tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52464833779677802752024-02-22T07:07:26.277-05:00Saved By GraceBARBIEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02537827307867912139noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-72586441910838584332017-08-13T20:30:00.000-04:002017-08-13T20:53:58.613-04:00Seven Mile Miracle (A Book Review)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This book is amazing! It kept my attention from the beginning of the introduction page to the very last page of the book. Steven Furtick writes about the last seven statements from Jesus as He hung on the cross.</div>
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<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">1. <b>A word of forgiveness: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(Luke 23:34)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">2. <b>A word of salvation: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(Luke 23:43)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">3. <b>A word of relationship: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">Woman, here is your son.....Here is your mother</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">."<br />(John 19:26-27)<br /><br />4. <b>A word of abandonment: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(Matthew 27:46)<br /><br />5. <b>A word of distress: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">I am thirsty.</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(John 19:28)<br /><br />6. <b>A word of triumph: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">It is finished!</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(John 19:30)<br /><br />7. <b>A word of reunion: </b>"</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: red;">Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.</span><span style="background-color: #d5a6bd; color: purple;">"<br />(Luke 23:46)</span></div>
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Pastor Furtick writes in a way that gives us hope! He reminds us of how much Jesus loves us and how we should be living our lives in honor of Him! He also reminds us that "what happened on the cross cannot be undone." Jesus died for us to make a way for us to spend eternity in heaven with our Father! All we have to do is repent and receive God's forgiveness, then live our lives following the ways of Jesus!</div>
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Seven Mile Miracle is a book that I have not shelved. I plan to read this book again, and I know that I will be referencing back to it during some of my Bible Studies. </div>
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One of the key things in this book that stood out in my mind, and continues to be on my heart is this question that Pastor Furtick writes in the beginning of the book. "If you were Jesus and you were looking down at the Jewish leaders and their supporters whose schemes had put you there, as well as the soldiers who had actually carried out the criminal deed, what would you want to say? Pastor Furtick states that he won't tell us what he would say, because it's unprintable. I expect most of our responses would be really close to Pastor Furticks. But Jesus's actual words were, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." That, my friend, is deep love! That, is the love of Jesus!<br />
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This book made me realize how we all need MOG! (More of God). And the only way to get MOG, is to follow Jesus! Steven Furtick does an amazing job of explaining Jesus's Seven Last Statements from the cross. Reading this book has reminded me even more of just how much Jesus loves us! Pastor Furtick writes in ways that bring Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection alive in ways that I have never thought of before.<br />
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This book is a must read for everyone! From the brand new believer to the seasoned Christian. It is a powerful reminder that we are all followers of Jesus, and He is our only way to the Father!<br />
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I love the questions at the end of each chapter that allow you to dig deeper into your own heart, as well as journal your thoughts and feelings. This book is packed with awesome teachings and so many A-Ha moments!<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Mile-Miracle-Journey-Presence-Through-ebook/dp/B01GBAKF6Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502669503&sr=1-1&keywords=seven+mile+miracle" target="_blank">You can order your copy here!</a><br />
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I give this book 5 stars!<br />
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I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. This is my honest review and opinion.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-76901574382308981962017-05-29T17:40:00.000-04:002017-08-13T20:54:18.001-04:00UnSinkable FaithHave you ever been stuck in a pit of negative thinking and couldn't force yourself to change your thinking pattern? I have! In her new book, <a href="http://amzn.to/2k16CxB" target="_blank">Unsinkable Faith</a>, <a href="http://traciemiles.com/" target="_blank">Tracie Miles</a> gives us the reassurance that we are not alone. When life happens, and brings us the not so pleasant circumstances that are beyond our control, we can easily become consumed with negative thoughts. The more we think, the more negative our thoughts become. The enemy of our souls will play games in our minds that can lead us to anger, frustration, anxiety, and even depression. The lower we become, the more Satan enjoys our despair. But when we take all of those negative thoughts captive, and turn them over to Jesus, He will replace them with His beautiful truths.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up <br />against the knowledge of God, <br />and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)</b></span></span></div>
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Our negative thoughts, attitudes and mindsets can dictate our lives if we are not aware of something that is causing us to sink into the pit of negativity. No matter how small the issue is, it can become overwhelming when we allow it to slowly build up, and turn us into bitter, negative people. Something as small as struggling to learn a new job, and having a hard time adapting to your surroundings can bombard our life, if we aren't careful. I had this very thing happen. I was miserable at my job, struggling to learn factory work, and didn't realize how my negative attitude and my bitterness was affecting my relationship with my co-workers. One day I realized there was one person who totally could not stand to be around me, and she made it no secret. I couldn't figure out why she treated me so badly. I began praying about our relationship, and God revealed to me that I needed to take a look at my own negativity and learn how to let Him transform my way of thinking towards my job. Once I gave it to Him, this person changed her behavior towards me and became one of my closest friends. You can read more of my story in Chapter 6, Row, Row, Row Your Boat, beginning on page 121, in Unsinkable Faith.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><br />"Understanding how our minds are transformed isn't enough. Every day we need to refuse to let sinking thoughts enslave us and commit to keep rowing our boats." - Tracie Miles</b></span></div>
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There was a time in my life that I was consumed with fear, regret, shame, misery, and feelings of worthlessness. The reason for my feelings was due to the life I was living. I was living with a man who was not only a raging alcoholic, but he was physically, mentally, and emotionally abusive. I did not know Jesus back then. My life became so out of control that I was making one bad choice after another. My self-esteem was so low, and I was masking my pain with medication. I didn't want anyone to know what was happening behind closed doors. I didn't want everyone else to think I was the failure he had me convinced I was. Finally it became too much, and I knew if I didn't get out of the situation my life would never get better. I sought out counseling and shelter, and as my heart and my self-esteem began to heal, I began searching for God. Even though I had a godly counselor who was absolutely amazing, I knew that only Someone greater than she or myself could do that kind of healing in my broken and battered soul. You can read all about my story in Chapter 8 of Unsinkable Faith, Diane's Story, (the author used my middle name).<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">The water rose over my head, and I cried out, "This is the end!"<br />But I called on your name, LORD, from deep within the pit,<br />You heard me when I cried, "Listen to my pleading!<br />Hear my cry for help!" Yes, you came when I called; you told me,<br />"Do not fear." (Lamentations 3:54-57)</b></span></div>
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Tracie has such a beautiful heart for helping women who need to be drawn closer to God. In Unsinkable Faith, she tells stories of her own life, and from the lives of several other women who have been stuck in the storm of negativity, feeling like they are about to sink. Tracie points us towards scripture that shows us how to be the Captain of our own ship by clinging to God's word, and allowing Him to transform our thoughts and our feelings to His truth's. He will rescue us from the raging sea, and guide us to the beautiful shore, allowing us to live our lives filled with Unsinkable Faith!</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. <br />(2 Corinthians 3:17)</span></b></div>
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At the end of each chapter, you will find Mind Transforming Reflections, Mind Renewing Memory Verses, and a Chapter Challenge. There is also a Companion Study Guide & Journal to go along with this book that is filled with questions, and places for you to journal and sketch if you desire. The Study Guide is a great way to allow yourself to go deeper in your study.<br />
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This book would be a great book for group Bible Studies, or a study to do on your own. No matter how you choose to use it, I highly recommend this book to all! This is a book I will not put on a shelf, or in the closet, I will be referring to Unsinkable Faith often. I give Tracie Miles and Unsinkable Faith 5 Stars!<br />
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**I was given a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest, personal opinion.**<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2qcXokh" rel="nofollow noopener" style="background-color: white; color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/2qcXokh</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-40110668470890521592017-03-04T21:47:00.000-05:002017-03-04T21:47:02.615-05:00Please Help Him Lord! Dear Father,<br />
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You know that our hearts are aching and broken as I type this prayer. You know that we are feeling anger, bitterness, and resentment, at this moment, towards someone we love very much. You know that we are trying to wrap our minds around where he is in his thoughts, and in his actions. You know every thought, every feeling, and every emotion that has went through our minds today. You also know how helpless, not only we feel, but every one in the family, and even friends, who love him and care about him so very much. Lord, You know how heartbroken my mom is right now, and Father, I just pray that You would hold her close to You. Cover her in Your peace, the peace that only You can provide. Let her feel You holding her Father. Take away her anxious thoughts, replace them with Your truth, and whisper Your blessings in her ear, and let her hear Your voice.<br />
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Oh Father, in a perfect world he would just surrender and get the help he so desperately needs. But I am not sure that will ever be the case. I know You have watched over him and You have led him out of situations that there is no other explanation for. Even though he doesn't give You the time of day, You have still been there, carrying him. But how much longer will You be willing Father? How much longer will any of us be willing? How much longer do we continue to listen to his lies, and to put up with his manipulation? Lord, we need Your intervention. We need Your wisdom. We need Your strength, and Your anointing touch. We need Your presence, Dear Father!<br /><br />
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We have hope, and we know that You do heal people with the disease of addiction. We are standing on Your word, and Your promises, and we are believing with all our hearts that You can and will heal Lacy. <br /><b><br /></b><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>And call on me in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and you will honor me.<br />Psalm 50:15</b></span></span></div>
<br />Father, we know that drug addictions stem from the need to self medicate unhealed wounds. I pray that You would reveal those wounds to Lacy. Help him to search deep down and find whatever it is that is giving him the urge to continue to use. Bring him back to reality, and remind him that help is just a phone call away. Please remind him that You love him, and for that reason, he can love himself. Remind him that You love him in spite of his mistakes. Remind him that You are more concerned with his future than his past. Remind him that Your love and that our love for him is unconditional. Remind him Father, of his self respect, his dignity, and of the person he truly is. Remind him that there is nothing he can do that will keep You from loving him and forgiving him. He knows these things, and he knows Your promises, but the disease has taken him to a place that only You can restore him from. Remind him Father, of all these things, and of how his life was when he was so close to You, and that all he has to do is turn to You, because You are there, waiting.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ~ 1 Peter 5:10</b></span></span></div>
<br />Lord, I know that there is nothing any of us can do to change his ways, but I also know that through You, all things are possible, and I believe with all my heart that You will take care of him and bring him back to You, and to us, his family, who loves him so very much. Help us to hold on to Your promises and Your truth's. Help us cling to Your word as we walk through this storm, and keep us filled with the faith that we so strongly have in You. Be with him Father, and please protect him. <div>
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Thank You Father, that we can come to You with our requests, and that You are always there, ready to listen! I love You and I praise Your Holy Name! In Jesus' Name I Pray, Amen.<br /></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-63559661887461391062016-10-23T15:28:00.001-04:002016-10-23T15:28:37.332-04:00Encourage Others and Be EncouragedI became a believer 12 years ago, on October 9, 2004. When I began searching for God I was beaten down, bruised, battered, and had no clue on how to go about this whole God thing, but I knew I had to try. I was in a shelter for battered women and I had a christian counselor. She was my first dose of encouragement. I sat across from her, and I told her that I was "damaged goods." I told her that God could never love someone like me. I had done too much wrong, and I wasn't even capable of loving myself at the moment. She knelt down in front of me and she laid her hands on my knees. She told me to look her in the eye, and to not look away until she was finished talking to me. Do you know how hard that was? But I did it. I listened as she spoke the kindest, softest, most loving words to me. She told me that I was beautiful, that I was worthy, and that I was never allowed to call myself "damaged goods" again. She also told me that I had a Father in heaven who was just waiting for me to let Him love me. I haven't seen Kelly in 12 years, but I still think of her often, and I thank God for placing her in my path. I thank Kelly for placing me on the path to allowing God to turn my ashes into beauty. This lady was a daily part of my life for 6 short weeks, but she touched my life in ways that no one else ever had at that time in my life. God knew I needed her. It was all in His plan.<br />
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When I left that shelter I moved in with my brother who was a Christian, and I was so hungry for God. I had no friends who were believers, so I was leaning on my brother for guidance. I went to his church, but felt so awkward and out of place. A few weeks later, I met the man who is now my husband. My husband was a friend of my brother's and he invited me to his church. I decided to go with him, and this is still my church today. When I walked through the doors, I was immediately intimidated. This church was huge to me, and so many people! My first thought was to turn around and walk back out! But I stayed. I was approached by a couple of women who introduced themselves, and warmly welcomed me. They invited us to their Sunday school class the following week. These women continued to come beside me week after week, and each week seemed like someone new would show up to encourage me with them. I didn't know how to react to them, but I had never known the Love of Jesus, and that was what they were showing me. They were so kind, so loving, so full of happiness, so encouraging, and I wanted what they had! It didn't take long for me to let my guard down, and let them love me. It felt amazing! </div>
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It has been just over 12 years since I walked the path that led me through those doors for the first time. These people have continued to love me with the love of Jesus. These people walked with me through some of the hardest and darkest moments of my life. These people refused to let me go! These people love me still, and I love these people with all my heart! I am so grateful that I walked the path that led me through the doors of Maiden Lane Church of God, because most of all, this path led me to the foot of the cross, and to the freedom I found through accepting Jesus Christ as my Savior!<br />
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Since that time, I have gained so many amazing friends! I have been able to greet women at those doors of the church who walk in scared and lonely, just like I once did. I have been able to make a difference in the lives of some of the ladies that I have greeted at the church door, and that feeling is just so awesome! To see them come from a dark, lonely place, and grow into a beautiful daughter of God, makes my heart so happy. All it takes is some love, some encouragement, and the willingness to make a difference in someones life. I have also become friends with so many women in this online community! I am so grateful for these ladies who have welcomed me with open arms. There are times that I go to some of these ladies before I go to my own family. Even though I have never met them face to face, they are my sisters in Christ, and they have been there for me through tough times. They have loved me and encouraged me, and they have allowed me to give that same love and encouragement back to them.<br />
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In today's world, there is so much darkness, violence, and hate. We need to stick together and be the light God called us to be! We need to love and encourage women each and every chance we get. When we see the lady in line at Wal-Mart who seems so stressed out, and looks so tired, try giving her a friendly smile, or just say hi to her. When we see the girl sitting alone at the back of the church, offer to sit with her, or introduce her to someone her own age. When we see that poor little lady struggling in the parking lot with her cart and her cane, take the time to stop and offer a hand. Give her a gentle hug. You never know what small little gesture might just spark in someone's life. Take the time to notice people. Take the time to encourage, love, be a blessing, and just spread the love of Jesus!<br />
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<span class="TextRun SCX46205809" lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; font-family: "tinos" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX46205809" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="TextRun SCX158624424" lang="EN-US" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="NormalTextRun SCX158624424" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-88530798983037412282016-07-24T06:32:00.000-04:002016-07-24T06:58:36.460-04:00Come With Me Bible StudyI am thrilled to be sharing on Suzie's blog today! You can find it here! <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://wp.me/p4jbdw-3jf&source=gmail&ust=1469444223444000&usg=AFQjCNGg6NZ_QqwPP4WfMbaaTbiZILqBvw" href="http://wp.me/p4jbdw-3jf" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12.8px;" target="_blank">http://wp.me/p4jbdw-3jf</a><br />
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I am so excited to be co-leading a group of women with my partner Beth Almeida, in an amazing Bible Study called Come With Me, written by Suzie Eller.<br />
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I was privileged and honored to be a member of the launch team for Come With Me. I knew from the moment I opened this book, that I was in for something great! Suzie has such a way of making you feel like she is sitting right across from you, talking like she is your best friend. So you can imagine my excitement when Suzie announced there would be a Bible Study this Summer, and she was asking for volunteers to lead small groups on Facebook.<br />
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When I read this book, it made me realize that in order to grow closer to Jesus, I needed to be willing to answer His call, and Follow Him. I must be willing to step out in my faith, and step into His lead. I must be willing to learn how to love people who are hard to love, and to whisper Yes where No wants to take root. Wherever He leads, whatever the price, I will say Yes!<br />
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Suzie takes us on a journey through the Gospels as the 13th disciple. It was so easy for me to get lost, and to sit back, read the words in the book, read the scripture, and imagine myself just following Jesus! I had never thought of the Gospels in this perspective. But in placing yourself right there, being willing as they were, laying down their nets, walking away from their loved ones, walking away from everything, and walking into uncertainty could be hard, not to mention very scary. But when we have the One who overcame the world as our Savior leading us, I most definitely, 100%, say YES!!!!!<br />
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As Suzie says, "Imagine that your yes moves you from faith as usual to faith that changes every aspect of who you are, including how you live, the choices you make, how you think, and even how you approach life. Imagine a faith that spills out into your relationships and impacts the world, especially those within your reach." That, my friends, is the kind of faith I want, and that is the kind of faith we all can have just by saying YES! Imagine how much of an impact we could make on our own people who don't know Him, on the people in our own home towns, our States, and even on the world.<br />
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People truly are watching our lives and asking if Jesus is worth following. Let's all rally together, and show them that YES, He is worth it! Let's show them by our actions, our re-actions, our service, our love, and by applying His word in our daily lives, He is the only way! Let's show them that by following Him they can have a beautiful life filled with hope, peace, joy, love, mercy, grace, and so much more!<br />
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Friends, I promise you, this book is amazing and will truly bless you. At the end of each chapter you will find, reflection questions, "Taking It Deeper," Scripture, Prayer, and application steps for "Living As A Disciple." You will also find so many inspirational quotes by beloved christian people. One of my favorite quotes in this book is:<br />
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible. - Corrie ten Boom</span><span style="background-color: white;"> There are also so many encouraging and sweet sayings by Suzie herself. My book is filled with highlights and notes. </span><br />
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This is more than a book, this is more than a Bible Study, this is a movement! #COMEWITHME!<br />
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You can purchase your own copy of Come With Me at <a href="http://bit.ly/OrderComeWithMe" target="_blank">Amazon by clicking here:</a><br />
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You can purchase your own copy from <a href="http://bit.ly/Order2ComeWithMe" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble by clicking here:</a><br />
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You can purchase your own copy from <a href="http://bit.ly/ComeWithMe-SE" target="_blank">Suzie's website by clicking here:</a><br />
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Please join us! Jesus is calling, will you join us in this amazing 6 week study? Just say YES! </div>
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For more information and to sign up <a href="http://tsuzanneeller.com/books-2/come-with-me/" target="_blank">click here to visit Suzie's website!</a> While you're there, you can download free resources such as a free study journal, book of prayers, and the first chapter of Come With Me.</div>
Beth and I would love to have you in our group! You can request to join our Facebook group <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/288087901538379/" target="_blank">by clicking here! </a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fisherman. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." At once they left their nets and followed him. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">Matthew 4:18-20</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-1094682479988888132016-07-03T21:37:00.001-04:002016-07-03T21:37:19.070-04:00ProtectI am so glad that we have a God who loves us and protects us. I remember a time when I had no clue of His love. I didn't know Him. I didn't know that He was pursuing me, and how many times He protected me from danger. How scary is that in today's world? In this world today we hear of so much evil, so much darkness, so much hate, so much violence! It is scary, but it is how our world is today. I can't imagine living out there in the world, and not knowing God. I can't imagine not knowing that I have a place in eternity when the time comes. I can't imagine not knowing to go to God for help, comfort, peace, forgiveness, grace, love, mercy, protection, and every other need imaginable. <br />
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I am a property manager, and I have been in a couple of intimidating situations recently with some tenants who are what you might call "less than desirable." When they moved into the apartment several months ago, they passed my vetting process, they had excellent references, they had jobs, they were polite and respectful. They seemed like 2 great young men who just needed someone to give them a chance. Last month I seen the truth. They quit paying rent, and became very hateful towards me. I had to go put a 30 day notice on their door last week, and when I walked into the common area, I seen burn marks on the ceiling and all the way up the stairway. I took pictures, and I went straight to the Police and Fire Department. To make a long story short, the police obtained a search warrant for the entire apartment building, and when they arrived to question these young men they were hiding in the downstairs neighbors apartment in the shower. They both were arrested for obstructing justice, but released within a few days. Now I have to deal with them for another couple of weeks. Come to find out, one of them is being indicted on kidnapping charges. He held another man captive in the apartment and beat him up.<br />
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This is small town America friends, and I am in the midst of what I consider dangerous people. Here's the thing, I admit that once I saw the burn marks and still had to climb 2 stories of stairs to put an eviction notice on the door, I was scared! I wasn't sure what I was up against. But here's the other thing, on my way up the stairs, I asked God to protect me, and I felt immediate peace. I knew I would be safe right then. I knew that my Protector was with me. I knew that my help comes from the Lord!<br />
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Isn't it so awesome to know that we are never alone, and God is always with us? He is our protector! He is our strength! As we look to Him to pull us out of the mess we have gotten ourselves into, we find comfort, strength, grace, and a loving Father who will guide us and protect us! No! Matter! What! </div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.<br />One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27: 3-5</span></span></div>
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I am joining <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/06/30/five-minute-friday-protect/" target="_blank">Kate Motaung at Five Minute Friday</a> where we write for 5 minutes on the prompt of the week. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-36256378856018288912016-06-05T21:15:00.000-04:002016-06-05T21:15:59.693-04:00My Heart Is Healed and My Voice is Heard!I will never forget the day. I was 15 years old and had a disagreement with my dad. Disagreements with dad were unusual for me, because I was what you would call a "Daddy's Girl."<br />
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I was the typical "know it all" 15 year old girl, and for the first time in my life, for some reason, I felt like I was allowed to disrespect my dad that day. He and my mom had separated a couple of months before, and he had been living with my sister. It was the summer of 1978. I was getting ready to leave on a 2 week vacation with my friend and her parents. I went to stay with my dad the night before, and he had found out about something I had done that was not good. He asked me about it, and I didn't confirm or deny. I just rolled my eyes and told him he was being a little petty and over protective. About that time my friend and her mom came to get me and I left for vacation, not really giving what my dad and I had just talked about any more thought. If he had any more to say about it I knew he would do so when I returned home. </div>
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Vacation happened. 2 weeks of camping and fun. Back then there were no cell phones, and calling long distance and reversing the charges was expensive, so my mom said there would be no need to call unless I had an emergency. There was an emergency! It wasn't with me, it was with my dad!</div>
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The day I came home, my friend and her mom helped me bring my stuff in the house. I walked in to an empty house and found a note on the table from my grandma. The note said that my dad was in the hospital, he had brain surgery, and wasn't expected to live, and I was to go to my sister's house. I was devastated, and in shock! I went to my sister's house and she immediately took me to the hospital. On the drive to the hospital my sister tried to cautiously and lovingly prepare me for what I was about to see, but I couldn't understand a word she was saying. Her words were like tidal waves of emotion crashing around my heart! We walked in, and there he laid, with his eyes closed and a big white bandage wrapped around his head. He was in a coma. He had a brain aneurysm, and there was little hope for his survival. I walked to his bedside and he sort of opened his eyes, but they closed again immediately. Understanding suddenly wrapped itself around me like a blanket. Oh how I ached for the chance to tell him I was sorry for being disrespectful to him. I wanted to tell him how much I loved him, and for him to understand my words. I had so much to say to him, but I couldn't. Why was this happening to my dad? Why did I assume he would be there when I came home from vacation? My heart was breaking into a million pieces, and my mind was spinning out of control. I felt like I was in the middle of a terrible nightmare, and I just wanted to wake up! </div>
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My dad passed away 2 days later, on July 15, 1978. He was only 41 years old. I felt so lost, so hopeless, so guilty! You see, I didn't know the Lord then. I knew there was a God, and I thought He only listened to people who went to church. I didn't know how to pray, or anything about the Bible. The only thing I knew was that my dad was gone, and this must be my punishment for leaving for vacation and disrespecting him. I lived with believing this lie for many years. The enemy had his way with me, filling my head with negative thoughts, and endless guilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjsi3mNcP-6W-_OSNNAoKyk2mIwc0yEMhKRcyaHHVRGKt-9hLdtR7nYOYWbW4jmJM-d2qxNTaTpobGYTmSPqv9VtB80imFnT6EF1ITF1VFE4GRji-BClSpKZ0A3X8rzeaBrfS52BqnKoV/s1600/Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjsi3mNcP-6W-_OSNNAoKyk2mIwc0yEMhKRcyaHHVRGKt-9hLdtR7nYOYWbW4jmJM-d2qxNTaTpobGYTmSPqv9VtB80imFnT6EF1ITF1VFE4GRji-BClSpKZ0A3X8rzeaBrfS52BqnKoV/s320/Daddy.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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For the next 25 years I carried that guilt around. I made one bad choice after another. I got myself into a couple of abusive relationships, and I thought I deserved the abuse, and anything else bad that came my way. </div>
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I believed these lies until I came to know Jesus, and I started intense counseling sessions with a Christian counselor. I learned that God is not a God who punishes, but He is a loving God who covers us in His amazing love, mercy, and grace, He is a God who is slow to anger, and abounding in love. I learned that He is always with me, and He will give me strength. Most importantly, I learned that He loves me so much more than I can even imagine, let alone deserve.<br />
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<b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10</span></b></div>
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I learned that His promises are true, and His word never changes. I learned that He hears my prayers and will heal me. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I learned that even when I didn't know Him, He was right there with me, and he carried me when I couldn't walk on my own. He was waiting for me to seek Him out. I learned that all I have to do is call His name, and He is always right here with me. Guiding me, loving me, forgiving me, waiting for me. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Through the years since coming to know Jesus, I have learned to use my voice. To express out loud to loved ones each and every time I see them, how much I love them, and even more, how much God loves them. I have learned to never be afraid to say "I'm sorry." I have learned to use my voice, to share my testimony, to show others the hope and love we find in Jesus Christ. I am learning to use my voice whenever needed, if it means bringing one more person closer to the Lord. Without our willingness to use our voices, the world may never know! </span></div>
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Even now, almost 38 years later, I still miss my dad dearly, but I hold no guilt, I listen to no lies from the enemy! I listen to the Voice of Jesus, and that is the Voice I want to share with the world! </div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-voice/" target="_blank">Karen Beth at Finding the Grace Within/Tuesday at Ten</a><br />
The prompt this week is VOICE!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-57126254827161332512016-05-22T20:25:00.000-04:002016-07-09T20:28:59.746-04:00Salt and Light Sunday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; line-height: 20.16px;">You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that way they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. - </b><b style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; line-height: 20.16px;">Matthew 5:13-16</b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We are called to be the Salt and the Light! </b>The salt speaks of our character, and the light speaks of our testimonies of followers of Christ, revealing and illuminating the truth. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The world doesn't understand! The world looks at Christians and thinks, "They don't count!" God takes us, ordinary people, and uses us to share His message to people who need Him! When we share our faith, we spread His light! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus describes what we are in this passage. The light of the World, not the light of the Church. We have to get out from beyond the Church walls and shine the light to where it's dark. We were saved to shine! We are to shine in such a way that the world will see our good works and glorify God! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our Church has a special way of sharing and showing our faith to our neighborhood. Today our Church held our annual Salt and Light Sunday. On one Sunday morning every year we go out into the neighborhood and the City, and we serve others. Before we go out to serve, we start our morning with worship and a pep rally. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My husband and I love to be on the Neighborhood Team. We have about 5 teams of 3 to 4 people who walk different areas of the neighborhood within a 5 mile radius of the Church. We knock on doors, we offer to mow, pull weeds, clean, or serve our neighbors in any ways that they may need. We also ask if there is anything the person needs or wants us to pray about with them, and we take prayer requests back to the Church so that our Pastor and staff members can follow up with these people. We also hand out potted flowers to some of the houses. By knocking on neighborhood doors, we hope to let our lights shine, to share our faith, and to show the love of Jesus! </span></span></div>
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There are several other teams that serve as well. We have teams for just about everything! We have a Prayer Team that walks the 5 mile radius and prays over the neighborhoods that we serve. </div>
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We have a team that goes to the neighborhood Elementary School and cleans and paints the playground. </div>
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We have a team that takes the children's choir to our neighborhood retirement/nursing home to brighten the Senior Citizens day.<br />
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We even have little ones who work faithfully by cleaning the Edu-Care and Sunday School classes. </div>
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There are teams who go buy and deliver groceries to under privileged people in the neighborhood.</div>
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There are so many other teams as well. We have people who go to the local jail to worship and speak to the inmates. We have teams that go to the Safe Harbor House (A house our Church has ownership in that harbors women from abuse and prostitution). We have teams for the local Pregnancy Resource Center, several different Parks and Recreation Centers around the City, Golf Courses, the local Drug and Alcohol Counseling Center, the Marriage Resource Center, and teams who stay at the Church to prepare lunch, watch the children who are too young to go out and serve, and we even have a Logistical Support Team. </div>
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When we come back from serving the neighborhood, we have lunch and fellowship. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-aHnykGAnTQIab7CiH7ZtXmaLFxWJXYwuZAS7898Z9LgrViSiPpTeZ08zKkmuQ_wWUAgRmkUR12zXcVHLGif6g8o0nMivGbFvn8AInABH8RzcHFEVuL6DkZOl9e3BBOl8A2iWN0lOJi/s1600/SaltnLightLunch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA1-aHnykGAnTQIab7CiH7ZtXmaLFxWJXYwuZAS7898Z9LgrViSiPpTeZ08zKkmuQ_wWUAgRmkUR12zXcVHLGif6g8o0nMivGbFvn8AInABH8RzcHFEVuL6DkZOl9e3BBOl8A2iWN0lOJi/s320/SaltnLightLunch.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bzM8jOWSJ5Do8VLGlpsN_fuRbDvx0PJs0kT0Sj3qniEHo1KvCSm8ytiLFpk7Y5cTgtVMHN9bY_9FFuoCh0nUO0ra0WyyKarwnL0wGIpQuPv4zg7fYGEFWqzfaqYR_qx5VvSpn3HigG3B/s1600/SNLSFellowship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bzM8jOWSJ5Do8VLGlpsN_fuRbDvx0PJs0kT0Sj3qniEHo1KvCSm8ytiLFpk7Y5cTgtVMHN9bY_9FFuoCh0nUO0ra0WyyKarwnL0wGIpQuPv4zg7fYGEFWqzfaqYR_qx5VvSpn3HigG3B/s320/SNLSFellowship.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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This Salt and Light Sunday is our way of sharing our faith with those who may otherwise not get the chance to see love in action! We want our neighbors to know who we are, what we do, that we serve faithfully, and that we love and care about them and expect nothing in return. </div>
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This is how we show our faith! We cannot do it alone. We shine the brightest when we shine together. We want to shine our lights brightly for the Lord! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j46hQ8aG5LcwB849PsgRu2JmLcjBNe3-bLKS3xuCSMGXOJxC1dHhDNUFullIlbAQlJhGn9Dh6EsW0KQonr_Mhbgpy8xwNMzueSiYsyYUC2OsJAzkIihWI_A98zUHphcaRrr__gYPati8/s1600/SALTLIGHT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4j46hQ8aG5LcwB849PsgRu2JmLcjBNe3-bLKS3xuCSMGXOJxC1dHhDNUFullIlbAQlJhGn9Dh6EsW0KQonr_Mhbgpy8xwNMzueSiYsyYUC2OsJAzkIihWI_A98zUHphcaRrr__gYPati8/s1600/SALTLIGHT.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">if we do not give up. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Galatians 6:9</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I am linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-faith-2/" target="_blank">Karen Beth at Finding the Grace Within/Tuesday At Ten</a> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The prompt this week is FAITH! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI-oMow5ttylLktGZWzs0Tkp4-FvOSf_J5Y55fFjTJ_JUCPezzu2-smiC2wQy5pHMMdESQmu-JeWnT6sQOWU0g0cx-e7mAffKIeVVJeTz5a1FbEshQRX503Z9fE7y1efA7avUi6rGyns_/s1600/TuesAtTen-Faith.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitI-oMow5ttylLktGZWzs0Tkp4-FvOSf_J5Y55fFjTJ_JUCPezzu2-smiC2wQy5pHMMdESQmu-JeWnT6sQOWU0g0cx-e7mAffKIeVVJeTz5a1FbEshQRX503Z9fE7y1efA7avUi6rGyns_/s320/TuesAtTen-Faith.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Also linking up with <a href="http://letuswalkworthy.com/2016/05/thoughts-birthed-in-the-e-r-let-us-grow/" target="_blank">Barbie and Carrie at Let Us Walk Worthy</a></div>
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And linking up with Suzie Eller <a href="http://tsuzanneeller.com/2016/07/07/a-little-salt/" target="_blank">for #livefreeThursday</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-24847983380978776992016-05-17T21:08:00.000-04:002016-05-17T21:09:58.365-04:00How Did He Grow?If you are a grandparent, you will understand how deep my love is for my grandchildren. The love is so fierce, so deep, so much so, that I felt like I grew another heart just to hold all the love for each one of them. From the moment my children announced that I would become a NaNa again, my love was immediate! But the moment they enter the world, the love becomes so much more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h7fuWVhSmxXBns5Ozv3-9WDnuQ1IQha3R-2AYc5f9QF7wu_TPsRrD80kjvV9J-SE8RzvF-TKd4pobs_dDFPmDD1JjSSckY0d5FzDxmYTHPit7kMYj7elX5-njGw43QDz-zwP6Ge3PZPD/s1600/Grandkids-Love-Quote.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3h7fuWVhSmxXBns5Ozv3-9WDnuQ1IQha3R-2AYc5f9QF7wu_TPsRrD80kjvV9J-SE8RzvF-TKd4pobs_dDFPmDD1JjSSckY0d5FzDxmYTHPit7kMYj7elX5-njGw43QDz-zwP6Ge3PZPD/s320/Grandkids-Love-Quote.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Grandchildren are a precious gift from God! They are His reward! </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple;">Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17</span></div>
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My first grandchild, Kelson, was born on April 9, 1998. Yes, he is now 18 years old, and getting ready to graduate from high school this week. Thursday, May 19, 2016, my grandson, Kelson Alan McClusky, will walk across the stage. His childhood is done. He is becoming a man. Here is what I want to know. How is this possible? Where did the time go? How did he grow up so quickly? It seems like just yesterday I was rushing to the airport, boarding a plane to Oklahoma, frantic that I would miss his birth. And I did! By 30 minutes. But he was a healthy baby boy with blonde hair and gorgeous, big blue eyes! </div>
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For the first 2 years of Kelson's life, my daughter and her husband lived in Oklahoma, and I only got to see him a few times a year. Talk about hard! I wanted him to be accessible every day! I wanted to be able to see him whenever I wanted. Finally, shortly after his second birthday, they moved back to Ohio! It was one of the happiest days of my life. From the moment they arrived, he became pretty much, Nana's boy!</div>
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By the time Kelson started school, he had a passion for skateboarding. He quickly became very talented on his skateboard, and basically had no fear! I remember several times holding my breath as I watched him swerve around on one of his many skateboards. Jumping ramps, riding rails, you name it, he done it. It is still his passion today. </div>
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My heart is bitter-sweet! I am so proud of the man Kelson is growing to be, but yet, I want to hold back the hands of time. I want him to still be the little guy that only NaNa could rock to sleep at night. I want him to be the little boy that begged for me to take him to the skate park, or couldn't wait to go to Walmart to get a new pack of Pokemon cards, or a new Tek Dek miniature skateboard, (which he usually ended up getting both!) But wanting him to stay little is the selfish part of this NaNa's heart! </div>
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My grandson has the kindest heart. He is such an amazing person. I can honestly tell you that I have never heard him say a bad word about anyone. He is so loving, caring, giving, and respectful. He is so appreciative of what anyone does for him. He radiates love! He is brave! Kelson will be joining the Navy shortly after graduation this summer. </div>
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I will miss him so very much, but I am so proud of the man he is becoming. I know he will be successful and give us all so much more to be proud of. I am so excited to watch his life grow into something amazing! I love you Kelson Alan! With All My Heart! Always, Forever, and Unconditionally! Love, NaNa</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Start children off the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.</span></span></div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/05/12/five-minute-friday-grow/" target="_blank">Kate Motaung at Five Minute Friday</a>, the prompt this week is: GROW</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-28872391348128086802016-05-01T20:54:00.000-04:002016-05-01T20:54:20.988-04:00Forgive And Be ForgivenI have not always been one to have an easy time with forgiving others. As a matter of fact, I used to be quite the opposite. I held grudges, I sometimes would try to think of ways to get even with them, and I quit talking to people who hurt me or made me mad. It was as simple as that. I am pretty sure that after being hurt, rejected, abused, and disappointed time and time again, made me a very unforgiving person.<br />
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Even after being saved I still struggled with it. I would pray about it, and still feel so much anger and bitterness towards certain people from my past. I thought I was doing something wrong, like not praying right, or maybe God just didn't hear me. I thought it should come quickly. Just. Like. That. I thought God should just magically give me peaceful feelings towards these people. What I didn't realize was that I had to truly want to forgive them in my heart. I was reading Psalms 103 one day, and it became so clear what I was doing wrong!<br />
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The grace of God could not have been more beautifully described. It came to me, that I am a sinner and I cause Him pain, yet He responds to me so entirely unlike how I was inclined to respond to those who hurt me. I felt justified in treating them badly, or holding grudges against them. They deserved it! I thought. I then realized that I too deserve God's wrath, but He gives me compassion and abundant love instead. He treats me the very opposite way of how I deserve to be treated. He forgave me of all my sins, but I was holding on to this sin of not forgiving others.<br />
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Forgiveness was not immediate. It was a process. It took a lot of strength and prayer. When I didn't have the will to want to forgive, I knew that God would give me the will through prayer. I asked God to give me eyes to see these people as He sees them, and to remind me that He made them in His image. </div>
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I am so glad that I have learned how to forgive! I am no longer walking around plotting on how I can get back at those who have hurt me, or obsessing about what I would say to them if given a chance to give them a piece of my mind. I am so glad that I found forgiveness through Jesus Christ, the One who paid it all, so that we could be forgiven! I have heard it said that those who choose to forgive are making a choice to be filled with joy! I am making the choice to FORGIVE! </div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-forgive/" target="_blank">Karen Beth at Finding The Grace Within/Tuesday At Ten</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-25173898372955732292016-04-29T22:00:00.000-04:002016-04-29T22:00:27.932-04:00Pass It On<div>
When I was young we played a game called Pass it On. It was normally played where there was a group of people, like slumber parties or on the playground. The first person in the group would whisper something in the next persons ear and say "pass it on." That person would whisper what the first person said to the next person and add something to it, and say "pass it on." So by the time you got to the end, there was a whole story made up! You get the picture. </div>
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Normally it was harmless, silly things being said, but I remember a time when playing "Pass it On" at a slumber party resulted in a couple of people who actually got hurt over it. Here is what happened. When playing this game, it got to the point of what we as adults would consider "gossip." By the time we returned to school on Monday the victims of the "pass it on" game were being talked about and made fun of at school, and the things being said were not true. They were not at the party to defend themselves when it began, so they had no way of knowing what would transpire out of a drama filled game that took place over the weekend. As the week progressed, people kept "passing it on," adding to the rumors and drama, and it got really ugly. I recall the sorrow in my own heart for taking place in the initial game, and vowed to never play that game again. I felt so bad for these people, they were my friends and I took place in starting these rumors about them, by hanging out with people who loved to start drama for others. </div>
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I ended up confessing to my friends, and told them what happened and how the whole thing got so blown out of proportion. Of course some of the girls who were involved in the initial "Pass it On" game became very upset with me, but I was okay with that. I felt so much better by telling the truth. I realized who my real friends were, and that I was not being a real friend to them by keeping secrets and allowing people to continue to hurt them. </div>
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<b style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; text-align: left;">Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I never did play "Pass it On again! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Even today as adults, I think rumors and drama can get so far out of hand, and it can happen before you know what hit you. I still know people that I am very close to who love to carry the drama wherever they go, and will gossip about anything, to anyone who will listen. They love to create their own storms, then get mad when it rains. I have </span>learned<span style="background-color: white;"> to pray beforehand when I know that I am going to be seeing these people. I have also </span>learned<span style="background-color: white;"> that it is so easy to remove myself from conversations that I feel are heading that way. I can either try to change the subject, be honest and upfront by telling them that I do not care to partake in these kinds of conversations, or simply walk away if the opportunity is there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"><b>He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. Proverbs 21:23</b></span></span></div>
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We must guard our tongues and refrain from gossip. If we surrender our desires to the Lord, He will help us to remain obedient. There are so many verses in the Bible that talk about how gossip is displeasing to God, and I do not want any part of displeasing God! Now that is something I am willing to "Pass On!" </div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Kate Motaung at Five Minute Friday</a>, where you write about the prompt for 5 minutes each week. This weeks prompt is: PASS! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-34152912625343772242016-04-24T21:06:00.000-04:002016-04-24T21:06:58.409-04:00Hopeless to HopefulI remember a time when I felt so hopeless. Empty. Discouraged. Angry. Miserable. Scared. Rejected. All those feelings that triggered hopelessness, went on, and on, and on! I felt like there was nothing to look forward to in life! Nothing made me happy. I searched, and still, could find no fulfillment. I wanted my life to be different. I wanted something, but had no clue on how to find it. I didn't even know what it was, or what I was looking for. I just knew that something had to change. Of course I was searching in all the wrong areas, looking in all the wrong places, and getting no where really fast! I wanted my longings to be fulfilled, but they remained unfulfilled. I got to the place where I felt so heartsick, despondent, and desperate. I trusted no one, and I manipulated many. I finally realized that living this life on my own terms was not working out, and I wanted and needed so much more. That is when I met my husband, and that is when I finally met Jesus!<br />
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Gradually I started feeling hopeful. My life was changing! My heart felt so much lighter, my life had meaning, and I could actually smile. I let go, and let God begin working in my life. I began to trust again, and I could see that God was fulfilling my dreams. I learned to wait on Him instead of manipulating or giving up on things. I began to learn that He had the power to fulfill my hearts desire, and I felt more hopeful each day.<br />
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I was learning to trust and have hope in the Lord. I was trusting His promises and His timing. I began reading the Bible, and really digging in. I remember the first time I read Isaiah 40:28-31, and feeling so much hope, that God was so powerful and everlasting. And knowing that with God, I could soar above difficulties, reduce the friction in my life, and manage my energy, so that I could run and not grow weary, and walk and not feel faint. What a reassuring promise!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><i><b style="background-color: #f4cccc;">Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-31</b></i></span><br />
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I have learned to be hopeful in all situations, not hopeless! I have learned that without God, we have no hope. But thanks to Jesus, we have His promise of hope! No matter what we face, we can take comfort in knowing that He is there for us, watching over us always. I am so grateful that God's Word is full of His promises, and in His word I can always find hope! In His word I found my way out of the dark and into His light!<br />
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So when I am in situations where I begin to feel hopeless, and want to give up, I know that all I need to do is pray and open my Bible. God can always change my circumstances, He can work it out. It may not always be exactly what I want, or how I want it, but it is always in a way that makes me feel hopeful, and not hopeless! </div>
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I am linking up with Karen Beth at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-hopeful/" target="_blank">FInding the Grace Within/Tuesday at Ten</a></div>
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The prompt this week is: HOPEFUL! </div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-88352026635250434932016-04-21T21:06:00.000-04:002016-04-21T21:06:47.531-04:00How Big Is Our GodHave you ever stopped and imagined, just how big our God is? I have. And when I do, I am in awe! There are so many examples of His greatness throughout scripture, but at times certain verses make me just stop and think about how amazing, and how big He is! How blessed we are! How much He loves us!<br />
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<b>Psalm 147:3-5 says:</b><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.</span><br />
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I can't tell you how many times He has healed my broken heart! For so many years I didn't ask Him to, because I didn't know Him! I carried around such a heavy heart for my whole adult life, and finally surrendered at the age of 40. I was done! Done with bitterness, hurt, rejection, anger, misery, and fear. I knew that I needed God in order to be able to unpack all of that baggage.<br />
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I have at times tried to count stars. It doesn't take very long to lose track. Can you imagine calling each of them by name? Stars go way beyond our ability to see them. Even through the most powerful telescope, there is no way any human being could ever count all of the stars. Let alone call them by name. But God, He created each and every one of them, and He knows their names. Like His word says, His understanding has no limit! </div>
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<b>Psalm 8:3-9 says:</b></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! </span></div>
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The same God who mends our broken hearts. The same God that knows the exact number of stars in the heavens, and calls them by name. That is the same God who has created the Universe. The same God who is working in our lives. The same God who is mindful of us, and calls us His Son's and Daughter's. He loves us so much that He sent His one and Only Son to humbly walk this earth, to submit to men, and to die on a cross so that we may have life in Him! </div>
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So when I think about how BIG God is, my problems really seem small. I know that He can take care of all of my struggles, and all of my hardships. When I feel like He isn't doing things quite the way I would like Him to, I can trust that it is because He is handling my life exactly the way He wants to. He has the power to change things at any time, and if He doesn't, it is because His plans are better than mine! And I thank Him for that! </div>
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Aren't you glad we have such a BIG LOVING FATHER? I am! </div>
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I am linking up with Suzie Eller for <a href="http://tsuzanneeller.com/" target="_blank">#livefreeThursday</a>. The prompt this week is How big is our God? </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-49874493684722576072016-04-17T20:35:00.000-04:002016-04-17T20:35:07.619-04:00I Am Taking TimeRecently my husband and I were asked to help out on Wednesday night with our Children's Ministry at Church. We normally do not go to Wednesday night services because of time. We both work full time, and we live 45 minutes away from our Church, and service is from 6:45 to 8:15 pm. Therefore, it would be late when we get home, and we are people who go to bed fairly early, and get up before dawn. So when I was approached, my reaction sort of surprised me. I immediately said YES! I wanted to take the time to serve, and to get involved with these kids. I was willing to sacrifice one night a week, to lose out on a couple of hours of sleep, and to take time to love these kids.<br />
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I knew right away that this was from God because I had been praying about ways to serve, and this is the answer to my prayer. I love kids, and nothing warms my heart more than to see young people serving Jesus, raising their hands in worship, and wanting to learn more about Him. This particular group of children are between 4th and 6th grade. Some of them come from the neighborhood and their parents do not attend Church. Some of them come from not so pretty home lives, and seem a bit troubled. Our mission is to love them and pray that we can plant some seeds in their lives, and hopefully the lives of their parents as well.<br />
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I didn't come to know the Lord until I was 40 years old, and have so many regrets for that, as well as not raising my own children in a Christian home. But we have been blessed with seeing two of our children become saved and baptized, and it is such a joy knowing that my children are walking with God. </div>
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When I came to Jesus, there were so many people that came beside me and gave me love and guidance. They took me under their wings, and showed me a love that I had never known before. They took the time to mentor me, to pray with me and for me, and to guide me. They were showing the love of Jesus. That is my goal with these children. I pray that they will accept God at a young age, and have a long, beautiful relationship. I pray that they feel the love we have for them, that we love them like Jesus, and that we will be blessed with patience and understanding as we walk beside them. I am so excited to see what the outcome could be. God works in awesome ways, and He never ceases to amaze me! </div>
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So YES, we are taking the time to love, mentor, and pray for these kids, and watch some beautiful things happen! </div>
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I am linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-time-2/" target="_blank">Karen Beth at Tuesday at Ten</a>. The prompt this week is <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lora, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: center; text-transform: uppercase;">{TIME}</span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-9830826326548204522016-04-11T21:00:00.001-04:002016-04-11T21:00:38.506-04:00Break the ChainsI have said it before, and I will say it again. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I waited so long to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I was 40 years old before I really even thought about Jesus too much, and I didn't know much about Him. I knew that He lived in Heaven, and that we are supposed to pray to Him, and that's seriously about it. (Sad, huh?) There were a handful of times as a child when my parents took us to Sunday School, and church, but very rarely. So therefore, I did not raise my children in a Christian home.<br />
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I sometimes wonder how much different things would have been if I would have chosen to do things differently. I was thinking about this the other day, actually talking to a friend about it. And a memory hit me! I am not sure if this is what led me away, or not, but when I think about it, it very well could have been.<br />
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When I was 16, I was pregnant with my first child. I had a family member who was a Christian and she invited me to church. I accepted her invitation, and was really kind of looking forward to it. The evening came, she picked me up, and we went to her church. When I walked in I witnessed a room full of people with hands held high, people at the altar knelt in prayer, and a few people jumping up and down, yelling and screaming. Her church was having what she called a Revival, and they had a guest Evangelist. She went forward and joined her church family. I sat quietly in the back row with my 9 year old little brother. I must admit I was a little bit scared. I had never seen this kind of thing before. The church that my parents took us to that handful of times was very small and conservative. Eventually the guest evangelist noticed me and my brother in the back. He approached us and introduced himself. He stood before us, reached out his hand and took mine. He asked me if I was saved. I had no clue what he meant. I was thinking to myself, saved from what? I told him that I didn't know what he meant, and he proceeded to sit down and tell me that I should not be wearing makeup, I should not be wearing jewelry, and I definitely should not be having a baby at my age. He also told me that he would not leave that pew until I told him that I was saved by the blood of Jesus Christ! Not knowing what to do, I said, "I am saved!" He finally left, and I took my brother and went to the car. That was the last time I thought about going to church really, for many years.<br />
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Finally, when I met my husband, he introduced me to Jesus! He was like a gift from God. He was like no one I had ever met in my life. He was kind and caring, and treated me with respect. He also introduced me to a church family that I have fallen deeply in love with over these past 12 years. </div>
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Since my husband and I have been together, we have been blessed with seeing 2 out of our 5 adult children accept Jesus into their hearts, and be baptized. Praise God! We have committed to specifically praying each week for 1 of our remaining 3 that have not come to know the Lord. We are alternating weeks and lifting them to God, fervently praying that God will break every chain that binds them to the ways they are living. We have 9 grandchildren that we desperately want to see grow up knowing Jesus! </div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Dear Father, I lift our children and grandchildren up to You! Father, I pray that You would remove the veil from their eyes, and let them see You. I pray that as their eyes are opened that You would bring about situations and circumstances that would lead them to the truth. I pray that You would soften their heart's, put a new Spirit in them, take out their stony, stubborn heart, and give them a responsive heart. Lord, please draw them to You, and give them a desire for You. Please put people in their paths that would help guide them to You. Let them see You wherever they go, so much that they could not escape You. Please wrap Your hedge of protection around them, so that any ungodly influences around them would lose interest and depart. Lord, please break any chains that bind them, and free them from Satan's influence over their minds and emotions. I pray that their minds, hearts and lives would be transformed and renewed. I pray that they would be convicted by the Holy Spirit, and that they would have Your attitude toward sin. Father, please let Your kindness lead them to full repentance and help them to turn away from their sin. Thank You Father! In Jesus Name I Pray! Amen!</span></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-break/" target="_blank">Karen Beth at Finding the Grace Within/Tuesday at Ten</a> The prompt this week is:</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-77307516415460987702016-04-06T20:24:00.000-04:002016-04-06T20:24:39.455-04:00Will You Decide?I am linking up with Kate Motaung for <a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>. This is a weekly challenge where you write on the weekly prompt for 5 minutes and link up on <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/03/31/five-minute-friday-decide/" target="_blank">Kate's site.</a>. Please make sure you visit the one who posted before you and leave a comment, or a word of encouragement. <div>
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I really struggled with this weeks prompt for some reason. The word is DECIDE, and I was drawing a blank, until today. Today I finally decided what to write about! </div>
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I came home from work and checked my mail. In my mailbox was my March newsletter from Franklin Graham on The Decision America Tour. I have been excited for this tour since they announced it sometime last year. I have joined the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DecisionAmericaOH/" target="_blank">Ohio Decision America Prayer Group on Facebook</a>, ( I believe there is a Facebook group for each state.) I have taken the pledge to <a href="https://decisionamericatour.com/pledge/" target="_blank">God and My Country</a>, and I will definitely be attending the rally when Mr. Graham visits our State Capital building in Ohio. </div>
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I also have a Decision America Prayer Journal where I can write prayers and praises for each State as Mr. Graham goes to the Capital buildings and preaches the Gospel. The journal has information on each State and what we should be praying for as well. In Ohio, the prayer request is to Pray for a new generation of young Christians to rise up across the state as they hear the Gospel through every means possible. Ask God to use music, movies, social media, and the latest technology to reach children, teens, and young adults with the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>"Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'" -Matthew 19:14 ESV</i></b></span></div>
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I totally agree with Mr. Graham when he says, "America is in trouble." What America needs is a spiritual revolution. It will only happen if we turn to God. As Christians we need to stand together and ask God to intervene in this country, to forgive us and to give us another chance. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><i>Turn us back to You, O Lord, and we will be restored. Lamentations 5:21 - NKJV</i></b></span></div>
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Mr. Graham reports that so far, over 1,400 people have prayed to accept Christ as their Savior! How exciting is that? </div>
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Friends, if you have not already done so, I would love for you to decide to join Mr. Graham in praying for our Country, and spreading the Good News! <a href="https://decisionamericatour.com/" target="_blank">You can find more information on your State and sign the pledge here.</a></div>
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Also, if you have never linked up with Kate, try it today! <a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">You will be glad you did!</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-37632211799847166082016-04-02T19:55:00.000-04:002016-04-02T19:55:30.595-04:00My Past His PlanI admit that my past as an adult isn't admirable, but it is mine. I am not proud of my past as an adult, and by no means do I miss it, but I am thankful for it. I have learned to be thankful for it, because, it is what led me to God. I made so many mistakes and bad choices, and the guilt laid on my shoulders for many years. Even after I came to know Jesus. But the more I walk with Him, talk with Him, and study God's word, I am learning to forget the past, to let Jesus wash it all away, and look forward to the future and what lies ahead. <div>
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The part of my past that I do miss is my childhood, and my dad! Even though I was not raised in a Christian home, I was very loved, protected, and cared for by my dad. My dad would have turned 79 years old on January 7, 2016, and on July 15, 2016, it will be 38 years since he passed away. That is almost as long as his time on earth. He was 41 years, 6 months, and 8 days old when he passed away from a brain aneurysm. My dad was amazing! He loved us unconditionally, with his whole heart! He taught me that same kind of love, and he taught me to love and protect my own. I was just 15 years old when he passed away, and I can honestly say that there have been very few, if any, days that I haven't thought about him at some point during the day. I miss him terribly, still. So many times I think about him, and wonder, "why my dad, God?" And I admit, at times, I still feel cheated. But I have a peace in my heart, because my dad accepted Jesus before he passed away. And then I remind myself that there is no more pain, and no more sorrow in Heaven, only joy! I know that God has a time for each of us, and my dad's time on earth was complete. He served his purpose, and God needed him at home, in Heaven. On the days that I really miss my dad, I find comfort in this verse. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: purple; font-size: large;">If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8</span></div>
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I done a Bible Study last year called Your Life Still Counts, by Tracie Miles. This study was what taught me to finally be able to accept my past, to let go of the burdens of guilt and shame, and to know without a doubt in my heart, that God uses my past for His purpose, and He will guide me to a beautiful future if I let Him. I am certainly willing to let Him! </div>
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It is my heart's desire to use my past to help other women who may be struggling with the same things that I once did. I want to show them the Hope and Love that is found in Jesus. I want to guide them to the One who can take their past and turn it into a beautiful future! I want to share with them all of the blessings that God has placed in my life! Me, the one who thought God could never love me because of my past! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvbJy7J7CAbD0QQuqGqeAsLKpGMmZxwwmLKUQcTMZ4roc4GtXZEOzUEW8diN3jxppn0xOYj9GmJN7rSrE6ClXTUu0QBzvsSAVbyCL4xSa5oLL8s-LI5RTlqmvhVXo4Bl33PFjHJVpFJIN/s1600/PrayeronPast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvbJy7J7CAbD0QQuqGqeAsLKpGMmZxwwmLKUQcTMZ4roc4GtXZEOzUEW8diN3jxppn0xOYj9GmJN7rSrE6ClXTUu0QBzvsSAVbyCL4xSa5oLL8s-LI5RTlqmvhVXo4Bl33PFjHJVpFJIN/s320/PrayeronPast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19</div>
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Linking up with Karen Beth at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-past/" target="_blank">Finding the Grace Within/Tuesday at Ten</a> </div>
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The prompt this week is PAST!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjrCvRXN8YbyQ5Hv_THpiNfJ8lhByPggL-d4szRT8dShwrA6GyDEOVlP6Od-ixb7jU_3XWXqTOFWpMcjECxScq7Wu194-E8wa1UhSxXHwtm9pZtl4xQIAL3Ytm6OcFPaq73HWIOxsVudY/s1600/tuesday%2540ten.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjrCvRXN8YbyQ5Hv_THpiNfJ8lhByPggL-d4szRT8dShwrA6GyDEOVlP6Od-ixb7jU_3XWXqTOFWpMcjECxScq7Wu194-E8wa1UhSxXHwtm9pZtl4xQIAL3Ytm6OcFPaq73HWIOxsVudY/s200/tuesday%2540ten.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-1246615241315560332016-03-27T20:58:00.000-04:002016-03-27T20:58:17.318-04:00New Life New CreationSpring is my favorite time of the year. Spring is full of new life in bloom. The flowers, the buds on the trees, the grass is turning green, and my husband has already mowed the lawn. I love the beauty that God creates in the Spring time. It seems that with each new day I see new life growing. A new creation in nature.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oEJLKcF5Hwe22BDmdU08pYimco4TnTQqqGf7ALaUwNVQU5l5We5aaJSTbLscIa6c6nKcFGJJuoRMCDsFfrHexawQK8osQyKOC6dpjL0IkjAWwBg9D7agXQlaj94AQtKjfWJnRNuUJfx5/s1600/Daisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1oEJLKcF5Hwe22BDmdU08pYimco4TnTQqqGf7ALaUwNVQU5l5We5aaJSTbLscIa6c6nKcFGJJuoRMCDsFfrHexawQK8osQyKOC6dpjL0IkjAWwBg9D7agXQlaj94AQtKjfWJnRNuUJfx5/s400/Daisies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But nature and Spring are not the only areas where new life and new creations happen! In fact, God makes each of us A New Creation when we accept Jesus into our hearts, and proclaim our faith to Him! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65HCrtaCIXAuFisaQ7PPOv9v36Fl8sT0IhkvTVRtmVJFpN073G_Wtr6dVHaNBDoEuBJyPMM7sTQFMINf0JG4ZAnLTOH9LISVogaeB8nnSCX17SxNuWKruRkJuVJKeZnvUJWFiw79e1JXA/s1600/NewCreation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65HCrtaCIXAuFisaQ7PPOv9v36Fl8sT0IhkvTVRtmVJFpN073G_Wtr6dVHaNBDoEuBJyPMM7sTQFMINf0JG4ZAnLTOH9LISVogaeB8nnSCX17SxNuWKruRkJuVJKeZnvUJWFiw79e1JXA/s400/NewCreation.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><b>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><i><b>the old has gone, the new has come!<br />2 Corinthians 5:17</b></i></span></div>
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This is Easter weekend, and this is the one Easter that I will NEVER forget! My son, Michael, has made the choice to accept Jesus into his heart, and to be baptized! My son is a New Creation! He was baptized on Saturday, March 26, 2016, and I can tell you that it was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. My heart was overflowing with gratefulness and thankfulness to God, it still is! I don't think I have stopped smiling yet! God is so good! The other awesome thing, is that my son's church moved into a new building, and Saturday night was the very first service, so he was the very first person baptized in their new church. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgUng05hvpK7h_9wRLAonPvzhC7hRxZaVQdxqoKA-0D4xQ7m8LaTbBqJLZFdubHMi67uZwovQ6sSpGgHx9PYIF9mwwofAAvNVrWI7u0RUb_N3_I2Cf557ZS_Wnt0pRlIgU2SfougXm2ve/s1600/MichaelAllieBefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAgUng05hvpK7h_9wRLAonPvzhC7hRxZaVQdxqoKA-0D4xQ7m8LaTbBqJLZFdubHMi67uZwovQ6sSpGgHx9PYIF9mwwofAAvNVrWI7u0RUb_N3_I2Cf557ZS_Wnt0pRlIgU2SfougXm2ve/s320/MichaelAllieBefore.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">This is my son before the service (the old) with his daughter, my beautiful granddaughter, Allie!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC58oSHWaSQsclh2RVRPO57mXnrYIXIEXydy95X4_WgocZbw4WDnr6wUKH3GxVvaS1O1tYGkHsOMA1ern3e0JAKwEaFickP_z6f9DJocNUA2mqOD0YxgrdJM7bn42DQ61_Y5PylcPcXHo/s1600/MichaelandPastor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkC58oSHWaSQsclh2RVRPO57mXnrYIXIEXydy95X4_WgocZbw4WDnr6wUKH3GxVvaS1O1tYGkHsOMA1ern3e0JAKwEaFickP_z6f9DJocNUA2mqOD0YxgrdJM7bn42DQ61_Y5PylcPcXHo/s320/MichaelandPastor.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CDL_cLvl46xkhyphenhyphen1vIRan5-drziS87tWbdhkiv3XJz2tSUYLTEliMGXHZ4vF6nEyne2BdXhy4WZK-kcvZcMFI64-HdpltfHrMUBjsFdH8nSsP5X89o7DR5UBFFXhP5wXyZfEji4hqEhnP/s1600/MichaelPreparingforJesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CDL_cLvl46xkhyphenhyphen1vIRan5-drziS87tWbdhkiv3XJz2tSUYLTEliMGXHZ4vF6nEyne2BdXhy4WZK-kcvZcMFI64-HdpltfHrMUBjsFdH8nSsP5X89o7DR5UBFFXhP5wXyZfEji4hqEhnP/s320/MichaelPreparingforJesus.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: purple;">This is my son preparing to become New!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrcbQtTLNmp1WtaUWOY6Wp-ADRDvYhlY0SVhj3VX5cgSYNE6PsvtJJt3VbB2HDsIb5GbfG8422S5zhSoVrQziDY8LNbJC17NYCqfpcg6xHZaM7kdC-gQ2xCS0ZLEEbgjZtto2NQxgLdUV/s1600/MichaelNewCreation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrrcbQtTLNmp1WtaUWOY6Wp-ADRDvYhlY0SVhj3VX5cgSYNE6PsvtJJt3VbB2HDsIb5GbfG8422S5zhSoVrQziDY8LNbJC17NYCqfpcg6xHZaM7kdC-gQ2xCS0ZLEEbgjZtto2NQxgLdUV/s320/MichaelNewCreation.jpg" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs0hCBFjeg2jBTrpNzsZif8_P_eJqud3BTSkmPirYQHuBeCE6XhcsRm7t1fBLa4gZgVlImOyesCW6tK1KtD-EkClNQWO0Zbo2B2HVeX0haUrZvD6KnuQ88K2DcqQj8uYpEOL2Ayj84CYa/s1600/MichaelNewCreation2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIs0hCBFjeg2jBTrpNzsZif8_P_eJqud3BTSkmPirYQHuBeCE6XhcsRm7t1fBLa4gZgVlImOyesCW6tK1KtD-EkClNQWO0Zbo2B2HVeX0haUrZvD6KnuQ88K2DcqQj8uYpEOL2Ayj84CYa/s320/MichaelNewCreation2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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My husband and I have 5 grown children between us, and we have prayed together for several years to see the day that each one of them would make the choice to become new. My daughter made the choice last year, which was another beautiful day, and she has such a dedicated heart for God! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1cxc7wt-B7DGjtIFAZjyO2jIj2ZhjilywX14rNup6bLAtI-U-m_yos62_nyYC-7NxIswmMFQobWGmb48mAqPn0aYxTb4tHZOpy60mbx7C_8Quel7mBPvnUIe13HmqxCUZHfdA3TUICHd/s1600/BethieBaptism.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil1cxc7wt-B7DGjtIFAZjyO2jIj2ZhjilywX14rNup6bLAtI-U-m_yos62_nyYC-7NxIswmMFQobWGmb48mAqPn0aYxTb4tHZOpy60mbx7C_8Quel7mBPvnUIe13HmqxCUZHfdA3TUICHd/s320/BethieBaptism.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am sure that you feel my joy, my excitement, my gratefulness, and my thankfulness to God, if you are a mother that has seen her children make this beautiful choice! Now, we will continue to pray for the remaining 3 with fervent prayers. We have full faith and trust, that they too, will become New Creations one day soon!</div>
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Linking up with Karen at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-new/" target="_blank">Tuesday at Ten</a> The word of the week is NEW!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-74977617381534920262016-03-20T19:15:00.000-04:002016-03-20T19:15:10.392-04:00Wait<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wait!</span></i></b><br />
So many times that is not the word I want to hear, but so many times I know that is what I must do. I have no choice when it is something out of my control. I have to wait in the lobby at a Dr's. appointment, I have to wait to be seated and served in a restaurant, I have to wait in line at Wal-Mart, (this seems like a never ending line, and the wait is forever!) I have to wait until June to meet granddaughter number 7, and I have to wait on God to answer some of my prayers.<br />
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I waited for 12 years on one specific prayer. When it all began I wasn't a christian, but still, I prayed! I didn't know God, but I knew He existed, and I knew enough to know that He was my only hope! I prayed faithfully day after day. About 2 years went by with my prayer being un-answered, and I wasn't even sure if I was praying right, or if God really heard me.<br />
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Once I gave my life to Jesus, my prayers became so much more. I prayed with all my heart and soul, I prayed fervently. I prayed, and I received peace. I knew that God heard me, He was telling me to wait. I was at peace with waiting, I knew without a doubt in my mind that God would answer one day, and He did! He not only answered, He answered me and blessed me beyond my wildest dreams! God took those broken pieces of my life and patched them into something beautiful!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWS7w-kbDLrBmqPE1hiL6zqI9m9gMPBuCgvcsVJn0B9-eA4F7mYgAUigOe2iAPHvLyzGW2_sVChqL0gULPhtajdhCtxns8Fpx_92-z7UIdhKonUJptjI803YKOjIKF4kT6bG47JkJXSJA/s1600/WAIT%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWS7w-kbDLrBmqPE1hiL6zqI9m9gMPBuCgvcsVJn0B9-eA4F7mYgAUigOe2iAPHvLyzGW2_sVChqL0gULPhtajdhCtxns8Fpx_92-z7UIdhKonUJptjI803YKOjIKF4kT6bG47JkJXSJA/s320/WAIT%2521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Today, I pray for our children, grandchildren, family members and friends who do not know the Lord. My heart is burdened with sadness for these people. How long will they wait? I have full trust, faith, and hope in God, and I know that one day we will see them all come to accept Jesus into their hearts. But until then, I must continue to pray daily, show them the love of Jesus, and <b><i>wait quietly!</i></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P92sn4rWbVngNZFN0niIDt_-mMtmpDfssmA9TG96fg1e5A2zQj_099Rf29cMkHg_HEsPMiyXv-YE9UyklUaPJNPAlx_GCwIUyl6O2jIzUuwTpFOcOjSscnAmBesVn0Fs6i6nUvmNU9jb/s1600/27039-09232015-lamentations-3-25-26-social.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0P92sn4rWbVngNZFN0niIDt_-mMtmpDfssmA9TG96fg1e5A2zQj_099Rf29cMkHg_HEsPMiyXv-YE9UyklUaPJNPAlx_GCwIUyl6O2jIzUuwTpFOcOjSscnAmBesVn0Fs6i6nUvmNU9jb/s400/27039-09232015-lamentations-3-25-26-social.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Linking up with Karen at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-wait/" target="_blank">Tuesday at Ten</a> The word this week is WAIT! </span></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-45831163852097039612016-03-18T21:16:00.000-04:002016-03-19T10:57:51.178-04:00SurpriseThe other day as I prayed, I told God that I was sorry for being surprised because He answered a prayer.<br />
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I was thinking that morning about my son, and how proud he makes me. I was thinking about how far he has come in the past year. He started going to church on a regular basis a few months ago, and little by little, I have seen amazing changes in him. I was thinking about how surprised I was when he texted me the day before, and told me that he is being baptized next week! Oh the joy my heart felt when I read that text! But then I started feeling guilty for being surprised. I should not have been surprised because I have been praying for each one of our children to come to know the Lord for several years now, and I know that God is capable of doing all things. He works in people's lives and in their hearts every day! He has answered so many of my prayers, so why should I be surprised?<br />
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He never ceases to amaze me, but, I should NEVER be surprised by God's goodness and answered prayers! Answered prayers from God should not come as a surprise. God's blessings and His answered prayers should be embraced, and looked at as just what they are, God's blessings and answered prayers. I have experienced so many awesome things that I know are directly from God, and I don't always take the time to acknowledge them right away, or even realize that He has just answered a prayer! No matter how big or small it might be, there should never be a reaction of surprise.<br />
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So from now on, when those God things happen, I will just smile, look up, and say, "I know that was You, God, You never cease to amaze me, and this is no surprise! Thank You Father, for Your answered prayers!"<br />
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Linking up with Kate Motaung at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/2016/03/17/five-minute-friday-surprise/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>, where you write for 5 minutes on the prompt of the week. This weeks prompt is <span style="color: red; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SURPRISE</span>. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-71421685135746785312016-03-11T22:04:00.001-05:002016-03-11T22:04:29.089-05:00ChoiceWe make so many choices every day. From the moment we open our eyes to the moment we go to sleep, almost everything we do requires a choice. I choose to get out of bed each morning, I choose to go to the coffee pot, I choose to sit at my kitchen nook to read my Bible, daily devotions, and pray. I choose to get ready and go to work each day, and I make thousands of choices while I am there in an 8 hour period.<br />
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My pastor done a series on choices back in January of this year. He stated in our sermon notes that: There is great power in one choice. Every choice we make has a consequence, good or bad. One choice leads to another choice, and choices have a cumulative effect. He is so right!</div>
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The best choice I have ever made was to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior! You see, I was not raised in a christian home, nor did I lead a christian life until about 11 years ago. The choices I made before becoming a christian were usually not the best, and I continually had this feeling that something was missing from my life.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">When I was 37 years old, I made a choice to divorce my husband. My kids were all grown, and I thought the single life would have all the answers. Once becoming single, I made one bad choice after another. My life was spiraling out of control very, very fast! I made a choice to move in with a man who ended up being extremely abusive, and it led me to a shelter for abused women. What I didn't know during this time, was that God was working in my life. He was orchestrating a plan for my future with Him. When I got out of the shelter, I moved in with my brother. I was searching for something, but I didn't know what it was. My brother had a friend at work that he asked me to "talk" to. He said his friend was a christian, and it might do me good to "talk" to this man. I made the choice to talk to the man who eventually became my husband! Once we met, it was like we had known each other all of our lives. We connected in a way that was almost unheard of. I had no desire to date, nor did he, as he was newly divorced as well. But, God had different plans for us. We talked on the phone every day for about 2 weeks, and finally he asked me out for a date. I made the choice to say yes. I started going to church with him immediately, and was overwhelmed by the love that I felt from the people in this church. People that I had never met before. This was all so new to me. I was a little bit hesitant to their kindness at first, but quickly grew to love them back. I was experiencing the love of Jesus, and I could feel myself changing on the inside. I was happy! I felt like God had placed his holy hands on my weary shoulders, and gave me comfort and peace that only He can provide. I can't really tell you the exact day that I was saved like some people can, but I knew with each passing day, that Jesus was working in my heart, and the He was the choice that I needed to make! </span></div>
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I am so grateful, and I want the whole world to know, that I made the right choice! I choose Jesus!<br />
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Linking up with Karen at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesday-at-ten-choice-2/" target="_blank">Tuesday at Ten</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-9261758070325501892016-03-05T18:11:00.000-05:002016-03-10T10:41:49.163-05:00I AMI am Rachelle Craig! I am married to an amazing man who loves God with all of his heart! I am a daughter to my earthly parents, (my beautiful momma is still walking this earth, but my daddy went to be with God when I was just 15.) But even more than that, I am a daughter to my Father in Heaven! I am a mom! I am a NaNa! I am a sister to 4 siblings, 3 of whom are still walking this earth, and 1 who is rejoicing in the arms of Jesus! I am also a sister in Christ to my church family, and to many beautiful women who God has blessed me with in online communities! I am a friend! I am a property manager by profession, and I am an employee to my boss! I am friendly, outgoing, energetic, organized, a tad bit OCD, (well maybe mediocre OCD), and I am able to love with my whole heart!<br />
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I am all of the things I mentioned above, but more than all of those things, I am so grateful that I am a daughter of God! Without Him, I would be none of the above, because without Him, I AM NOTHING! I have lived life on both sides of the fence, and I am so beyond thankful that He waited for me, and He pursued me, and He carried me, even when I didn't know He was with me! He is the Great I AM! </div>
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<i><span style="color: magenta;">God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: magenta;">'I AM has sent me to you.'" - Exodus 3:14 (NIV)</span></i></div>
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You see, when we say something about ourselves beginning with I am, we must follow up with what we are. "I am a mom, I am a sister, I am a daughter of God, etc...." But God? God alone can say "I AM" without saying anything more, because God IS. </div>
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The bottom line here is, I am so thankful that God gave me grace, He opened His arms and invited me into a beautiful relationship with Him. He loves me! No! Matter! What! And I am His daughter! He is the Great I AM! </div>
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Linking up with Karen at <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/tuesdayatten/" target="_blank">Tuesday at Ten</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-6824657007104670522016-02-22T19:13:00.000-05:002016-03-19T21:19:02.776-04:00GraceMy word for 2016 is Grace!<br />
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I chose this word because I started this blog, Saved By Grace! When I named the blog, I prayed for God to reveal what His desire in the name would be, and it happened almost immediately. I realized then that He knew I needed to learn more about His grace. Ephesians 2:8 says; For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - This has always been one of my favorite Bible verses, and it was the first one I memorized. Memorized, but really had no idea what it meant! </div>
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I have been a christian for about 11 years now, and until last spring I had no clue what accepting God's grace meant, let alone how to give or extend grace to others. </div>
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I carried so much guilt from my past, and I knew without a doubt that I had been forgiven, but it was hard to accept His grace. To think that He so willingly and lovingly handed His grace to me. I also knew that by accepting His grace, I would have to extend grace to others. I wasn't sure I could do that. I harbored so many hurts and resentments deep in my heart, and I didn't know how to fully let go of these things. I wore a mask well. Most people knew nothing about the feelings buried deep down that only I was allowed to feel. </div>
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Last Spring I was doing a Bible study with some amazing women that I have met through social media. I heard and read stories of their past. How they received God's grace, and how they have been forgiven. They have been able to move on, to help others, to be an inspiration, to tell their stories, and to give all the glory to God! It was then that I realized that I had been harboring these feelings and resentments. It was then that I prayed, I asked for God's forgiveness, AGAIN! I asked Him to show me how to truly accept His grace that He so willingly offers, and to be able to truly extend grace to others, all the people who have hurt me, or those whom I have been holding grudges against. </div>
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Wikipedia defines grace as:</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><b>"The love and mercy given to us by God because God desires us to have it, not because of anything we have done to earn it."</b></i></span></div>
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I still have my days where I struggle with both receiving and giving grace, but I have come a long way over the past year, and I take great comfort in knowing that God ALWAYS gives grace, and His grace will ALWAYS be with me. </div>
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Linking up with Barbie at <a href="http://barbieswihart.com/2016/03/held-in-the-grip-of-grace-weekend-whispers.html" target="_blank">Weekend Whispers</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-34229098731598547702016-01-20T16:51:00.000-05:002016-01-20T23:19:22.196-05:00In His Perfect TimingGod puts people in our path that He desires us to be in touch with. His timing is perfect! He knows who we need, or who needs us at each second of every day. I had an extraordinary thing happen today that shows His perfect timing.<br />
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I am a member of a group on Facebook, where ladies join together for support, encouragement, prayer, and to study God's Word, it is a community of Wisdom and Purpose. I have not been real active in this group, and ashamedly admit that I do not always read the notifications that are posted the way I should, or the way I will after what happened today. Today, for some reason, (God's reason) that changed. I had a notification that someone posted in the group. I clicked on it, and saw a request for Corporate Prayer. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Corporate prayer is the term used to describe praying together with other people—in small groups or in larger bodies of people. It is an important part of the church and in Acts 2:42, we learn that the early church prayed together: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”</b> </span> </span><br />
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The request was for someones son who is suffering from something that is very near and dear to my heart. She requested prayer for something that is a part of my past, as well as my present. I am dealing with it with some of my own family members right now. It is a topic that I am familiar with, educated in, able to give advice, support, and definitely willing and able to pray about. I had never communicated to her before today. I had never even heard of her before today. I "liked" the request, and commented that I would definitely be praying, and how near and dear to me this subject is. She responded and asked me if I had this issue in my own family. I sent her a friend request along with a private message explaining my circumstances to her. We chatted back and forth for awhile, and I know now that God made this happen! Nothing happens by mistake or coincidence, everything happens for a reason, God's reason!</div>
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It has been my hearts desire to reach out and help others who are experiencing what I once did, and what some of my closest family members are still experiencing. I have been set free, but only through God's Amazing Grace! He carried me through some of my darkest days, and out of some pretty intense situations. He wanted me to be free from the guilt I harbored for several years, and to turn it all over to Him. He has taken my past and turned it into His purpose! I was able to realize this and surrender it all to Him last summer when I done the Bible Study with Tracie Miles, Your Life Still Counts. Today, I can give Him all the glory! Today, I Thank Him for putting this woman and her son into my path. Tomorrow, January 21, 2016 at 3:00 pm Eastern time, 2:00 pm Central time, 12:00 pm Pacific time, and 1:00 pm Mountain time, would you please join us in praying for this young man? I am not at liberty to give his name or his request, but God knows, so please take a moment and lift him up. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."</span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span>-Matthew 18:19-20- NIV</span></span></blockquote>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5246483377967780275.post-90583055236782735772016-01-17T16:24:00.000-05:002016-01-17T16:24:40.226-05:00My Community<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">My first online Bible Study was in January of last year. I was scrolling through Facebook and<a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://www.proverbs31.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Proverbs 31</span></a> </span>posted about signups for
a book and Bible Study called<span style="color: #c27ba0;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0310339642/?tag=mh0b-20&hvadid=7003298279&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4u6zk8mghx_e"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Keep It Shut</span></a></span>, by <a href="http://karenehman.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Karen Ehman</span></a>. The title alone
caught my attention, because sometimes, I do need to Keep It Shut! I would be
so much better off to not say anything at all, than to pounce before I ponder.
At this same time, my spiritual life was what you might call lacking something.
I live 45 minutes away from my church, and they typically have their Women’s
Bible Studies on Thursday morning at 9:00 am. I work full time, so therefore it is
almost impossible for me to make it to Bible Study. So I battled with myself
back and forth, back and forth, I kept asking myself if I really wanted to
spend that much money on a book that I would probably never even finish, let
alone have time to do Bible Study. The thought would not leave me, every day
for about 5 days I kept seeing posts about it, and kept arguing with myself.
Then I saw where you could even join a small group on Facebook. That sparked my
interest a little bit more. Finally I decided to order the book and sign up for
the study. Once I was signed up, I received an email telling me which Facebook
group I was assigned to, and to expect a message from the group leader within 5
days of the start date of the study. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEskpSuwno2rYckUn1mMzaw5SzHJk-14n1igNaz3VlGwdXwzoUgd1C4oDrPrugdG7jPq8a4rJhhHWzotpNipKrVE4EFTPdB3vp276zE-0alUVYRQOie6Q4Z1MHabwV2jlDy_ojOhD9pArz/s1600/th-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEskpSuwno2rYckUn1mMzaw5SzHJk-14n1igNaz3VlGwdXwzoUgd1C4oDrPrugdG7jPq8a4rJhhHWzotpNipKrVE4EFTPdB3vp276zE-0alUVYRQOie6Q4Z1MHabwV2jlDy_ojOhD9pArz/s1600/th-34.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">A few days later I did receive that message. The
lady who sent the message, Diana Rockwell, was so kind and welcomed me with open arms to the
group. She seemed like she truly cared about me, and I didn’t even know her. I
was thrilled to have been contacted by someone so caring. I was still having
doubts about this whole thing, and I kept thinking I would not be able to keep
up with the study, that I would just slack, and probably not get involved or be
noticed. (I know now that was the enemy trying to fill me with his lies.)
Finally the day came and they study started. I received the first email and
video, and I was amazed at the time and effort these women put into these blog
posts and videos. They seemed so caring, happy, and joyful to be doing this
study. My group leader was so encouraging, and wanted us to jump in on
conversations. Before I knew it, I had made so many friends just in this small
group. Within just a couple of weeks, I had grown to care deeply about several
of these women, and it seemed like I had known them forever, like they were my
BFF’s! :) I have remained in each Proverbs 31 study since January, as well as a
couple of studies with Tracie Miles. Tracie's 2 books, <a href="http://traciemiles.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Your Life Still Counts</span></a> and<span style="color: red;"> <a href="http://traciemiles.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Stressed-Less Living</span></a></span>, have totally changed my life. Tracie is an amazing author, and so approachable, she genuinely cares. Her actions back up her words, she is an amazing woman of God, that I am just so thankful for. She may never know it, but through her kindness, and a few words of wisdom through an email I received from her, along with a special gift in the mail, she gave me the strength and courage to face my fears of public speaking, or just being able to talk about myself and my past, and to share what God has done in my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I have found true friends in the community
that I never could have imagined possible. I have witnessed the Love
of Jesus through this online community, and I Thank God for giving me the
persistent thoughts and the strength to not listen to the enemy and his lies. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XN17H6_BHwOmaNaztKZVg-GKVOfq6luopmlHHGyuh4jhAgfUSTCkFTYm4aKzFPjlFqIn65f2REyL7h-GLSYNflrJUHptrmN6ZAuMSepuuRXwRGxWNkrByAxijS9SG45S4qbJPe5orzeg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-20+at+10.12.23+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XN17H6_BHwOmaNaztKZVg-GKVOfq6luopmlHHGyuh4jhAgfUSTCkFTYm4aKzFPjlFqIn65f2REyL7h-GLSYNflrJUHptrmN6ZAuMSepuuRXwRGxWNkrByAxijS9SG45S4qbJPe5orzeg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-10-20+at+10.12.23+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">I love these women like they are my family! I have
sent and received gifts and cards with some of them, and the outpouring of love
is just unimaginable for someone to comprehend if they have never been involved
in these studies. These are real people with real lives and real problems, real
hurts, real brokenness. Some of these ladies have experienced the same past as
I have, and are healing, and learning how to receive God’s Grace. Some of them
have been Christians their whole lives, and some of them are brand new
Christians. In this community, it doesn’t matter which side of the tracks you
came from, what you have done, or whatever, these ladies just Love Jesus, and
want to spread and share that love as much as possible! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">As time goes on, I continue to meet women in this
on-line community who genuinely want to love and encourage one another. I have
grown closer to some of these women than I am to some of my own family members,
but in reality, I have never met them face to face. Each one of them have
touched me in a different way, and have been beautiful blessings!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God never ceases to amaze me with His
goodness! He knows who we need in the exact moment, to inspire, encourage,
pray, or whatever it may be. He will use perfect strangers, and fill our hearts
with love, compassion and joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">So I Thank<span style="color: #0b5394;"> Proverbs 31</span>, <span style="color: red;">Tracie Miles</span>, and my group leader, <span style="color: purple;">Diana Rockwell</span> for
giving me encouragement, love, guidance, and for truly changing my life! But
most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior for His never ending love, mercy, and
grace! <3</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2