’s
character, look no further than the Word.
It is filled with truth we can preach to ourselves when the enemy starts
prowling. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other night in church, small coincidences had me
doubting friendships and my place in my church family. The devil was hurling negative thoughts at me
like small grenades of insecurity. I was battling the enemy's lies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days before, my friend Suzanne reminded me that as
Christians the devil can’t possess us, but he can sure oppress us. In church
that night I was weighed down with that oppression. It was suffocating. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then the light broke through. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My God tells me I don’t need to find my worth
in the way people feel about me, or who my friends are. My worth is found in Him alone. He’s the one who sustains me. He brings me
peace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The devil started the battle, but God’s truth bomb won the war.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And just like that, the burden fell off my shoulders and I no
longer felt shackled by insecurity. God
is my deliverer and my firm foundation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A final thought…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you’re not currently struggling
with the enemy’s attacks, can you do me a favor? Find the person who is standing at the edge
of your community with one foot out the door and reach out to her. Be
transparent with your own struggles and use that opportunity to speak truth
into her life. Ask to pray with her and for her. Show her, that despite what the
devil is whispering in her ear, she is still loved. Learn to recognize the struggle
in others and reach into the darkness. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>“Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In doing so, we build up our community and build a hedge
against the enemy looking to devour us one by one.<o:p></o:p></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-23088291884922736252017-07-13T14:55:00.003-05:002017-07-13T18:12:17.847-05:00How Devoted Are You?<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer break never lives up to my expectations. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I guess I should rephrase that. Summer is great, but I get so caught up in
summer break I forget all my well-laid plans.
Every April, I start dreaming about all the awesome, organized, restful,
adventurous things I hope to accomplish and then about mid-July, I start feeling
summer slipping through my fingers. I’ll
be back at school in a few short weeks, with months to endure before the next
summer break. It’s a vicious cycle,
really. I plan big, but enjoy being lazy...I
mean restful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3LTcIi4x_tVbDCmcFSovDjhauRZLKy66W_Fp0d97s2w9Gk5AP1xpmCCc5STWWe0jysPN_TUs-42QE42niMp3D8O9tRBoR0y-eE0EcrvItmWhtMkm5c_S_iOdPijSQJ1vMf8D6W2_GZnm/s1600/How.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3LTcIi4x_tVbDCmcFSovDjhauRZLKy66W_Fp0d97s2w9Gk5AP1xpmCCc5STWWe0jysPN_TUs-42QE42niMp3D8O9tRBoR0y-eE0EcrvItmWhtMkm5c_S_iOdPijSQJ1vMf8D6W2_GZnm/s320/How.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most important plans forgotten is the planned
morning devotion, reading, studying, praying time. When I dream about summer, I just <i>know</i> I’ll get up with the sun, before my
kids wake, and spend some peaceful time in the Word. Just me, my bible, my journal, and my trusty pen.
Oh, and coffee. Like one sweet pictorial
representation of devotional perfection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Break hits and real-life hits and nothing is as I dreamed. Totally my fault, though. When I don’t <i>have</i> to wake up at 5:30 am to get ready for work, suddenly I’m regressing
to sophomore year of college and staying up way too late. But 37 feels a lot different than 20. For
real. Late nights equal sleeping in
until my morning-loving children bust out of their bedrooms. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Too late for my idyllic, kid-free devotional time. Sigh.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I settle, and I use that word strongly, for squeezing in
time with God during my unorganized days.
I read a couple of verses here and there, a chapter or two in a book, a
quick devotional, or a blog post. Rarely
do I sit and really digest what I’m reading. Instead I’m content to do the bare minimum just to say I did it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lately this has been weighing heavily on me as I’ve noticed
I’m not as patient and not as kind as I should be, especially to those closest
to me. James 4:8 tells us that if we
draw near to God, he will draw near to us. The truth is, I haven’t been doing
my part and as I hurry through my scripture reading and prayer time, I’m not
being fully devoted to God. During the
school year, God is a priority, but in the summer He sometimes becomes an
afterthought as I focus too much on myself, my fun, my rest, and my needs. Me, me, me.
I hate that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRN4QpzglZp9RY7tM2CmYei20kJJ4ahEbPvkJbBfoN8i00hZWBOuOgnSb5Ua08i1TSQF2EykHJpQ8dw_KBrJcKyiBA4-yHe8ekDN3u9FUcnyZc6zaS8Q9V1lW0N6sSBb_x1DcRuNnYda-/s1600/Draw+near+to+God+and+He+will+draw+near+to+you..png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQRN4QpzglZp9RY7tM2CmYei20kJJ4ahEbPvkJbBfoN8i00hZWBOuOgnSb5Ua08i1TSQF2EykHJpQ8dw_KBrJcKyiBA4-yHe8ekDN3u9FUcnyZc6zaS8Q9V1lW0N6sSBb_x1DcRuNnYda-/s320/Draw+near+to+God+and+He+will+draw+near+to+you..png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When my identity is no longer intertwined with Christ, I am a shadow of who I should be.</b> I make
myself an idol. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the first chapter of <i>The Fruitful Life</i>, by Jerry Bridges,
he hits the reader hard with some truth.
He writes that, “devotion to God is the only acceptable motive for
actions that are pleasing to God.” It
begs the question, am I self-centered or am I God-centered? What motivates my
actions. It causes some pretty intense
soul searching. He goes on to write:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i>So
often we try to develop Christian character and conduct without taking the time
to develop God-centered devotion. We try
to please God without taking the time to walk with Him and develop a relationship
with Him. This is impossible to do.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ouch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This summer I haven’t been devoted. Instead, I’ve been going
through the motions and checking off lists.
I’ve been too lazy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Conviction is painful, but also awesome. It’s God seeking me out to bring me back to
Him and I plan on doing just that. The Lord tells us when we seek Him, we will
find Him, when we look for him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is how
I’ll seek Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Make Him a
priority.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I may be great about giving God my monetary tithe, but am I
good with freely giving him my time? Am I careful to devote time to him to both
talk and listen? Making Him a priority means putting my self and my time to the side in order to focus on Him. But really, everything is His anyway so I'm just giving it back. From that perspective it is less burdensome to spend time with Him. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Quiet time in the
Word, without distractions.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being devoted to God comes from a relationship with
Him. Relationships grow when we spend
one-on-one time with someone and the same is true with our relationship with
God. I will make an effort to get up early, before the kids, and focus on Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thinking and
praying about what I study.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While devotion comes from a relationship with God, relationship
comes from prayer and scripture study. How
do I know Him better if I don’t take time to really study Him and spend time
with Him? For me, I try to highlight and journal as much as possible so I can pinpoint what stands out for me that particular day. It's also a point of reference when I pray and listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of this will be without giving on my part, but isn't that the point? Emptying myself in order to be filled by Him is the ultimate goal. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>What about you? Has God been convicting you about your time with him? Do you desire devotion?</i></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-24948756550666253842017-07-10T14:43:00.000-05:002017-07-18T20:59:17.879-05:00Almost Minimalist: How I am adopting a simpler lifestyle in 5 small steps – Part One<div class="MsoNormal">
If you saw my house right now, you would think I had no knowledge of the concept of minimalism. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in the process of packing up one house to move to
another and we look like a bunch of hoarders.
I’ve already taken thirty-ish boxes made up of linens, out of season
clothing, toys and craft items, books, and random closet stuff to the basement
of the other house. It still looks like I’ve not moved a thing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seriously. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pile of boxes in my living room and the almost
empty bookshelves are the only indicators of a relocation.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3cGCmr0fqCRpbDF90mudDfPc_IrzM-o3IOg-owwWwE95CEzDk_8AC6yi0-mKu3Uv2IpfLgtKL6_wvhaE_8E-IrpQDpgCBOjAMur_ToFEtIyS04h6SMsu6rQYyiknNdy09hVNwrVa6E5Z/s1600/20170718_083157.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3cGCmr0fqCRpbDF90mudDfPc_IrzM-o3IOg-owwWwE95CEzDk_8AC6yi0-mKu3Uv2IpfLgtKL6_wvhaE_8E-IrpQDpgCBOjAMur_ToFEtIyS04h6SMsu6rQYyiknNdy09hVNwrVa6E5Z/s320/20170718_083157.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This is real life, people.</span></i></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite the mess that is my life right now, I am very
interested in the concept of minimalism.
I desire empty tabletops and counters, minimal furniture and décor,
capsule wardrobes, and a modest house that is not consumed by stuff. I’ve made slight
changes in my life to push me closer to this lifestyle, but as this preparation
to move has shown me, I am nowhere close to where I want to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know what I want minimalism to look like in my life and I
have a plan to get there. It will take
time, planning, getting my husband and family on board, and some
self-motivation. It’s not going to be
the easiest of tasks because it takes dedication, but I have an action plan
that I believe will work for my family.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKwjzyF_GcxQ9Nb6yqB6TNV53tdW5Kuob_mIUK2HpKs_VGg6LEVOKpCuI2gSxe_B5SiYXvXwpxM9OglRs8Mnn6A_Db7UFWcffbweEGD5ZD1f5ODHMbZ4X4ODN706EtF8-VI5wfz346dsT/s1600/almost+minmalist+pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKwjzyF_GcxQ9Nb6yqB6TNV53tdW5Kuob_mIUK2HpKs_VGg6LEVOKpCuI2gSxe_B5SiYXvXwpxM9OglRs8Mnn6A_Db7UFWcffbweEGD5ZD1f5ODHMbZ4X4ODN706EtF8-VI5wfz346dsT/s320/almost+minmalist+pinterest.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">1. Delete
Clutter<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The Idea<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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For a while now, while prepping for our move, we’ve been
living in chaos. I’m not even exaggerating.
Boxes, piles of random items, and all horizontal spaces filled with stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. Stuff I don’t even really care about, but I
feel frozen when I look at it. Where do I even start?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Minimalism encourages us to clear out the clutter. If we remove the clutter from our houses, it
will help us live in a cleaner, clearer, more restful home.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Our Solution<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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We’ve been filling bags with things to both toss and
donate. I’m not going to lie though,
there have been times where I’ve just cleared out a closet and tossed
everything in a box without even sorting.
I know I’ve made work for myself later, but I also know half the stuff
sitting in boxes right now won’t make the cut.
They’ll be sorted out to live life in someone else’s home or, in some
cases, the garbage dump.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">2. Small
Scale Living<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i>The Idea<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Tiny house shows fascinate me. For a few years now, I have been enamored
with the idea of getting rid of 95% of my stuff and moving into a small home,
possibly on wheels, and living a streamlined, paired-down life. Living like this seemed so freeing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Until I went on a recent vacation with my family, that is.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Our Solution<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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There is nothing like one bedroom, kids on the pullout
couch, one bathroom (aka one toilet) living to bring you back to reality. Now don’t get me wrong, I could totally live
like this. In fact, scores of people around the world would <i>love</i> to live like this. But at this
point in my life, it's just not feasible. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For the Naaktgeboren family, it is important to create a
space where people feel comfortable and welcome. Although we are moving into a larger home, from
approximately 1300 square feet into 1500 square feet, it is still modest
compared to other homes in our town, and certainly other homes in America. So, while we need the room to spread out, we
chose not to build a large home so we can maintain a level of coziness for our
family and friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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While we could certainly survive in a smaller home, we
welcomed the opportunity to build a modest home suited to our needs. Not too big, not too small, but just right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">3. Streamlined
Wardrobe<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i>The Idea<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Walking into a closet that has minimal, but purposeful
clothing is a goal I have for myself and family. I find myself drawn to Pinterest posts that
show capsule wardrobes based on season or style. I love the idea of less laundry to fold and
put away, and fewer clothing items laying in the floor of my kids’ closets and
rooms. Less clothing also means the
ability to get rid of dressers in my bedroom, possibly creating a nice reading
nook. A better use of space, for sure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Our Solution<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Slowly, I have been removing out of style and out of size
clothing from closets and dressers around my home. We dropped off bags at the
local thrift store and I sent things to an online website to
be consigned (www.thredup.com). Updating my wardrobe has
been easy, especially since I shop second hand from online
retailers. My goal is to create a small
wardrobe for work and play that uses the same color scheme (black) and can utilize
the same few pairs of shoes for these outfits. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">4. A Calm
and Cozy Space<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i>The Idea<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Sometimes people hear minimalism and assume stark,
white rooms with a single chair and no comfort to be found. Our house is a home that’s meant to be used by
the two kids, the two dogs, the cat who loves to snuggle, parents who like to veg out on the
couch and watch Netflix, and visitors who will come to enjoy a warm meal and
warm companionship.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Our Solution<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Minimalism and comfort can certainly coexist. This involves rooms that are not full of
furniture, counters and surfaces that are clear of clutter, décor items that have meaning, and an overall less-is-more approach. While
we will not have clutter, we will have items that create a cozy atmosphere. There will be nice smelling soy candles to
create atmosphere, a basket of blankets next to the couch, and rocking chairs
for porch sitting. Our home will be a place
of peace and comfort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">5. Simplify
Life<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i>The Idea<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Simple living is a concept I admire because, in a world of
stress and noise, it allows a slower, quieter pace. When I think of simple living, I think of gardening,
making homemade meals, playing slow, soft music (I love the Laid Back Beach
Music Radio station on Pandora), reading a good book, taking an evening walk,
and just adopting a slower, more intentional life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Our Solution<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Moving from a subdivision to 10 acres in the country has
been a great motivator to slow down. We’re encouraged by a piece of property
that will allow for some livestock and chickens, a garden and orchard, a pond
with fish, and woods for exploring. It
practically begs for its owners to adopt a simpler way of living. We have also built a house conducive to rest
and relaxation with plenty of room for outdoor living.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Our hope is to use these minimalist concepts and apply them
to our new life at Naak Acres. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Have you thought about
adopting a minimalist lifestyle in some form or fashion? What steps have you taken to move in this
direction?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmyTZbQLXTf3yhcCD78EKqKRByrkZVlnW-Jk3OPdlW23kehIjZuPKgHi8G299bK2Exa8GArqs1PSO4BZ6DTIp_MhSzRO6R02-IE4xlcNIpGyC-_et-nvm5jRHmq1Rf0Uu2hpCC1zRL6kr/s1600/ALMOST+MINIMALIST.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmyTZbQLXTf3yhcCD78EKqKRByrkZVlnW-Jk3OPdlW23kehIjZuPKgHi8G299bK2Exa8GArqs1PSO4BZ6DTIp_MhSzRO6R02-IE4xlcNIpGyC-_et-nvm5jRHmq1Rf0Uu2hpCC1zRL6kr/s320/ALMOST+MINIMALIST.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-7897598419578017472017-07-05T14:59:00.001-05:002017-10-19T20:43:02.886-05:00Loving My Neighbor: Help Me to See with an Eternal PerspectiveMy sight is something I have never taken
for granted.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a teenager, I had one eye with perfect vision and one that was terrible.
The good eye got me through writing papers, looking at chalkboards full
of notes and equations, and allowed me to only wear glasses when I was behind
the wheel of my car. Over the years, my
vision got progressively worse and without corrective lenses, I was like the
blind guy written about in the eighth chapter of Mark who told Jesus that he
could see people, but they looked like trees walking around.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to two years ago when my
vision began to weaken even further. I
couldn’t see anything without corrective lenses and it wasn’t much better with
my glasses or contacts. In my job where
I looked at computer screens, paperwork, and faces all day, seeing clearly was
important. I was often plagued by headaches, had a tough time with eye contact,
and struggled emotionally with this decline in sight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Kh2Cju-f4oKOUOt858VtZghQCT28LqUvLtYyWKZAM8Znrf7NmV74_gZRCYJ8uT4WIw8gXNYTgs226kXse9cCdVNr_y8Ur2N0P73O_eMvCWjDnKYcrRNaR0LWip3ydK85o7b7dVUw-x_/s1600/Loving+My+Neighbor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28Kh2Cju-f4oKOUOt858VtZghQCT28LqUvLtYyWKZAM8Znrf7NmV74_gZRCYJ8uT4WIw8gXNYTgs226kXse9cCdVNr_y8Ur2N0P73O_eMvCWjDnKYcrRNaR0LWip3ydK85o7b7dVUw-x_/s320/Loving+My+Neighbor.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God is so good to send us the right people
at the right time and for me that was my new optometrist. She gently
told me my eyesight had deteriorated due to a cataract in my left eye. It was very rare, she said, to see one in a person
my age (at that time 36) and she would send me to the eye surgeon ASAP. I cried, partly out of relief and partly out
of disappointment. Even with the surgery, my sight would never be perfect. My
doctor cried with me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Post-surgery, my vision is better than
pre-cataract, but is still a struggle. If I have corrective lenses in both
eyes, I can see distances well, but struggle to read. If I remove the corrective lens from my left
eye, I can read perfectly, but cannot see far away or safely drive. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My vision will never be without problems.
As I sit here writing, I am trying to adjust to another new prescription in my
left eye. My sweet eye doctor has made
it her mission to help me adjust to my new sight, especially after another
laser treatment to the cataract that grew back over my artificial lens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The one thing I know is that nothing is
perfect in this life. We have sickness, sadness,
and grief, all of which exist in a fallen world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve learned through this journey that what
is seen here in this life is not as important as what is seen through eternal
eyes. Everything I fix my eyes upon here
on earth will fade, so I should give attention to what is
not seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Recently our pastor taught out of Hebrews 11:13-16 and the focus was on our future home. The writer
reminds us this world is not our home because, if we are Christians, then our
home is with our Heavenly Father for eternity.
This world will pass away, so it is best to put our focus on eternal
things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_lhA0AeqxGb7NJ7v2D8U9Po7Ti0YS46dqSL9eZR8zTE6lPGx1pU-AHVaz4NgzRTVEDjD72y8oS0vHDniDDqsDRRGtKJQnH7bNQA3bCsbE6oXdTw9tUiJz23W_9RjxKd6QY3ccSSaVHVL/s1600/2+Cor+4+18.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_lhA0AeqxGb7NJ7v2D8U9Po7Ti0YS46dqSL9eZR8zTE6lPGx1pU-AHVaz4NgzRTVEDjD72y8oS0vHDniDDqsDRRGtKJQnH7bNQA3bCsbE6oXdTw9tUiJz23W_9RjxKd6QY3ccSSaVHVL/s320/2+Cor+4+18.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My sight here is faulty and sub-par, but it
is just temporary. What I should be
focusing on is the sight that impacts eternity.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My prayer is for an eternal perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Help me to see the marginalized in my community and world who need
someone to meet both their spiritual and physical needs.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible is very clear about taking
care of those in need and going to the ends of the earth to share the good news
of Christ’s love and sacrifice for us.
The book of Isaiah is thick with encouragement to defend the oppressed,
seek justice, take up the cause of the widow and orphan, and do good. God’s word compels us to see those in need and let God use us and the resources
he’s given us to provide. Matthew 28:19-20 instructs us specifically to “go and
make disciples” and various New Testament passages encourage evangelism. Shannon
Martin, in her book <i>Falling Free</i>, puts these concepts together and reminds the
reader that God sent His son to the earth to take the position of a humble
servant. She states if He left his elevated position for a lowly one, it “should
send us running breathless into every busted-up city, every barred-up shack,
every cave, every cell, every pain-drenched street corner we can find in order
to bring the good news¹."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b>Help me to see those in need of a friend.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Working in the public school system, I
am very aware there is something lacking in our culture. Unfortunately, this doesn’t just plague our
children; it is prevalent in our adults as well. The more technological we get
and the busier we are, the more we build invisible walls between us. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just look around. You’ll see it in the people you encounter
every day. Maybe you’ll even see it in
yourself. As connected as we are with
the press of a button on our computer or smart phone, it is a shallow, weak
connection. It's like using dental floss to tow a broken-down vehicle. This false sense of connection can lead to loneliness
and isolation, and a lack of real friendship.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is, we were all created for
community. From the very beginning, God
didn’t think it was good for man to be alone.
God’s word gives us encouragement toward friendship, fellowship,
relationship, and family. This starts with being more aware of the those around
us and being willing to pursue those people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Help me to see those who need mercy, not judgement.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Have you ever been the target of someone's judgmental attitude? It's a terrible feeling to receive judgement from another when really what you need is comfort. If I mess up, I want someone to speak the truth in love, but certainly not forget that love is part of the equation. In dealing with our neighbor (friend, family, or acquaintance), it is important to always remember the plank in our own eye before passing judgment on the speck that ails our neighbor’s eye.<br />
<br />
Whenever anyone asks me for a book
recommendation, I always tell them to read <i>Interrupted </i>by Jen Hatmaker. It is full of wisdom and many, many quotable
passages, but one part I always remember tackles the topic of being judgmental.
Hatmaker writes, “We are only qualified to administer mercy, not judgement,
because we will pull up many a beautiful stalk of wheat, imagining him a weed².”
It is not our job to stand in judgment of those around us because no one is too low or too sinful for the grace of God, including you and me. Our responsibility is to show love and mercy.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Help me to see, REALLY see, the people I’m with every day. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whenever anyone famous dies, an
outpouring of admiration floods the internet.
I read articles listing all the ways a person was appreciated or labeled
as good for the all the endearing qualities they possessed, and I wonder if
their loved ones and admirers ever shared their thoughts with the person while
they were living. It seems like a waste and a shame only to build someone up
after death. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We can speak life into our family and
friends. We have the opportunity to see
the good in them and make sure they know what qualities make them admirable.
What’s the harm in saying kind words and pouring out encouragement? If I see my child being helpful to her sibling, I should say so. If I know one of my dear friends is a
great listener, I should point out what an awesome gift this is. If I admire the confidence in one friend, or
the humbleness in another, they should know I see these traits and hold them in high regard. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
We’re blessed to be with our family and friends so frequently it’s easy to take them for granted. My hope is to care for those
around me, let them know how loved they are, encourage them, and point out all the wonderful traits and qualities that make them unique. We should spend more time
building people up and see them the way God does...with eyes that see from an eternal perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">¹<b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 107%;">
</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; line-height: 107%;">Martin, S. (2016). </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Falling Free: Rescued from the
Life I Always Wanted</i>. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">² Hatmaker, J. (2014). <i>Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks your Comfortable Christianity</i>. Carol
Stream, IL: NavPress.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-50633431495900702862017-06-28T16:39:00.002-05:002017-06-28T16:52:01.710-05:00Women Mentoring Women: Building a Spiritual Legacy<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s use that one.” The sweet, older woman pointed at my five-year-old son’s
right hand.<br />
<br />
He's a lefty so he often reaches
out to shake hands during our church's Sunday morning greeting time with his dominant
hand. After giving us all "good morning" hellos accompanied by a handshake, she stopped to
greet him, taking care to subtly emphasize the use of the correct hand. Leaning over, she grabbed his hand
and looked him straight in the eye. “Squeeze tight. Little boys should have
a nice, firm handshake.” She smiled and walked on to the next person.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love the wisdom and confidence that comes with age. Who’s not going to take advice from a
spunky, wise personality wrapped in the body of a grandma? Sign me up for all the sage
advice you can give me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know some people are opposed to the idea of growing older. They do all they can to avoid it, but it’s
inevitable. For the record, I am not
opposed to aging. Once my gray hairs
started their mission to make me salt and pepper (the hair color, not the
nineties rap group), I embraced them.
Yes, it’s not as easy to sit in the floor and play with kids and I
always make a weird groaning sound as I hoist myself up from sitting criss-cross
applesauce. But really, the benefits do outweigh the creaks, aches, grays, and
wrinkles of getting older. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the fun things about getting older is that I don’t
care nearly as much what people think of me.
You should see what I wear to Walmart…I fit right in. Age has also allowed me to be more patient
and empathetic than in my younger years because I have had more time to mess up
and be forgiven. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the best benefit is something I have looked forward to
for a long while. I get to be the older
woman written about in Titus 2 and man, do I love it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi611eEe3WO3SHwFkZBENympT6iSTCB_3gS8Wopo52fLwrRdjmo5vlE4Nw6Pop0i-rGHrbruZQdabiGl8-mZSoHp0NSe0sQCJT9wbYPxChBQQeq1ygB0j3UaSbkKQLMJMlYP7JjGbDTzkMf/s1600/Women+Mentoring+Women.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi611eEe3WO3SHwFkZBENympT6iSTCB_3gS8Wopo52fLwrRdjmo5vlE4Nw6Pop0i-rGHrbruZQdabiGl8-mZSoHp0NSe0sQCJT9wbYPxChBQQeq1ygB0j3UaSbkKQLMJMlYP7JjGbDTzkMf/s320/Women+Mentoring+Women.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Titus 2:3-5 is used as an example for Christian women who wish
to mentor and be mentored. The ESV version says:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="text"><b><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></sup></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><sup><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 107%;">“</span></sup></i></b></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">Likewise, teach the older women to be
reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">or addicted to much wine,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">but to teach what is good.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"><span id="en-NIV-29913" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then they can urge the younger women</span></span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">to love their husbands and children,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"><span id="en-NIV-29914" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">to be self-controlled</span></span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">and pure, to be busy at home,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands,</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;"> </span></i></span><span class="text"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "calibri light" , sans-serif;">so that no one will malign the word of God.</span>”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a lot of info packed into these three verses. Basically, older women should live in such a
way that they are an example for younger women. <b>They should impart wisdom
about attitude, character, life, and family.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As someone who was one of these younger women being taught by word
and example, I have a huge respect for spiritual mentoring. Once I became a Christian, I was a new creation,
but it was comforting to have an older woman to be a living illustration of someone with a solid walk with
Christ. It was also helpful
and sobering to have someone to speak the truth in love when I would fall short. (<a href="http://hardnaaklife.blogspot.com/2017/02/sweet-memories.html" target="_blank">Sweet memories with Amy</a>)<span id="goog_159189477"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_159189478"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week I happened to stumble upon an email from Amy dated thirteen
years ago. In it she talked about a few
of us leaving and how she missed our group. We were ready to face the world –
getting married, going to grad school, moving to new towns, and starting new lives.
We were sure to take her wisdom along on our new adventures. She also talked about meeting with a new
group of ladies and commented about how “young” they were. Just as we were once young and in need of
guidance.<br />
<br />
She appreciated her role as a spiritual mentor and wanted to continue
pouring into others.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I have the opportunity, as the older woman, to be that example
and speak that truth. What a blessing it is to spend time with younger women
and be a small part of their life. <b>Being in this position means a lot of
listening and asking questions, transparency, a lot of praying, and it means
being available. </b><o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is awesome knowing I get to be a part of something bigger than
myself. A spiritual legacy where Amy
poured into my life and I, in turn, get to pour into the lives of others. It didn’t start with Amy and it won’t end
with my college ladies. <b>It’s a blessing
that keeps flowing. A legacy rooted in Titus 2, but lived out in women across
time and distance. <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<br /></div>
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So, what does spiritual mentoring look like?<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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It can take many forms.
Some churches match older and younger women, where the older women have the
responsibility to guide and mentor. Sometimes women decide to seek out these
relationships on their own, looking for someone in need of mentoring or for
someone to be a mentor. In both cases, this could look like one-on-one meetings
in homes or restaurants where conversations happen over food or coffee, or over
the phone when time permits. It could also take the form of small groups of women learning and guiding together.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever the venue, the ladies’ ages, or the length of time
involved, prayer should guide these relationships and commitment is key. It’s a tangible way to love your neighbor as
yourself and live out the guidelines provided in Titus 2.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do you have
a spiritual mentor? Are you a spiritual mentor?
What about your church? Do they
have a program for older and younger women?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-74461665518560393642017-06-21T07:40:00.002-05:002017-06-21T09:05:25.413-05:00Extending Forgiveness When People Let You Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It’s interesting how people come and go in our lives. Sometimes we lose people because of physical distance; sometimes we lose them because of emotional distance. Lives change, jobs change, and neighborhoods change, which can all lead to changes in who we spend time with and who we choose to
befriend. Occasionally we lose people because they have wounded us with hurtful
words or actions that are like painful daggers.
Or maybe we’re the ones doing the wounding.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRA_340I_CSFZmAokWWC0JRBGeu-jsZIlxh3O-si4wZ-3QPnRaoQfMdbTh7gsYYEs81AwQ6K-BQd_S0KaUTXiBKtRLFmenceSzi9hUrqc0x7r5i2Z_TOEhhhOf6uIkbP9wKAnU5tibYmS/s1600/Forgiveness+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhRA_340I_CSFZmAokWWC0JRBGeu-jsZIlxh3O-si4wZ-3QPnRaoQfMdbTh7gsYYEs81AwQ6K-BQd_S0KaUTXiBKtRLFmenceSzi9hUrqc0x7r5i2Z_TOEhhhOf6uIkbP9wKAnU5tibYmS/s320/Forgiveness+%25281%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few years ago, I left a budding friendship because of hurtful
words spoken in anger. The side of me that understood human emotions and
motivation knew the anger was coming from a place of hurt and anxiety, neither
of which was caused by me. I was just
the unfortunate recipient of those words. As I left that evening I cried out of
hurt and embarrassment and I lost confidence in that friendship.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a long time after, my stomach would knot up when I
thought about that encounter. That
experience festered in me and I couldn’t even think about that person without
feeling strong emotions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But you know what?
God is good. He is a God of forgiveness
and asks this of us as well. Colossians
3:13 tells us to forgive if we have a grievance toward someone and to forgive as
Christ forgave. Ephesians 4:32 echoes that notion by telling us to forgive
each other as Christ did for us. Matthew 6:14-15 tells us that if we forgive
others, then our Father in heaven will forgive us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In my thirty-seven years, there have only been a handful of
times that I have felt deeply wounded by another person. I would say I’m pretty good at letting things
go and most of the time it’s easy for me to see the best in someone despite
their shortcomings. By the grace of God, He keeps bitterness from festering. I know for some it is difficult to forgive,
especially when words damage and attitudes are foul. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth about forgiveness is that it not only paints a
picture of mercy and grace poured out for another, but as the one doing the forgiving
it frees us from bitterness and anger. In
some relationships, the person needing forgiveness may not know or care, but it’s
still important to forgive. <b>It’s healthy to forgive someone in our own heart to
not be burdened by a past offence.</b> Forgiveness is good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the places most susceptible to conflict is within our
closest relationships. Loving our friends
and family is not an easy task because with them we are most vulnerable. What happens when they let us down? Again, it’s easy to hold on to grudges and
allow bitterness to take root, but it’s also important to know that people,
including you and me, are imperfect. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although God created community and friendship and love, we
cannot put our faith in imperfect people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
No person can complete you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not your friends, not your kids, not your spouse. No human being is capable of providing all
you need to make you whole. No person
walking this earth, or sitting next to you on the couch, or holding your hand
can ever fully close your wounds or make you feel complete.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only God can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Only God can bring peace and perfect love. <b>Only God can fully satisfy our longing for
relationship.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we put others in a position to do only what God can, then
we are destined for disappointment. Other
people will let us down. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every. Single. Time. It’s
inevitable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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To me, that’s why forgiveness is so important. <b>If God can forgive us as we fail Him over and
over and over, to infinity, then we must learn to be more forgiving toward those
who fail us.</b> “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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And hope they’ll forgive us as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although that friendship didn’t move forward from that upsetting
evening, I have forgiven that person because I too am in need of forgiveness. I
feel like Paul who says in 1 Timothy 1:15, “<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320;">The saying is trustworthy and
deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am the foremost.</span>” I may not have persecuted or
murdered Christians, but <b>I am a sinner guilty of words that damage, hurt, and
destroy.</b> I commit sins of the tongue
every day. If I am extended mercy and forgiveness, how much more should I extend
that same forgiveness to others? <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
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I am thankful I have a merciful God who covers a sinner like
me with overflowing grace and I pray I won’t
have spiritual amnesia when it comes to extending forgiveness to others. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<br />Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-36001564937546790222017-06-09T14:57:00.001-05:002017-10-23T20:46:30.755-05:00Overcoming Disappointment with Truth<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Frustration. Annoyance. Disappointment. Anger.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All these feelings came rushing at me the day I realized
someone was building on the property right next to mine. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK0tD5hxbeTxbiQZZXc7ap5CfGU6kr0dLe7oWCn1QW3RA2NDbwJszHtttqlu4_mzVW_u9zN0r6adk7SQRaqmhyI8ma8FpWYLtoaKIyL3rAk2lMgZgyzIYuB-l658jbigQ2LjWkJItkkdS/s1600/Overcoming+Disappointment+with.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK0tD5hxbeTxbiQZZXc7ap5CfGU6kr0dLe7oWCn1QW3RA2NDbwJszHtttqlu4_mzVW_u9zN0r6adk7SQRaqmhyI8ma8FpWYLtoaKIyL3rAk2lMgZgyzIYuB-l658jbigQ2LjWkJItkkdS/s320/Overcoming+Disappointment+with.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For years Jonathan and I had been casually looking for the
perfect piece of acreage on which to build our future, forever home. On a cool, crisp, fall morning we happened upon
a beautiful property surrounded by tall trees and blackberry bushes galore,
with a pond in the back corner of the cleared portion of land. The property stretched back deep into the
cool, shady woods where I imagined my kids creating adventures that
would stick in their memories for a lifetime.
It was perfect for us. We could
build and not see a neighbor. Trees
would bookend our house and we could sit far from the sleepy country road. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocesQs3pAeBZWP2GozCuxs1YYAm2aiMvRgstXMja7lP4arwC3JZMAkB6lXOki_pUMvbqADndSdFOclvLOfjfjPj2R97AeNNxuaX9hiM-mO2lpqVLPAY5NieXVGzkgsNLrAjIntlvhGcUB/s1600/20170408_192036.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocesQs3pAeBZWP2GozCuxs1YYAm2aiMvRgstXMja7lP4arwC3JZMAkB6lXOki_pUMvbqADndSdFOclvLOfjfjPj2R97AeNNxuaX9hiM-mO2lpqVLPAY5NieXVGzkgsNLrAjIntlvhGcUB/s320/20170408_192036.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RKiIUdcaixbHR-c8kqJ-LFFanwFdYdfMRjZpYBLMf1SrQBkM6M9aIDNEvsb1LOTNGtuqKTZBPTSOy7NtGgharMFuy32Qej9jBnSmuuFcF20vndoXHkmid96qZjw6788nZ3TJBb986IaX/s1600/20170606_200648.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RKiIUdcaixbHR-c8kqJ-LFFanwFdYdfMRjZpYBLMf1SrQBkM6M9aIDNEvsb1LOTNGtuqKTZBPTSOy7NtGgharMFuy32Qej9jBnSmuuFcF20vndoXHkmid96qZjw6788nZ3TJBb986IaX/s320/20170606_200648.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We bought the property and painstakingly drew and re-drew
our plans for the house we would build with our own hands. When it came time to dig out the side of the
hill for our future basement, we were ecstatic.
Finally! We were breaking ground
on our forever home. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few days later while visiting our freshly dug plot, I
noticed someone had cleared the trees on the acreage next to ours. At first, I thought it might have been the
electric company, then I noticed that flags had been strategically placed in
the outline of a house. A house that was
too close, in my opinion, to our property line.
A house that disturbed the sight line from the large porch I had so meticulously
planned. The house that messed up my
sunset view. The house that muddled up the
life I envisioned on that property.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cried. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jonathan asked if I still wanted to build. He told me it was not too late to sell and
find somewhere else and I’ll be honest, I thought about it. I fully entertained the idea of starting the
process all over again, but then I remembered the wonderful things about the
property and I still wanted this to be our forever home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although I tried to get over it, I still I allowed myself to become bitter. I
was disappointed with the timing, I was angry with the placement of the house, and frankly, I was just bugged by the whole situation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then God dealt with my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I took time to think about my feelings and knew I had to
deal with the negative emotions that festered in me. As I traveled down the path of confronting my
bitterness and disappointment, I realized I was angry at the situation and that my perfect ideal
had been shattered. In all this, God
reminded me of two major things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. God is sovereign
and I am not.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As much as I would like to make plans and think my way is
the best and only way, that is foolishness.
Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord
establishes his steps.” The truth of that
verse, and many others, is that God is sovereign. My God is the creator of everything (Colossians
1:16) and the giver of all good things (James 1:17, Psalm 84:11), so I can
trust him when something I perceive to be inconvenient pops up. Plus, what I consider to be inconvenient is
really God’s way of growing me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Jerry
Bridges, in his excellent book <i>Respectable
Sins </i></span><i><span style="line-height: 107%;">¹</span></i><span style="line-height: 107%;">,</span> explains that we should be thankful in ALL
circumstances, both the good and the bad, the large and the trivial. He references Romans 8:28-29 where Paul tells
us that for those who love God all things work together for good. <b>All our circumstances help shape and mold us
to be more Christ-like. This is the good of which Paul speaks, which is much
better than our notion of good things like success and
comfort.</b> As Christians, this is the good
for which we should be thankful. This is grace God gives us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Loving your
neighbor is sometimes inconvenient, but always worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment, his
answer was two-fold. Love God and love
your neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). I’ll
admit the second part is harder because your neighbor (myself included) isn’t always
lovable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When our neighbor cut down his trees, tore down the large,
antique, red barn, and bulldozed the brush, he not only opened our sight line to
his house, but down the road as well.
Trees no longer hide us from neighbors; now we can see them and they can
see us. We have lost a bit of
privacy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sitting on my porch lamenting my lack of seclusion, God
reminded me of why we chose this land and why we designed our house the way we
did. Hospitality is our goal. Opening our home to current friends and those
we would like to befriend has been a cornerstone of this project. Seclusion, isolation, and solitude are nice,
especially for this introvert, but God desires for my family to love our
neighbors. <b>That means breaking down
barriers and walls that keep others out.
It means opening doors to friendship, loving those around us without
asking anything in return, and loving the unlovable.</b> Sometimes it means embracing a lack of solitude and a too close neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ultimately, I am thankful for inconvenience. It allows me to see where God is working in
my life and in the lives of others. It reminds
me that God is sovereign, that He is good all the time, and it is not all about
me. May I never forget! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">¹Bridges, Jerry. "Unthankfulness." <i>Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We
Tolerate.</i> Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2007. N. pag. Print.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-28205362155830829822017-02-09T17:58:00.001-06:002017-10-21T20:54:59.899-05:00Welcoming Rest: Saying Yes to Slowing Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsQyK4cbsnCQ7Nc0MJe35wm5AQHRJO_GM0rRjYdFzPwubFibJBeC7ioW0lwyYdZxyyne7ZglV1gHeWfjAz4N9d1L0mnOo3__D5Uz7Z16TXZ2lrnTxMiYuTYYs9uP5Fq1iUja9Y0kTnJEW/s1600/Welcoming+Rest+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsQyK4cbsnCQ7Nc0MJe35wm5AQHRJO_GM0rRjYdFzPwubFibJBeC7ioW0lwyYdZxyyne7ZglV1gHeWfjAz4N9d1L0mnOo3__D5Uz7Z16TXZ2lrnTxMiYuTYYs9uP5Fq1iUja9Y0kTnJEW/s320/Welcoming+Rest+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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It feels as if the plague has hit my small
town. School is out today and tomorrow
leading to the weekend, allowing us a four-day buffer to kill off all these
germs that are sidelining people left and right. The Naaktgeboren family is
currently in quarantine.</div>
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Days like today are a good reminder. When life seems to be going non-stop and I forget the
importance of taking breaks, sickness swoops in or the weather sidelines
plans. <b>Sometimes we just need to slow down and let the world continue without
us </b>for a few minutes, an hour, a day, or even a long weekend. Life says hurry up, but there are a multitude
of reasons to allow yourself to rest.
Rest creates healthy minds and healthy bodies. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Genesis 2:2-3 tells us that <b>our perfect, wise God rested</b>. He created all things, found that it was
all good, and on the seventh day he rested. In Mark 6:30-31, Jesus encourages his hardworking
disciples to get away and rest. And there’s a reason why God commanded his
chosen people to observe the Sabbath. Hard
work is balanced by rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Rest is beneficial. We should welcome it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do something
easy</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Resting sometimes means giving our brains a
break from working too hard. I love to sit on the couch under a blanket and
watch a movie or read a book. It’s nice
to escape the present and dive into a different world for a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Do something
with intention</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some people like to rest by doing things
that bring them joy. I have friends who
unwind by cooking a meal, baking some bread or sweets, crocheting, writing, or
working in their garden. For me, watching
a show while I fold laundry is actually relaxing. I’m technically doing a chore, but the way I’m
doing it counts as resting. Double win.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Invite the
quiet</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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I have a people-focused job, and while I
love it, sometimes I just need to be by myself.
Reading a book or listening to one of my calmer playlists usually
helps. If it’s been a particularly trying
day I might take a very rare, but very coveted nap. This doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it is just what I need to feel refreshed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn off the
world</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago, I made the decision to
turn off the work email notifications that were constantly bombarding me from my
phone. Every time it would ding, I could
feel my stress levels rising. One of the
best choices I have made is to keep work at work and not let it interrupt my life
outside of school. Creating this
separation has made my home life more peaceful and has allowed my home to be a
better place of rest.<o:p></o:p></div>
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For some people, turning off the world
might mean taking a break from the news or social media. In recent months, the information coming from
these sources has been saturated in negativity. Negativity is stressful, not
restful. If you feel this stress, it
may be time to take a sabbatical. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></b>
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Invite
some snuggle time</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cuddling up on the couch is pretty
relaxing. I love to sit between my two kiddos
and share a bowl of popcorn while watching Netflix. Snuggling up with my husband and kids allows
me to slow down and enjoy my rest. It
makes rest time even sweeter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: 0px;">
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Repeat often</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Make rest a habit. Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed or
stressed out. Don’t wait until you are sick,
tired, or sick and tired. Set boundaries in life between work and rest and
stick to them. Really enjoy and savor
your time of rest and relaxation and hopefully you will find yourself healthier
and happier. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Welcome rest in your life.
It doesn’t matter what form it takes for you, as long as you make it a
priority. </div>
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Step away from busy and choose
rest.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>What are you doing to be restful?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-75014423172495626972017-02-07T10:47:00.000-06:002017-07-18T07:49:32.401-05:00Sweet Memories: Reflections on Life and Legacy<div class="MsoNormal">
I love coffee. No
wait, I adore coffee. Is there a
stronger word than adore? If there is, then that is how I feel about
coffee. Sometimes though, especially
when I am fighting sickness, I’ll switch it up a bit and put a kettle on the
stove for tea. This morning was made for
tea.<br />
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The smell of this brewing dark drink touches my senses and
triggers sweet memories. I love that God
wired us to have scent memory. Smells can transport us to another time and
place and allow us to feel connected to people, places, and events. This blend,
with its sweet, spicy aroma and a hint of citrus, always takes me back. Maybe
that’s why this tea has a home in my cabinet. <b>It makes sure those memories
always have a home in my heart. </b><o:p></o:p><br />
<b><br /></b>
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Saturday mornings we would gather at Amy’s house and squeeze
around the table in her breakfast nook. I still drink my tea the way I did back
then. Honey with a splash of cream. We would sip our hot drinks while savoring
warm cinnamon rolls from the oven. Each of us would share our hearts over open bibles, pens and journals, and a Beth Moore study. All of us young, all of us college-aged, being
mentored and loved on by an older, sophisticated, Godly woman. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I loved this time together, but the beautiful thing about
this friendship was that it extended beyond Saturday mornings. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Amy knew I was a broke, college kid working to pay my own
bills while also juggling school and ministry. As I prepared for my trip to Young
Life camp in Colorado, she made an unexpected visit to my apartment. When she left, I discovered cash on my
dresser, her way of making sure I could afford to eat and maybe buy a t-shirt
in the camp store. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ephesians 2:10 is forever imprinted in my mind and in my
life. While serving others, she encouraged us to remember that <i>we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in
them.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
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As a young bride, clueless about my own wedding day, Amy helped me navigate wedding planning and even volunteered to coordinate the day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Other memories involve trips to Walmart for matching hats,
scarves, and gloves, traveling to a Bebo Norman concert held in a little coffee
shop in Knoxville, and dinner parties at her house. I share some of these
memories with the other ladies in my group, and I know they all have individual
memories special to them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Beyond all these things is the fact that Amy cared about
us. <b>Really cared.</b> She loved us in our high moments and she
loved us through bad decisions and choices.
God knew how much I needed her at that point in my life. God knew I needed someone to guide me through
my mistakes and challenges. <b>God knew I needed someone to be honest with me
about my sin, but to also pray me through it. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Not long after I moved with Jonathan to Sparta, I received a
phone call from our friend Chad. Amy had
suddenly passed away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I have always trusted that God is good. I have always trusted
that God is sovereign. But, death still
stings.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I prayed and struggled with what to do. How do you honor
someone who has made such an impact on you? How do you celebrate their
life? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>For me it has been to live my life in a way that passes on
her legacy. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to keep leading bible study with college-aged, young
women. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want my new home to be a place of openness, comfort, and hospitality
where everyone feels welcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to live in such a way that others see Christ through
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As I take my last sip of tea, I realize that Amy has crossed
my mind a lot lately. <b>A reminder of love and a reminder of legacy. </b>A reminder
to be His workmanship and walk in good works, just as she did.<o:p></o:p></div>
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-48408218269301689752017-01-30T14:50:00.000-06:002017-10-21T20:37:16.514-05:00Loving Others: Friendship God's Way<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For the record, I do not think I’m
better than you. You and I may have interacted and my quiet demeanor may have
given you the impression I think I am better or cooler than you. Let me assure you that is in no way true. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Truth is, I think you are great. Really. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
problem is, depending on the situation, I’m sometimes awkward.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">You and
I meet in the hallway or parking lot and suddenly I have nothing fun or clever
to say, so I don’t say anything.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">See? Awkward</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">You are a potential friend and I don’t want
to say or do anything to make you think I’m a weirdo, but the act of trying not
to be a weirdo sometimes backfires.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAB7w3-zF0bNqp4zEo9jUYgnXzmVMEZO2rDYFZqGAEeShGQk0QPj-odXCm815xyK9X1av-hArtkWtnX4vWgf8AarTFn5oechBcIABL_m16Oo4fz1zQhThgPLF_MFv75F5Tgn9NdLGbhyphenhypheni/s1600/Loving+Others+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAB7w3-zF0bNqp4zEo9jUYgnXzmVMEZO2rDYFZqGAEeShGQk0QPj-odXCm815xyK9X1av-hArtkWtnX4vWgf8AarTFn5oechBcIABL_m16Oo4fz1zQhThgPLF_MFv75F5Tgn9NdLGbhyphenhypheni/s320/Loving+Others+2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I didn't always have this problem. As a teenager and college student I was outgoing and enjoyed the people around me, especially those who needed a little
more love. After college, I moved with
my husband to his small hometown and <b>suddenly
making friends was hard</b>. I dropped my
fishing line into this new pond and got very few bites. With every missed opportunity, it got more
difficult to engage people and I found myself becoming a homebody. The outgoing person I once was faded into a
couch, coffee, book-loving introvert and I resigned myself to the fact that I
was a different person. I allowed this
small town to shrink me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before you start to feel sorry
for me, know that I am a happy person. I
have a solid marriage and get better at this mom thing every day. I have some amazing friendships and a tough, but
rewarding job. I have the privilege of getting
to lead a small group of college ladies in the Word every week, something I
absolutely love. Every morning I thank
God for the long list of blessings he has so graciously given me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In light of this you may wonder, if things are so great, why
is making friends a big deal?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For the past five years, <b>God has been wrecking me one verse, one
book, one sermon at a time</b>. He keeps
pointing me toward Isaiah 53, the book of James, and Matthew 25. He wants me to
<b>love Him and love people, all people, no
exceptions</b>. And this is not just a
word specific for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It turns out our church is heading in the same direction. Not content to be church as usual, it is moving
toward a focus on loving each other as members of the Church and working together
to love others. This involves discipleship, sharing the gospel, and using our
gifts for good, not burying our talent like the servant in Matthew 25.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is time to fully commit to my
church. If I am focused on loving God and
loving people, I need to do a better job of opening myself up to friendship. Here are ways to push through the awkwardness
and insecurity to become an active member in the Body of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">1. Focus on the other person.</span></b><br />
<b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I think about what I am
saying or how I am behaving it puts the focus on me and doesn’t allow me to
fully enjoy the person standing in front of me.
At a Young Life leader retreat in college, our speaker gave us some
advice I have never forgotten. When I walk into a room or encounter a group of
people, I should no longer be a <i>here I am</i>
person. Instead, I should be a <b><i>there you are</i></b> person. Focusing on others allows us to see them more
clearly, appreciate them as one made in God’s image, and show them love.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the most important things
they teach you in a counseling education program is active listening. We were taught to ask questions and use
reflective listening. Basically, ask a
question, listen intently, summarize what the person is saying, and keep asking
questions. This helps a person feel
comfortable with you and puts the focus on them. If I’m asking a person questions, I’m not
just talking about myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">2. <b>Show kindness</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Recently I read an enjoyable book
called <i>Listen, Love, Repeat:
Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World</i> by Karen Ehman. In it she writes about listening for <b>heart drops</b>. People often mention things they love and enjoy,
like a certain band or particular type of food, and she writes it down in a
notebook she always has with her. Later
she surprises that person with a gift that represents their heart drop. That’s
a pretty neat way to show kindness to someone.
Other ways include inviting someone over for dinner, paying someone a compliment, bringing them a cup
of coffee, or calling/texting them to ask about their day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">3. <b>Be worth knowing</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is a great quote that says,
<b><i>seek
to be worth knowing, rather than to be well known</i></b>. If you want to make friends, be trustworthy and
of good character. When someone allows
themselves to open up, don’t share that information with others. Be trustworthy. One of the most important aspects of my job
is allowing students to share secrets, concerns, and frustrations in confidence
so I can build rapport and strengthen relationships. The same can be applied to all
friendships. Don’t turn information from
a conversation with a friend into a piece of gossip to share later. Be trustworthy
and be someone who is worth knowing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Apply It.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before I share the gospel with
the lost, I need to genuinely learn to love God and love others. 1 John 3:18 tells me I should </span><b><i><span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">not love in word or talk but in deed and in
truth</span></i></b><span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.</span> It
is my actions that are important. I shouldn’t just say I love people, I should
put those words into action. <span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>That is why friendships within the Body of Christ,
the Church, are so important. </b> </span><br />
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">People are
watching. They are watching how we treat
the world, but they are also watching how we treat each other. If we love God, we should love our neighbor
as ourselves. This is the man in the
homeless shelter and that lady at work, but this is also the couple sitting
next to us in Sunday School. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s time for
me to push through the awkwardness and move toward genuine friendship. It’s time to overcome shyness and start being
confident as a member of the Body of Christ.
It is time to work with my fellow Christians and <b>go fulfill the great commission</b>. </span><br />
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Are you with me?</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-84864015716377306562008-08-07T11:21:00.003-05:002017-02-09T11:53:49.182-06:00MY MOM IS FASTER THAN YOUR MOM - PART 2Well, it's official. My mom will be running in the Senior Olympics Nationals next summer. She'll be heading to California to kick some age 50 and up butt. Earl posted a comment on mom; here it is:<br />
"Here's an update about how your mom did last week in Nashville at the Tennessee Senior Olympics. This year she ran seven races and took home seven gold medals. That gives her thirteen gold medals in two years in thirteen races-- a perfect score! She also set three state senior games records for her age group and came very close to breaking her last year records in the other four races. Congratulations, Karunrun!!!"<br />
<br />
So as you can see, my mom is pretty awesome. I'm really happy for her and found out she will have articles written about her in the JC Press, the Athens Messenger (hometown Ohio paper), and a write up for her alma mater - Ohio University. Very cool!<br />
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Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6100995324225965509.post-62660501266828504952008-07-17T14:02:00.008-05:002017-02-09T11:54:17.858-06:00MY MOM IS FASTER THAN YOUR MOMMy mom was born to be an athlete. Competition was a mainstay throughout her childhood, her teen and adult years, and now, even at the age of fifty. She has always been pretty <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">impressive</span> to watch. Sports are very important to her. She plays them, watches them, and even coached for a while. She lives and breaths being active. She even ran during all four of her pregnancies, big belly and all!<br />
<br />
In high school she played as many sports as she could juggle and excelled at all of them. A few years ago she was inducted into her high school hall of fame - the only woman in her class of inductees, I might add. I was fortunate as a young woman to have a mom that could take on any man and I definitely loved to brag about it.<br />
<br />
As my three brothers and I grew older, my mom could step away from her stay-at-home mom position and focus on being an outstanding athlete again. Not that she strayed from that athlete role too much; she still ran road races almost every weekend and brought home lots of trophies. But, last year, my mom decided to lose weight (about 30 pounds) and start training hard. All that training paid off last summer when my mom broke six records and took home six gold medals at the Tennessee Senior Olympics (she's fifty, remember?).<br />
<br />
This weekend, my mom will head to Nashville again to see if she can break her previous state records and qualify for Nationals in California next summer. I have no doubt she'll be flying to Cali, because at the Senior <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Olympics</span>, my mom is a superstar.<br />
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Having an athletic mom meant that I had to rely on my friends to teach me how to wear makeup, fix my hair, and dress like a girl, but in the scheme of things, I'm thankful that I was never "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">girly</span>." I had a mom that showed me that just because I was a woman, that should never hold me back. If she could hang with the guys, and even outrun most of them, why couldn't I? It was nothing short of empowering having a mom of that athletic caliber. Even though I never had that same athletic drive and never became a star on the field, court, or track, the lessons I learned about life were far greater than any trophy.Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04823508780326258975noreply@blogger.com1