tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70021508551819928082024-03-04T21:09:52.344-08:00Hester's HeartLeading Women Toward Spiritual MaturityHester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.comBlogger188125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-50106268168060448382014-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:002016-01-26T22:42:27.361-08:00FOR THE LOVE OF GOD -- AND A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE BOOK<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We all know someone riding the fence of faith. Maybe a neighbor whose grieving, the single mom on your child's soccer team, the lady at the public pool you sit by, or your co-worker, who shows interest in God, but is afraid to admit she doesn't really understand God's story or His unconditional love for her. </span><br />
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I am excited to announce the release of a fabulous new book targeted to the unsure wavering audience, "For the Love of God: A Woman's Guide to Finding Faith and Getting Grace," by <a href="http://www.jennyleesulpizio.com/" target="_blank">Jenny Suplizio.</a> I recommend this book not just because I had the blessing to contribute a portion to chapter 7, but really, this work is a helpful tool that offers hope, grace, freedom and a whole lot of love, God's love. </span><br />
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Jenny writes with candid honesty strait to the heart. While sharing her own faith struggles, she allows readers to see, that she too, has been there. Jenny wrestled through her doubts and questions with God and emerged a new creation in Christ Jesus. She knew she was called to minister to others walking in those same shoes. Through her humor and humility, she gently nudges readers to abandon their fears and embrace Jesus, the only One worth pursuing.<span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Please welcome Jenny Sulpizio. I'm thrilled to have her with me today for a short interview regarding her new book.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><b>What inspired you to write this book? Why did you want to reach out to new believers and/or those struggling in their walk with God? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Plain and simple: I've been there. In fact, I resisted a relationship with the Lord for so, so long. Despite His best efforts to get my attention. Despite the emptiness I felt and the longing I had. I understand those feelings of fear when it comes to walking with the Lord, the uncertainty one has when it comes to seeking their Creator, and I wanted to provide these women the encouragement they need as they seek God and what it means to be His daughter.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><b>Why do you think so many people struggle when it comes to the issue of discipling? Why is it so hard to talk about Jesus? </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Honestly, I struggle with this at times and I'm not sure of all the reasons why. But here's what I <i>do</i> know . . . we are called to disciple and make His Name known. We are absolutely commissioned by God to defend Christ, to share His gift of salvation, and to disciple others in the faith. That is why we are here. In fact, this is our entire pupose on Earth . . . not to shine the light on ourselves or live this life for our desires and plans, but to live solely for Christ and to share the Gospel with those He places in our circles of influence.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><b>In your book, you mention your defiance towards the Lord. In fact you discuss how you willingly made God an outsider in your life, pushed Him away, and ignored His presence. Why do you think this is a widespread epidemic amongst our culture today?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For me, it was fear. I was afraid of what it would look like to truly believe in God . . . what it would mean. I was scared by what he might ask me to do, the rules He's want me to obey, as well as the guilt I'd have to confront should I choose to follow Him. I was a woman desperately in need of this loving, grace-filled relationship and yet I kept making excuses as to why I shouldn't or couldn't follow Him. One of 'em right after another.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your heart with us today. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Friends it's time to join Jenny in the <a href="http://www.jennyleesulpizio.com/the-godsgirl-movement/" target="_blank">God's Girl Movement, </a>a movement designed to minister to women in need of true hope, true joy, true fulfillment . . . simply stated, they need Jesus - and they need women, like you and me to come alongside them in true discipleship - to link arms as we walk towards Christlikeness together. Will you join us, friends? Together, we can impact this world for Him.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">To find out more information or to purchase a copy of this book, please click: <a href="http://www.jennyleesulpizio.com/love-of-god-womans-guide-finding-faith-getting-grace/" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Enter for your chance to win:</b> If you would like to be entered to win a free copy of this book, please give a shout out for this new release by posting a comment and sharing this post to Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. You'll be entered to win with each social media used. A random name will be drawn next Tuesday, November 18th at 2pm.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span></span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-31525248637792755312014-06-13T05:00:00.000-07:002014-11-04T14:20:53.526-08:00ARE YOU PROPERLY INVESTED?<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spring and summer make a grand entrance. New life sprouts where thatched grass once existed. Bulbs poke through the earth, smiling through cheerful colors and whimsical shapes. This season exudes playful beauty. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There I was, minding my own business while I <strike>coveted</strike> relished the yards in our neighborhood recently, when an unexpected garden lesson began to un-choke my tangled heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago our family tackled some yard work. We were hopeful to somehow repair the train wreck on our property. Our lack of landscape bothers me like sitting on the toilet in the dark . . . only to realize the lid is still up. Nasty, right? I have a thang for pretty yards and flower beds. Due to some interior house issues we have yet to tackle my preferred project . . . the yard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I began to reminisce of the good 'ole days back in Boise, where our yard and garden were a lovely respite and joyful sanctuary. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes, it's unwise to look back. Focusing on the past can keep our vision blurred for the future. <a href="http://ctt.ec/3f8w0" target="_blank">(Care to Tweet)</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take a gander . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These photos don't even show the fruit trees, blueberry and raspberry bushes. Nor do they show the enchanting flower beds around the home that echo eloquence and delight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now envision my new garden in Spokane. It is not physical, but rather spiritual. God is giving me eyes for the eternal to see this. The hearts of my neighbors are the places I now plant seeds. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeds of hope. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeds of love. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seeds of friendship. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Behind their eyes I see hurting souls, broken hearts and isolation . . . all in need of connection. God showed me I certainly do have a new garden in Spokane; one of eternal value and lasting beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He beckons my response to this question, "The harvest is plentiful, Hester, but the workers are few. Will you join Me in this harvest?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God is doing a new thing in my heart. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm done grieving over what I miss. I can honestly tell you, I don't even give a rip about my undone yard anymore. It actually feels good to be okay with this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe I'll plant some flowers this year, maybe I won't. Flowers are God's lovely creation and gardening is not wrong. I think more than anything, God has taught me to stop complaining of what I don't have and recognize what I do have: Something of greater value needing my care and cultivation for this season. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is replacing the weed of discontent with seeds of love, with a fruitful harvest in mind. This new perspective allows me to accept that while I would like my yard to look differently, the investment of time this year is in His eternal garden. As I keep my focus on the present it will help my vision stay clear for the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have quietly prayed for revival in my neighborhood for over a year. The gates of heaven have been stormed with private petitions. We have intentionally reached out to our neighbors since we moved to this area of town two years ago. We want to be their friends. We want to love them as Christ would. We are slowly reaping the blessings of friendship amongst them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What garden is God asking you to invest in? The harvest is plentiful . . . I want to be a worker of His harvest. How about you? </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-79982078411882579852014-03-28T05:00:00.000-07:002014-03-28T05:00:10.372-07:00WE ARE MORE THAN A NUMBER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf95QfmUBaixX87y6mGNW-_blfXaajLste67n1GdstAxDJ0JgS3U0Z4YuXHJxe9DcnxHLc-WMdudYAxTRKH3ukYzXAA9hV3vn9DiyiyQ_SLdr0Qfl0DgpLhfdEbM-3tUt62b3jfaHaUc/s1600/300+x+165+Idaho+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf95QfmUBaixX87y6mGNW-_blfXaajLste67n1GdstAxDJ0JgS3U0Z4YuXHJxe9DcnxHLc-WMdudYAxTRKH3ukYzXAA9hV3vn9DiyiyQ_SLdr0Qfl0DgpLhfdEbM-3tUt62b3jfaHaUc/s1600/300+x+165+Idaho+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those Idaho friends who share this post to Facebook or Twitter, I will enter you in a drawing for two free tickets to this conference - to be announced on my Facebook ministry page, Hester's Heart, April 1st, 2014, before 5pm (PST).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">Dear women and teen girls of Idaho,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">You live in a culture that says your identity and value depend on your appearance, popularity and success. <b>That's not true. </b>You are more than: the size you wear, your "likes" on Facebook, the mistakes you've made, the scars you carry, the dollars in your bank account, and the things you do, even for God! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">Join us at the <b>More Than A Number</b> event to learn God's Truth about who you are and why you matter. Receive His love and find freedom to impact your world as God intends! (we need you...)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">The<b> More Than A Number </b>event will take place on April 5, 2014</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">, from 9:00am - 2:00pm,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;"> at the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in Boise, ID. We will be hosting special musical artist Holly Star, and guest speakers, Constance Rhodes, Teasi Cannon, Dr. Megan Osborne and Lauren Lenhardt. Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $20. This is going to be an incredible event. For more information, or to buy your tickets, please go to</span><a href="http://www.morethananumberidaho.com/" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0068cf;">www.MoreThanANumberIdaho.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;"> </span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;"> </span><br style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222;">We hope to see you there!</span></span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-88442221804562912762014-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-24T05:00:04.514-08:00<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hello there Friends!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q1phqknVxiFpA2MrABBt5UCiPVw6So2cWw-7TmxMRcnHh4K0bQoHFIMm53HDhbMXndhs3IQVJQwmxQN_owJrs6HeS9l_GWg04OM5vFa6TmMQVKEb5qhLxxTZpmlzoXUpdCU68zCFWKQ/s1600/HesterButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Q1phqknVxiFpA2MrABBt5UCiPVw6So2cWw-7TmxMRcnHh4K0bQoHFIMm53HDhbMXndhs3IQVJQwmxQN_owJrs6HeS9l_GWg04OM5vFa6TmMQVKEb5qhLxxTZpmlzoXUpdCU68zCFWKQ/s1600/HesterButton.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you may have noticed, I have not posted a devotion the last two Fridays like I normally do. Due to the time needed to prepare my weekly messages for teaching the Bible study I wrote last year, I am unable to maintain my regular schedule at this time. I am hopeful to return in March when my weekly teaching will be done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your grace and understanding as I try to manage this seasonal change and still balance wife, mom and ministry responsibilities. Your prayers are appreciated on my behalf as I push forward during this very exciting, yet demanding time in my life. I will try to have periodic posts on my Facebook ministry page, Hester's Heart, if you would like to connect with me there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.</i>" <i> Romans 15:13 (NIV 1984)</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love, Hester </span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-8683608581500850972013-12-30T08:00:00.000-08:002014-01-29T13:57:36.188-08:00FAKE: LIVING CHRISTLIKE IN A COUNTERFEIT CULTURE <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm very excited to announce the inaugural teaching of the Bible study <i>FAKE</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Tuesdays @ Valley Real Life, Greenacres, WA </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">starting January 7 - February 18, 2014, 9:30-11:15am</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussion groups and prayer</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live teaching each week by Hester</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-60133271223289644902013-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:002014-01-29T14:00:01.165-08:00* 12 CHRISTMAS WISHES<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May His light illuminate any darkness present in your life.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May you unwrap your old nature and wrap-up your new self in Christ.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May the joy of Christmas jingle overflow in worship of your King.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May your stockings be beautiful as you bring forth the Good News of the Gospel.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May the love of this Babe encourage you to savor the riches He delivers.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>May the heart of Christmas be found in yours.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*** Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Please join me January 10th for my first post in 2014. Sweet blessings to you all and thank you for your faithful support of Hester's Heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Revised 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-68195978147581623002013-12-13T05:00:00.001-08:002014-01-29T13:53:29.321-08:00* STRONG-WILLED WIFE<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 2:24 (NIV 1984) For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Months of planning are put into a wedding. Details are just right; the cake, tuxes and dresses are ordered, invitations sent, reservations made, decorations bought, and flowers arranged. It is interesting how much time and effort is willingly put into a wedding ceremony; but what about the marriage? Great marriages don't "just happen." Behind the bouquets, lace and fruit punch is a myriad of two backgrounds and ideals coming together as one; it takes more than just "wishing" for a good marriage. A godly thriving marriage takes work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul uses marriage to illustrate Christ's love for the church. <i>"Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy. (</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 5:25 NIV 1984)</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ loved the church by laying down His life for her so that the best could be brought out of her. As a part of Christ's bride, we understand the significance of this sacrificial act. He was willing to empty Himself for the good of the church, His bride. In the same way, the husband is to seek to sacrificially love his wife by emptying himself and serving her. Christ didn't lead by domineering, but by caring and cherishing. This is how a husband ought to treat his wife.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Verse 33 exhorts wives by saying, "<i>The wife must respect her husband.</i>" Love and respect are foundational principles for any marriage to remain healthy. Just as a wife desires unconditional love, the husband desires unconditional respect. Unfortunately, most wives don't understand this fact or simply refuse to accept it to the detriment of their marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My marriage hasn't been perfect, after all, we are two very imperfect people. There are times when I regrettably disrespect my husband, withdraw from him physically and put unfair expectations on him. Many times these are a result of selfishness, insecurity as a woman and my own lack of spiritual maturity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know God's desire for marriage, but it's my choice to carry out His design. Sometimes I can be down-right strong-willed and even manipulative when I try to maneuver my desires and wishes for certain things. When I refuse to allow my husband to function in his leadership role it grieves God. My friend Kathy Altmeyer reminded me that it requires faith on my part, to trust God enough to lead my husband, so I can honor him without impeding his position. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to honor and respect my husband, even though my humanness may sometimes resist this. This human reality has taught me over the years the absolute necessity of nurturing my own relationship with Christ <i>and</i> depending upon the Holy Spirit to help me overcome this temptation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is true in many aspects. The more we earnestly seek the Lord, the easier it is for us to submit to God, and others. When we submit, we can easily surrender ourselves, which is typically the root to selfishness and pride. Seeking, submission and surrender are a powerful combination for any life desiring to be in the center of God's will.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perfect marriages don't exist; only a perfect God who restores imperfect people. When two purposeful individuals pursue God's best for their lives they will experience a thriving relationship and biblical oneness. This does not mean God-honoring marriages are exempt from struggles, disagreements or desert experiences. But it will reveal those who are submitted to Christ's authority. The fruit of their marriage will result in the determination to work through various issues. They will exert the time and effort needed which will ensure victory for the Kingdom and defeat to the enemy! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evaluate how your relationship with God, or lack of, contributes to your marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider the strength of your foundation. Which building blocks can you better implement for a healthy and godly marriage?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider the possible reality of any strong-willed behavior you may exhibit in your marriage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 7:25 </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(NIV 1984)</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 10:5 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 8:12 "Brothers we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 5:21 "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 5:33 "The wife must respect her husband."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Revised 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-86960814941825990382013-12-06T05:00:00.001-08:002014-01-29T13:50:57.115-08:00* WE REALLY DO NEED EACH OTHER<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be blessed today by this short story of Christian fellowship. It illustrates what it means to be the body of Christ and how we are exhorted to encourage others in the journey of faith. It is from a book by Rueben Welch, "We Really Do Need Each Other," and was shared with me in junior high by my youth leaders. This story still impacts me today.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At school a few years ago there was a summer school course in "Group and Interpersonal Relations." About a dozen people took the class and at the end of it they decided they wanted to do something together as kind of a closing to the class. You know, they had come to know each other, share with each other, and really be personal to each other, and break down walls and so forth - so they decided to get together and take a hike up to Hennigar Hill.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, Hennigar Hill is about three miles up the side of the mountain behind the campus and it takes about an hour and a half for anyone to make the hike.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So they set the day and made the sandwiches, made the chocolate, brought the cold drinks, and the back packs, and they got all gathered up for the safari . . . and they started up the mountain - together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But is wasn't before long until the strong, stalwart ones were up in front and the other ones were back in the middle and way back at the end of the line was a girl named Jane - who was, you might say, out of shape.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the front was Don - a big, strong, former paratrooper. He and some others - the strong ones- were up in the front and the weak ones were back in the back, and way in the back was Jane. And Don said - it was he who told me this story - he looked back a couple of switchbacks and saw Jane and the Lord told him that he had just better go back and walk with her. That's kind of hard on him because he has a need to be first.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But he went down and started walking with Jane and the people in the level above called down, "Come on up. It's great up here." And Jane yelled, "I don't think I can make it."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And they hollered, "Yeah, you can. Try harder, come on up." And every time they called to her down went her own sense of worth, down went her own sense of value - "I can't make it." "Oh, yeah you can. Come on."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the strong went on ahead and the weak hung behind, and here was Jane, and she never made it to the top.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, look what you have. You have a group - we know each other, we like each other, we want to do this together, let's go to Hennigar Hill together. But before long, you have divided the strong and the weak, the haves and the have-nots, and the ables and the unables. So what started out as a group has now become a fragmented collection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so the strong say, "You can do it." And the weak say, "No, I can't." And the strong say, "Try harder" - which is a big help. That's a big help. But Jane didn't make it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thankfully, that's not the last chapter. They must have learned their lessons because they decided that was no way to end the fellowship of that class. They got together and decided to do it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But they made some new rules - it was everybody go or nobody go, and they were all going- together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So they set the day, and made the sandwiches, made the chocolate, brought the cold drinks, and the backpacks and they got all gathered up for the safari.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took them four hours to make it to the top, and the water was all gone, the cold drinks were all gone, the sandwiches were all gone, the chocolate was all gone, and the backpacks were empty, but they all made it, together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know something - we're all just people who need each other. We're all learning and we've all got a long journey ahead of us. We've got to go together, and if it takes us until Jesus comes, we better stay together and we better help each other.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I dare say, that by the time we get there, all the sandwiches will be gone, all the chocolate will be gone, all the water will be gone, and all the backpacks will be empty. But no matter how long it takes us we've got to go together. Because that's how it is in the body of Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's all of us in love, in care, in support, in mutuality - we really do need each other. Let's go to Hennigar Hill together!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Work:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who do you know that needs some extra support and encouragement right now? Contact this person this week. Pray to see how you can better come alongside them to spur them on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What prevents you from reaching out to those who need a lift?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How has others encouragement helped you in a time of need?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does this statement mean to you: "We were not created to be an island."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV 1984) "Two are better than one, if one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acts 15:32 "Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 6:2 "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Peter 1:22 "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-87035184034555139622013-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-29T08:04:49.747-08:00* FOOD FOR THOUGHT - THANKSGIVING PRAYER<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May my life overflow with Your fruit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I hunger for righteousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I thirst for Living Water. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I nourish my soul with Your Word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May my mind crave purity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May I purge myself of pride and ingratitude. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I be satisfied with the hope I have in Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I not choke on my selfish desires. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May my heart be sustained by Your love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May I not quench Your Spirit, but rather consume Your presence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I be stuffed with the joy of the Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May my tongue testify to the sweetness of Your grace and forgiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May I not waste the gifts You give me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I feast on Your goodness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I delight in the fellowship of believers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May my soul devour the wisdom and truth of Your Word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I not swallow the enemy's lies. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I savor my relationship with You, Lord. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I resist spiritual milk and feed on spiritual meat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May my appetite for self-discipline increase. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I starve my flesh from the world's smorgasbord of sin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May I give You my first fruits and not my leftovers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> • May I continue to taste and see that the Lord is good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">• May I have a heart for the harvest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Revised 2012. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-87808808782888169052013-11-22T05:00:00.001-08:002013-11-29T08:08:06.023-08:00ESCAPE <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Periodically, I want to escape from life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alright, I'll be honest . . . lately, I've wanted to jump on a jet and fly east.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my mind I run and hide to the hills of Wisconsin. I imagine a cabin nestled in the woods, close to a babbling brook where deer come each morning to refresh. The sun glistens through the trees and a-frame windows, landing on the over-size chair where I sit with my hot tea and books in my blanket-covered lap. A slight crack in the window reveals a glorious symphony performed by the blue jays and red cardinals while the crackling fire warms my feet on the ottoman. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For a moment, I get<i> really</i> imaginative and pretend there are no demands or interruptions . . . no emails, no social media, no phones ringing <i>or</i> buzzing, no errands to run, no schedules to keep up with, no attitudes to tame, no conflicts to curb . . . just pure simplicity.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, the blaring siren on the clothes dryer awakens my stupor and I quickly realize my little 'escape,' abruptly comes to a halt. Rats!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There seems to be a common thread in nearly every conversation I've had with people in recent months. "Yeah . . . we're doing pretty good, but you know, we're just so . . . (any guesses?), busy." I've decided I officially don't like the word, "busy." I think it should be in the top ten bad word list. Followed up with this statement goes something like, "I just feel so overwhelmed." To be accurate, I think I just quoted myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life throws different curve balls at random times. Thankfully we have a coach who teaches us how to approach them and cheers for us while we handle them. Even when:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's more month left than money</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our child's teacher calls home to discuss their questionable behavior</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those close to us fail to remember important dates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The argument with our daughter escalated too far</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raging insecurities hover over our heart like a dark cloud</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We feel spiritually empty and unmotivated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our schedule threatens to strangle our sanity</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reality of our existence reveals our weakness to somehow, "do it all and be it all, for all people at all times." We can't and were never intended to. There is only One who can and it's not our place to try and fill His position.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I glance at my long<i> </i>to-do list to complete before the end of this year I tell myself, <i>There is no way even half of this is going to get done! </i>For a change, this doesn't choke me like it used to. God is teaching me to relax and learn to let go of some things. Now, don't get my type-A self wrong, I want my list to get done, but strangely, I'm beginning to lower my expectations and shrug my shoulders when life doesn't operate like I want. Dare I say that releasing this control is almost therapeutic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In our over-whelmed busyness I believe the Lord draws us to Him. In our desire to escape, let's escape and embrace the One who holds our hands, heals our hurts and takes care of our tomorrow's. And remember,<b> o</b></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ur need for God is obvious and our dependence upon Him should not be oblivious.</b></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://clicktotweet.com/1fQAd" target="_blank">Care to Tweet?</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2013 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-78616512898096256732013-11-15T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-18T13:22:42.952-08:00SAY WHAT? - Part 2<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James 4:14 (NIV 1984) "Why, you do not even know </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most likely, s</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ometime within the next fifty years our remains will return to the dust of the ground. I'm not trying to be morbid, I just know how easy it is to forget the brevity of life. I can go about my 'schedule' and get easily caught up in daily demands, tyranny of the urgent and the redundant nature of going through the motions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If we're only given one life to live, and that life makes an eternal impact whether good or bad, then what we're entrusted with should be cherished and lived with direct purpose and intentionality, right? But, how comfortable and complacent we can get as we run errands, clean the house and carpool our children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The legacy we leave impacts lives. Embracing this truth should naturally affect the daily choices we make. Our decisions formulate who we are and ultimately influence our relationships with others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reality of our existence is a mist . . . a vapor . . . like a morning fog rising off a translucent lake. Have you ever wondered like I have, when my expiration date is up, what words and phrases loved ones will pick to describe me? What exactly will be said and remembered? But more than a one-word adjective or a funny story, our heart's prayer should be to leave a lasting legacy of love . . . a legacy of love for God and love for people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Say what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes it's the small, simple interactions in life when a lasting impact of love occurs. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who makes time to <i>really</i> talk and pray with another</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who shows an interest in those in their circles</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who slows down enough to greet, make eye contact and smile to daily faces</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who prioritizes time to connect with their kids and spouse</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who mails a note of encouragement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who invites 'that' family for dinner</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who is approachable, gentle and transparent</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Othertimes it's the big, not so simple choices in life when a lasting impact of love occurs.</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who pursues God and His Word daily</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who is disciplined and motivated</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who resists a life of comfort and luxury</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who establishes healthy relational boundaries</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who stands by their word regardless of circumstances</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who takes responsibility without making excuses</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One who interracts with more than a screen</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like you, I don't always get it right or make the right decisions. There will always be times when the woes and concerns of life weigh us down and we slump into routine and ease, forgetting the big picture. But, when we recalibrate our hearts with intentional purpose to love God and people, He will enable us to remain steadfast in our efforts as a wife, mom, sister and friend. We can leave a lasting legacy of love. We will be remembered as one who mattered </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> one who invested in what mattered the most.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Heart Work:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write down the legacy you desire to leave. What do you need to change in your life to begin to establish this legacy? Be specific.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Heart Exam:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compare and contrast the lives and legacies of two Bible characters. How do their lives inspire you or serve as a warning?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the list above, what simple or not so simple choices may you need to make?</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Transforming Word:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 39:5 (NIV 1984) "You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 102:3a "For my days vanish like smoke."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 144:4 "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hebrews 9:27 "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2013 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-52797998112688217282013-11-08T05:00:00.000-08:002013-11-14T19:29:04.078-08:00SERIOUSLY, DOES IT EVEN MATTER? - Part 1<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James 4:14 (NIV 1984) "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When illness arrives uninvited, as it has to several people in my circles, we fiercely grasp at hope not wanting our last breath to come prematurely to us <i>or </i>to them. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When death's door knocks close to home, like it did in our community recently, the brevity of life hits us like a fastball. These realities cause us to pause and reconsider the value and temporal nature of life. </span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How are we living?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are we living for? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How do we spend our time? </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, does what we do even matter in the scope of eternity?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Through the last few weeks, God continues to reiterate to me 'what does matter.' He also reaffirms this core truth: We all make an impact in life . . . but what <i>kind</i> of impact, is left up to us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>An eternal mindset produces an eternal impact.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An eternal mindset knows that a life surrendered to Christ lives for Him to further His kingdom, not their own. You know what, if we're not living with eternity in mind, then we're not really living as Christ desires. It's time to scrutinize the busyness of our lives, the commitments we have and the choices we make. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This life is merely a prelude to the grand symphony to come. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eternal impacts transcend time not just today. Living with</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the Kingdom of God at the forefront of our minds enables us to make decisions that reflect an eternal mindset. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A temporal mindset can't see past today and the immediate pressing needs in life. If we live for ourselves we are bound to get spiritually stuck. We have to resist the hum-drum, going-through-the-motions of life and be intentional to make eternal investments. To break free from a temporal mindset we must loosen our selfish chains and recognize our purpose for living. When our purpose collides with God as our driving force, we will launch past a temporal mindset to a greater eternal perspective. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is but a breath . . . a mist . . . a vapor. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is an inevitable reality we face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">James chapter four instructs his audience not to live as if they are in control of their lives <i>or </i>as if they know their future and have so many tomorrows. Instead, we are to realize that our knowledge is limited and God is in control of our tomorrows. The gift of today should prompt us to live intentionally. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You've heard people say, "Make the most of life." A well intentioned statement, but cliche. <b>We make the most of life, when our life makes the most of Christ! <a href="http://clicktotweet.com/fdBGc" target="_blank"> ( Care to Tweet ? )</a> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust me, I've had to answer some tough questions in my own life recently. To better reflect the eternal impact I desire to make I've had to evaluate how I'm living. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, some things I do don't even matter, but I want to invest in what does. H</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">onestly, it's not just a 'wish,' or a simple head nod, 'yeah, yeah, someday I'll do that.' Nope. This has required me to weigh several A or B choices - both are good, but which one is God's best for His purpose and plan for my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eternal or temporal? Which mindset are we cultivating? It is imperative we live the impact we want to leave. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who's in?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Temporal or eternal. What mindset is driving your life? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is also wise for us to evaluate how much is at stake for Christ followers </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> those who don't yet know Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it important to consider the legacy you are establishing? What will the pages of history say of you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Compare and contrast the difference of eternal and temporal impacts. How can you realign your life to have an eternal mindset? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What will you leave in the hearts of your loved ones?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 39:5 (NIV 1984) "You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man's life is but a breath."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 102:3a "For my days vanish like smoke."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 144:4 "Man is like a breath; his days are like a fleeting shadow."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 4:18 "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hebrews 9:27 "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2013 by Hester Christensen. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-20822047062780803742013-11-01T05:00:00.000-07:002013-11-07T21:26:13.920-08:00* YOU'RE INVITED -- DON'T DELAY, RESPOND TODAY!<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 10:14 (NIV 1984) "How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6OP6Ghc01QyEkwQj1maLvUH8dKM9FFbngW0alkS0t260HkIoWpds755Tsz_v08vtwn4JjHA2AKQ9DVn-V_cwbwIm2YWiyPc8q-S-O0NZDbKb7aXqi6n3Gvy_syqc6FePpxgyz-4ttZs/s1600/Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6OP6Ghc01QyEkwQj1maLvUH8dKM9FFbngW0alkS0t260HkIoWpds755Tsz_v08vtwn4JjHA2AKQ9DVn-V_cwbwIm2YWiyPc8q-S-O0NZDbKb7aXqi6n3Gvy_syqc6FePpxgyz-4ttZs/s1600/Invitation.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A life changing invitation was presented to me in junior high. As a twelve year old, I was insecure and unstable. I struggled with a difficult home life for a variety of reasons. In the small community where I lived there was a vibrant and healthy youth ministry. Our family began to attend church and the youth leaders invited me right into their home, into their lives, and into their hearts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They showed me Christ's love. They attended athletic events, paid my way to church camp and other events again and again. They often took me and others out for pie and fries. Their home was open, snacks and meals were available and laughter was abundant. They pursued me. Even regular notes of encouragement arrived in the mail. Hundreds of others also experienced this same love and open invitation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their effort in ministry was tireless. (I'm sure I gave them a few gray hairs in the process). Never once did I feel like an inconvenience even though I was a needy girl. They cared enough to reach beyond the comfort of being empty-nesters to invest in the lives of young people. Their vacations weren't spent in Hawaii but rather at church camp with wayward and seeking youth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their sacrifice continues to make an eternal impact. The love I experienced through them led me to accept the grandest invitation available to man. Because of their influence I surrendered my life to Christ and accepted His blood as payment for my sin. This is the most important RSVP I have ever made!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our lives are an invitation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How we interact and respond to others reveals how openly we invite people into our life. Does our life say "welcome" or is their caution tape around our heart? Do we hold people at a distance or is our life receptive to their hurts and needs? Perhaps we are closed off and only exclusive to our inner circle. Maybe we are too busy or simply lack compassion for the lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we experience Christ's radical love, forgiveness and grace, a natural response is to share it with others, not keep it to ourselves. If we had an immediate cure for cancer we wouldn't lock this knowledge up inside us. Christians possess the greatest cure for mankind; the remedy for hopelessness, brokenness, and sinfulness. We cannot hoard His love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People are a priority to Jesus.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ's passion was people. People fulfilled His purpose. He came so people might come to know Him. He made time for others. He welcomed them with open arms. He lavished His grace and mercy. He extended compassion and love. He corrected community wrongs and He delivered justice to the oppressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ extended an invitation with nail pierced hands written with His blood. If people are a priority to Christ, they should be for those who follow Him. As our key verse shows, how will others know Christ if we don't tell them or express Him to them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2025:35-46&version=NIV">Matthew 25:35-46</a> reveals Christ's priority regarding others. Jesus is teaching His disciples the separation He will make between the sheep and the goats at the end of time. He tells them in verses 35-36, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." He continues in verse 40, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All five examples Jesus uses involve people. He makes a direct connection to how we welcome others into our lives and minister to their needs. How we respond to others is actually equated to how we treat Christ. In verse 45 He concludes, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Ouch. This reality should cause us to view others a little differently than we're used to. When we view others through the "Jesus lens" it helps us to respond to others with love. In effect, how we treat others is how we treat Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all want to belong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all want friends. We all want to know we are loved. I believe there are many people within our grasp who internally ache and just wait to be invited into someone's life who actually cares. It's time to get rid of our excuses and begin to develop meaningful friendships with our neighbors, co-workers and others Christ intersects with our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few examples of ways that God has graciously convicted and continues to stretch me with how our lives can better say, "You're Invited, Please Come In."</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look beyond your personal needs and interests. (Is your neighbor sick or a child's classmate in need?)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View 'interuptions' as divine appointments. (Resist controlling every minute of your day)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Engage with others. (Bank, gas station, store, hair salon, kids events etc.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reach out and make new friends. (Be willing to get uncomfortable for the sake of the Gospel)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look for new faces at church. (Resist sitting with your friends)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Invite people to your home for dinner, dessert or a game night. (Who cares if your house is not clean)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask others to join your small group. (Be inclusive not exclusive)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Respond when you are aware of a need in someone's life. (Don't wonder what you 'could do,' offer to bring dinner, watch children etc. etc. )</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Slow down, make time and make room for people. (Intentionally create white space. This may require rearranging your family priorities for the sake of Kingdom living and Kingdom building)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask God to give you His love, compassion and desire for others. (Be ready, He may align you with someone you wouldn't normally reach out to)</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes life change simply takes an invitation. By allowing others into our life we can show them Jesus. We can love them like Christ and embrace them as He would. When others experience the love of Christ through us, their hearts can soften. In turn, they become more receptive to Him and the truth of His Word. This can ultimately lead them to respond and accept the most gracious and beautiful invitation offered. Will your life deliver this invitation to another?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">More importantly, have you accepted Christ's invitation?</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are lovingly invited</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by the Creator of the Universe</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday, November 1, 2013</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This invitation includes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A radical life transformation:</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Surrender your old life to gain new life</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Depart 'goodness' for His grace</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Accept His blood as payment for your sin, not personal merit</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acknowledge your need of His control in your life</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Leave bondage and embrace freedom</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Live empowered by the Holy Spirit!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Forgiveness, Fruitful Living and </i><i>Eternal Life </i><i>is available to all</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't Delay,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Respond Today!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* This post is lovingly dedicated to my leaders: Ray and Roberta Heaton & Jim and Donna Fleming.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Work:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Undoubtedly, our first mission is within the four walls of our home. Ask God to reveal who else He may want you to invite into your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trust in God's ability to stretch you beyond your comfort zone in order to reach out to others as Christ would, then, join Him as He leads you.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Exam:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What excuses do you use for not being an open invitation to others?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does Christ example show you how important people should be? How does this motivate you to change?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What practical ways can your life say "welcome" to others?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Transforming Word:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 25:45 (NIV 1984) 'He will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 3:16 "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-79371076919589837412013-10-25T04:00:00.001-07:002013-10-25T04:00:08.565-07:00* AMAZED OR DAZED ?<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 40:26 (NIV 1984) "Lift your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Several amazing sights were visible in the clear night sky. As dusk came, the students filed in line to have a peak at the galaxy known as Hercules. We climbed the ladder to view this sight through a lens that illuminated this phenomenal work of creation. The next telescope aimed at the planet Saturn. We could see its rings and four of its moons. 'Spectacular' hardly describes what we witnessed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not long ago my 3rd grade son's class went to the Bruneau Sand Dunes for a field trip. This state park is known for its science observatory and evening astronomy shows. It possesses Idaho's largest telescope for public viewing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This experience caused me to pause at the sheer wonder of God's amazing creation. The naked eye can see a lot, but to have a glimpse into a galaxy beyond our grasp is simply breathtaking. God omnipotence is enormous. His creation is not contained by human understanding. Even the Hubble telescope is not big enough to capture the innumerable galaxies that exist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, the Milky Way Galaxy contains billions of stars. Even if we counted one star per second, it would take 2,500 years to count them all. Author and speaker Louie Giglio says the stars are like a billboard that show us everyday how amazing God is. They show off the glory and splendor of our Creator.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did you know that the speed of light travels at 186 thousand miles per second? Imagine in the beginning when God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. Bam! God just spoke it into existence. Now, that was some lightning bolt!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God holds the universe in the palm of His hand, while our understanding of His greatness fits in the palm of our own. His magnificence cannot be gauged or calculated. It exceeds any instrument of measure. Our humanness prohibits us from fully grasping Who God is. If we could fully fathom all of His glory, it could diminish our view of Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acknowledgment of God's grandeur is important. Will we be amazed or dazed by it all? Realizing God's "bigness" forces us to recognize our "smallness." Compared to Him we are nothing. Giglio calls this, "significant insignificance." Admitting our true position properly postures our heart before Him. Despite our humanness and tininess, we are significant to a magnificent God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The reality of who God is transcends into our lives. Knowing He is our EVERYTHING establishes our security in Him as people of God. Our identity and significance stem from the Creator of the Universe. This truth radically influences how we live. Because we trust in Who He is, we can entrust all our worries and weaknesses to Him. He is big enough to handle all our struggles and shortcomings. Seriously, we're talking about THE omnipotent God!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, we can fail to uphold God and His creation for what they demonstrate. Instead of being amazed we become dazed, barely cracking a smile, let alone joy and awe, for the beauty of His matchless artwork. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What happens</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> is, t</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he very sights we're used to simply become so normal and expected that they're easily taken for granted.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We neglect to remember the intricate details of existence and the pleasure meant to be experienced through them. Creation and all its beauty within is God's gift to us and is a visible picture of His power and undeniable reality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When was the last time a sunset, mountain landscape or beach forced us to pause and utter words of worship? When has the sight of a newborn or death of a saint caused us to praise the miracle of life? When has rain on our roof, chirping birds or changing fall leaf colors lifted the crease of our lips? When has grimmy fingerprint windows, loud children and family fun brought laughter that echoes through the walls of our home? When was the last time we just starred at the stars, wondering their names and drinking deep the phenomenon of His masterpiece?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as He named the starry hosts, God knows each of us by name as well. Even better, He invites us into a relationship with Him. God gave our sin to His Son, in order to give us redemption and real life. Only an infinite God, superior than our finite ability to comprehend Him, could extend such an offer. This is indescribable . . . and this, more than anything, should amaze us, not daze us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pause and examine the intricate details of God's creation: a flower, an animal, your child, a garden, sunrise or sunset, or stay up late on a clear night and gaze at His stars.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Intentionally appreciate the work of God's hand. Give thanks for the things that bless you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What keeps you from noticing the details of creation?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Would you presently describe your response to God's majesty as 'amazed' or 'dazed?'</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does God's display of power through creation strengthen your faith? Why is this important to an unbelieving world?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Genesis 1:1 &16, (NIV 1984) "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. God made two great lights-the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 6:3 "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 40:25 " 'To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?' says the Holy One."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 33:6-7 "The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born. He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the oceans in vast reservoirs."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 108:4-5 "For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amos 5:8 "He who made Pleiades and Orion, who turns blackness into dawn and darkens day into night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out over the face of the land - the Lord is his name."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">* "Indescribable" DVD by Louie Giglio.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-9866097744074988682013-10-18T05:00:00.000-07:002013-10-18T05:00:08.730-07:00 * POWER OF PERSPECTIVE <div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV 1984) " 'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.' "</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a crisp sunny morning early in September a few years ago. My husband planned a big surprise for my 30th birthday.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We drove to the fairgrounds, parked and waited. Shortly after, a truck pulled up and started to unload some gear. Instantly, I figured out what we were about to do. I was excited <i>and</i> a little anxious. The crew started to air up the hot air balloon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not exactly a thrill seeker. I prefer my two feet on the ground. Dangling from the sky in a wicker basket with fire and nylon as my safety net is a test of my ambition, to say the least!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My eager husband and I climbed into the 3 X 3 hand woven basket with our pilot. The ground crew released the ropes and away we went, 10 ft, 30 ft, 100 ft and higher...e<i>xcuse me, ehhhemm, where's the bathroom?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I focused on my immediate surroundings or looked down, I became terrified. But, when I looked out beyond my circumstance and gazed at the horizon I began to experience the beauty and breadth of what lie before me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the ground my view was limited. I could hardly see past the horse track, Fred Meyer's and McDonald's. As our elevation increased, the objects below became smaller while the sites around beckoned our attention and enveloped our view.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Far above I could see the great expanse before us. The Boise foothills, Black Butte, Table Rock and the sun all marked their positions. This sight was simply breathtaking, one I will never forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How similar it is when we see things from a different vantage point that our understanding and perception changes. Perspective increases our vision to see things in a new light <i>or </i>from a different angle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Normally, our perspective is subjective. This reveals our humanity and need for God's ways to penetrate our mind and heart. This enables us to exercise faith in our present reality. God's</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> outlook is totally different than ours, as the passage in Isaiah 55 demonstrates. This is the difference between an earthly and heavenly perspective. God's omniscience testifies to His supreme understanding of all things. We only see a few frames of the movie while God sees all the footage. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we mature in our faith it's important to understand how a godly perspective can change everything. It's counter intuitive at times because we tend to focus on the here and now, the temporal, because we are finite. Setting our mind on things above and remembering the eternal allows us to stretch our mind beyond what we see, to what we may not even know or presently understand. This also frees us to have even greater trust in God's sovereignty. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Perspective affects how we view life</u>. In the midst of trials it can be hard to see beyond the moment of difficulty. When we try to understand a bigger picture, God may be attempting to accomplish much through our lives in the midst of pain. I don't say this lightly because I know the depth of heartache. It was through tragedy that God enabled me to see beyond myself to grow in areas He had been trying to reach for years.</span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perspective influences how we view others</u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Having perspective means we try to understand where another person is coming from or we empathize with someone's situation before making unfair false assumptions. </span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lack of perspective produces inaccurate pictures of situations</u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Not having the full view can cause us to respond and react differently than we would if we did have the complete picture. A response of grace or misunderstanding versus a judgmental reaction is often determined by our perspective. Godly perspective extends mercy and understanding. When we understand more fully, we are then able to forgive and offer compassion.</span></li>
<li><u style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perception of others can be colored by our perception of ourselves</u><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, I remember when I first met Leah. Everything about her seemed perfect. She glowed and had a professional resume that sent me to the land of comparison. She had this, this, and this and I could only see what I lacked. My insecurities became a stumbling block while jealousy sought to strangle me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord showed me I was wrong. Then, He helped me embrace who I am in Him and the gifts He has given me. This now enables me to rejoice in the gifting He gives others. This fundamental truth changed e</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">verything. My perspective of Leah reversed because I knew I could operate in what God asked of me in my life and not compare it to hers. Had I not settled my insecurities, I would not be blessed with the awesome friendship we now share nor would I be able to celebrate what God is doing in each of our lives.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we're at ground level it is natural to have an earthly subjective perspective. The results of not having the proper vantage point can cause damage. When we strive to seek a renewed godly perspective, higher than our own, it will require a purposeful pursuit of God's point of view. One thing is certain, the power of perspective, godly perspective, changes us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evaluate your current perceptions of your friends and family. Are they accurate or unfair? How can you extend grace to these relationships?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How have you made unfair judgments of others, causing you to make hasty assumptions or ungodly comparisons?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consider a current trial you are experiencing. How can a godly perspective help you despite the outcome?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What situation in your life needs to have renewed perspective?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Think of a time when your lack of perspective created a flawed perception. What did you learn through this experience?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV 1984) "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Peter 4:13 "But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-20629118520716172762013-10-11T05:00:00.000-07:002013-10-11T05:00:10.146-07:00* LOSING TO GAIN - Part 2<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 3:8 (NIV 1984) "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul willingly lost all things and considered them rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ. Prior to Phil. 3:8, in verses 4-6 Paul tells of his glowing resume as a Hebrew of Hebrews from the tribe of Benjamin etc. His point is that he could choose to put confidence in the flesh but he chose to lose those things and count them as rubbish or dung, to be more specific, in order to gain Christ. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul had to lose, to gain. We too, will need to lose in order to gain. To gain that which has value (knowing Christ), it will be necessary to shed whatever excess baggage inhibits this equation. Excess baggage for Paul was his reputable standing as a leading religious leader, his family heritage and resume of righteousness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In verse 9 he goes on to say, <i>"And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowing Christ meant that Paul could not put confidence in all the accomplishments and kudos he achieved or the knowledge he attained through the law. He knew the righteousness that came through the law was based on performance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The righteousness Paul desired comes through faith in Christ Jesus. Romans 10:17 teaches that faith comes by hearing the message and the message is heard through the word of Christ. We cannot have faith if we do not know Christ. We cannot know Christ without knowing His Word. In fact, the more we know Him through His Word the stronger our faith will be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to Paul, if we want to know Christ we need to count all things as garbage compared to the excellency of knowing Him. When our assurance is in our flesh, the results are far reaching. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A false sense of security will steal our heart because the Living Water becomes diluted within us. And, t</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he desire to know Christ diminishes because we become enthralled by who we are, what we do, our position, title, influence and all we achieve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we're caught up in ourselves, we're not captivated with our Savior. If our confidence is in the flesh then our faith is in ourselves, not in Christ. When true faith is in Christ, then trust in the flesh is reduced because our reliance is appropriately anchored. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just this morning the Lord challenged me with some things I need to lose in my life in order to gain and know Him more. He nudged my heart, <i>Hester, do you really consider ALL things loss in order to know Me more? What about . . ? </i>I know what He is referring to. Things of comfort and familiarity. Things I have held tightly to in recent years, like a sense of control over certain details of life. Things like compliments, that if left unchecked and not reciprocated back to the glory of God, will drive a wedge of pride in my heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like Paul, we all have areas in life we could take credit for <i>or </i>like to place certainty in. Let's remember that whenever we trust in anything outside of Christ, we cannot fully know Him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We cannot gain Christ without losing self. What are you losing to gain?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does your righteousness come by faith or do you secretly store up human accomplishments as a measuring stick of your goodness?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How desperately do you desire to know God intimately? How would you respond to this statement: </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ntimacy within cannot be experienced without Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, I don't want anything to be in the way of knowing you and gaining more of You in my life. Please help me accept Your gentle guidance so I can move forward in faith. These growing pains may hurt my heart, but are necessary, in order to experience deeper intimacy with You. This process of letting go and removing hindrances will cause the growth You desire in my life. Surrender will enable me to know You more. Help me to lose in order to gain."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hosea 6:3 & 6 (NLT) "Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV 1984) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 14:8-9 " 'Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." '</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 3:4 "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 2:21 "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 3:11 " 'Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." '</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death."</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-60937723928155930522013-10-04T05:00:00.000-07:002013-10-09T15:12:40.261-07:00* WHO DO YOU KNOW? WHAT DO YOU KNOW? HOW DO YOU KNOW? - Part 1<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 3:8 (NIV 1984) "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was born February 11, 1962 in Kennett, Missouri. Her father's name is Wendell and her mother is Bernice. She has two older sisters and one younger brother. After graduating from the University of Missouri she was hired in St. Louis as an elementary school music teacher where she taught children with special needs and autism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She played nights and weekends with various bands. She made advertisement jingles for Toyota and McDonald's. At age 24 she headed for Los Angeles and did some songwriting for Wynonna Judd and Celine Dion. A few years later in 1989 she joined Michael Jackson with his "Bad" tour. Later she traveled with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton to Bosnia for a goodwill tour to visit the military troops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her list of Grammy Awards and credits is numerous. I must really know this lady. In fact, we are actually distant cousins. Any guesses who she might be?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This famous music sensation I speak of is Sheryl Crow. Do I really know her? No. We aren't even acquaintances. I've never met her and I'm certain she hasn't a clue who I am. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I found all of these facts about Sheryl on pages 92-94 of our 600 page Crow family book of descendants. (Jeffery Scott Crow, Gateway Press 2004)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Similarly, people may boast in their knowledge of God yet not possess a personal relationship with Him. Sharing facts about God or the Bible is not a guarantee that we know Christ. We may have the Book and be able to recite its stories, but this too does not validate a personal relationship with Jesus. Neither does going to church.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Knowledge about God and His Word should not puff us up but rather give us the understanding of how to become transformed into His likeness. The goal for our Christian lives is not merely information, but rather transformation. The knowledge of truth must penetrate our heart, not just our head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Apostle Paul knew Christ and he did not waver in his life's ambition expressed in Philippians 3:7-11. His goal: to know Christ Jesus his Lord. Verses 7-8 <i>"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."</i> When our personal pursuit matches Paul's, then we too, will know Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Greek word for "<a href="http://classic.studylight.org/isb/view.cgi?number=1097">know</a>" in verse eight stems from the verb "ginosko" which carries the idea to learn to know, come to know, understand, perceive, feel. This is not just knowledge or information, but rather it communicates a knowledge coming from intimacy. This is how a relationship with Christ is established and experienced; through intimate knowledge of Jesus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus doesn't want lip service and a spreadsheet of all the facts we contain about Him. He wants us to actually KNOW Him. A heart engaged in a relationship with Him will desire to go deeper and invest the necessary time to really be intimate with their Savior. Jesus is telling us, "Love me. Talk to me. Commune with me. Have a relationship with me. Don't just know facts about me. Let's do life together."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May each of our lives echo Paul's personal pursuit: to know Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Join me next week for Part 2. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ask the Lord to reveal how you can deepen your relationship with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Evaluate your life's passion and ambition. Does it look like Paul's?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What needs to change in your life, habits, schedules, etc., in order for you to know Christ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write Philippians 3:8 on an index card today. Memorize and internalize this verse.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does knowing Christ mean to you? How does your relationship with Him permeate into your life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hosea 6:3 & 6 (NLT) "Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know Him. I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV) "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 14:8-9 " 'Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us." Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." '</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 3:4 "Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 2:21 "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Galatians 3:11 " 'Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, "The righteous will live by faith." '</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 3:10 "I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-50781882376500637082013-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-27T08:55:42.560-07:00* PLEASE PASS THE SALT <div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 5:13 (NIV 1984) "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."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The usefulness of salt in the first-century is similiar for us in the twenty-first century. This commonly used mineral is used to preserve foods and enhance its flavor. But, it cannot accomplish this without penetrating what it contacts. When it is effectively used it will make any</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> taste buds dance as it</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">bring out the deliciousness of meat, fruit and other various foods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus teaches that His followers are the salt of the earth. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as salt serves a purpose, so should we.</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">he world should immediately recognize they are in the presence of God's salt. Like salt, we should strive to preserve what is good. We should be distinguishable and leave a noticeable impact on every thing we come in contact with. Christ's imprint in us should undoubtedly impress Him upon others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, what good is salt if it never leaves the shaker? A Christian's life should naturally season its surroundings with God's truth and love. We can try so hard to not be contaminated by the world that we never leave the saltshaker. The decay in our world reveals its desperate need for the salt of Christ to penetrate its ungodliness. This is why our example is so crucial. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sadly, the opposite is also true. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ followers can allow themselves to be <i>so</i> influenced by the world that they resemble the world more than they reflect Christ. The world we inhabit is saturated by secular ideas, unbiblical philosophies, humanistic, hedonistic teachings etc</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. If we succumb to these ideologies then our faith is diluted. If we fail to expose these lies, the truth of Christ is not protected and the Gospel is not preserved. Instead of believers penetrating the culture, the culture penetrates Christians. The resulting unsaltiness makes us useless to influence the society in which we live.</span><br />
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<li> "I know the Bible says Christians shouldn't get drunk, but it's just a little get-together in the privacy of my home." </li>
<li>"I know God teaches sex before marriage is wrong, but hey, I've already been married once before. It doesn't really matter this time." </li>
<li>"I may believe in God but it's not for everyone. Aren't they still a good enough person?" </li>
<li>"I know God hates divorce, but He'll still forgive me." </li>
<li>"I know I should teach my children about God, but I don't want to be pushy. They can just grow up and decide for themselves what they believe."</li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What's interesting, is that those who take a firm stand for righteousness are often viewed by other Christians as "taking their faith too seriously," as if we're not supposed to. They too, are often the ones who excuse any public or vocal declaration of their faith, preferring to be a 'closet-Christian.' Is there really such a thing?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There came a point in my life when I had to decide if I was going to unlock that closet. I had to choose if I was truly willing to wear the name of Christ unashamedly and live a life worthy of Him <i>or</i> continue in my tendencies to acquiesce around certain people and circumstances. Even still, there are times I will encounter situations that force me to squirm <i>or </i>reaffirm my allegiance. We all face these types of predicaments daily. Our choices will reflect the degree of our love and level of commitment to our Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Followers of Christ are to remain salty, leave the saltshaker and avoid becoming unsalty. Listening to</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sunday's sermon won't be enough to spiritually prepare us for what we may encounter during the week. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The salt metaphor does not allow for complacency </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> isolation. Remaining grounded in the truth of God's Word fortifies our faith and foundation, which impacts our ability to discern worldly deceptions, uphold biblical standards <i>and</i> effectively influence others for Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our saltiness, or lack thereof, is witnessed daily. If we claim Christ, our lives need to parallel the attitudes and actions of Who we profess. When people are really impacted by Christ, they are changed. Changed for life. Changed for good. Changed by His blood, to be the salt of the earth. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let there be no doubt what flavor others taste in you. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please pass the salt.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Work:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read through the beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12) and evaluate the qualities Jesus desires for those who know Him. This passage leads right up to our key verse, thirteen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write one specific way for each beatitude that you can put into practice this week. Then, pray through your list and acknowledge to God your yearning to exemplify salt for Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For example, vs. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." <i>Lord, even though __________ really hurt me and I want to retaliate, please help me, by the power of your Spirit to extend mercy to them as you have done to me. Help me respond by forgiving them in order to be your salt.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write down three people God has brought into your life that need the salt of Jesus sprinkled on them. Get to shakin'!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Exam:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How well do you represent salt?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What taste do you leave in other people's mouths?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When have you taken Jesus' teachings with a grain of salt?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Matthew 5:13 (The Message) " 'Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.' "</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Acts 1:8 (NIV 1984) "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 2:6 "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-11989638618314670862013-09-20T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-20T05:00:07.620-07:00* OBSTACLES OR OPPORTUNITY ?<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 1:12 (NIV 1984) "Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A justified list of reasons to shy away was obvious. Bullet points to show my inadequacy were numerous</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Personal weaknesses shined like a spotlight. A lack of understanding and knowledge piled higher than my laundry. Insecurity crept into my 'behind-the-times' life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Lord, are You sure this is the direction You're leading? Is this really what You are asking of me?" </i>I pressed forward, trusting in His plan, without having all the details. At times the Lord would gently whisper, "Will you trust Me for the unknown? Will you have faith in My provision? Don't see these as obstacles Hester, see them as opportunity."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the breakdown: I've only had email for a few years. As a mom with young ones I couldn't see how I could add one more thing. Email? Why not just call people? (yeah, I know, stop laughing). I finally learned how to cut and paste. I'm still learning how to transfer one file to another. I can barely operate our printer. I still don't know how to download pictures. And, don't get me started on my cel phone. Get the idea?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's just say, that the author who wrote, "Technology and Computer For Dummies" had me in mind. Honestly, both intimidate me. So, when the Lord decided to put me on the roster for having my own website/blog to write devotions, I did a double take. <i>You talkin' to me? </i>Like Moses I recoiled at the thought. <i>Lord, You know my love/hate relationship with the computer. Are You sure on this one?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">It's easy to allow obstacles to get in the way of what the Lord wants </span>from<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> us. We allow fears to control any forward progress. Limited knowledge or understanding may paralyze us. </span></i></i></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">It appears plausible to shrink back and maintain the status quo. But, t</span></i></span></i></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">he disappointing result is that w</span></i></span></i></span></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">e avoid what God wants </span>for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"> us. In our effort to dodge what we cannot control we mi</span></i></i></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">ss untold joys. We never step out to see the sunshine over the mountain.</span></i></span></i></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Paul saw his circumstances as opportunity. Despite being in prison he insists to the Philippians in chapter 1:12-14 that it furthered the Gospel. What some would call obstacles, Paul called opportunity. His perspective was Kingdom focused, not self-focused. Paul knew what he was about. His purpose was to spread the Gospel of Jesus, and prison was just another avenue to do that. Jail was a pit stop on his missionary journeys, an "obstacle" permitted by God and used by Paul to reach people for Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></i></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">Like Paul, Christ followers are expected to share in the furtherance of the Gospel. We can do this when we embrace our circumstances as opportunities. </span></i></span></i></span></i></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Viewing obstacles as opportunities becomes possible when we possess a godly perspective. They can be blessings if we see them as catalysts for spiritual growth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is faith if we don't put it into practice? When God asks something of us that seems impossible we have a choice to make: rely on self or rely on God. Our decision to rely on God reveals our utter dependence upon Him to see His plan come to fruition. This reliance allows us to experience Him in new ways as he stretches us beyond our safe zone. Then, we get to witness His glorious will unfold.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maintainig a website/blog may seem crazy for a girl like me because I haven't always embraced the latest technological advances, mostly out of fear. God can use technology for His glory. These advances are merely tools, not toys, in spreading the message God puts in my heart. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears come, arguments with my computer occur periodically and giving up seems like a viable option at times. But, I am reminded that growth does not come without pain, so I c</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hoose to persevere.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God desires growth and a godly perspective from His followers. Wherever He is leading and whatever He wants to teach us can be accomplished when we surrender our fears and salute our faith. Then, we can embrace obstacles as opportunity. This propels us to</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> rely on Him,</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> e</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ntrust to Him what we don't understand and believe in His provision to sustain us, so He can bring</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to completion what He wants to accomplish through our lives, for His glory.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pray for opportunities that will grow you spiritually.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What decision are you facing that the Lord has asked of you? Ask Him to help you be obedient.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What obstacles in your life are pressing in on you? How can you change your perspective to see them as opportunities for growth?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can you rely on God to carry you through trying times?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 16:33 (NIV 1984) "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 8:37 "No, in all things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Corinthians 12:9 " 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so Christ's power may rest on me."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 John 4:4 "The One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-64470870617439511802013-09-13T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-13T09:51:06.711-07:00* DYING TO LIVE <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: normal;">Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV 1984) "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead."</span> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is in the business of bringing death to life. He does it physically; He does it spiritually. He did it with Lazarus (John 11:25). He did it with Saul (Acts 9). He can do it with you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because of Christ's sacrifice we</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">are freed from sin and death to experience true and abundant life. Jesus says, "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10b). </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the life-giver. Satan, however, is the life-stealer and death-giver. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10a). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because Christ is risen, His followers have the same resurrection hope and power. Our reality changes because of Christ's victory over death. Christ's triumph becomes ours through faith, which frees us to live the resurrected life every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 6:12 teaches we are to count ourselves <i>dead to sin</i> <i>but alive to God in Christ Jesus</i>. A resurrected life buries the desires of self and crucifies the sinful nature in order to proclaim this new resurrected life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 6:13 further instructs us to offer ourselves to God, <i>as those who have been brought from death to life</i>; and offer the parts of our body to Him as instruments of righteousness. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A resurrected life belongs to God and lives for Him. This life</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> becomes a tool for His Kingdom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living a resurrected life is a testimony to the risen Lord and a witness to the world. Like Paul, we should honestly be able to say, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20). Just as Christ overcame death, we too can overcome by dying to self in order to live for Him. <b>We die so we can live!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To become like Him in His death is to lay down our life in order to experience the full significance and breadth of a resurrected life. This is the goal and prize Paul reached for in Philippians 3:10-14. He wanted to know Christ and the power of his resurrection; to become like Him in His death, and to attain to the resurrection from the dead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus resurrects my life. As I continue to grow in my faith this truth revolutionizes the way I approach each day. I see how God saved me from the clutches of death and restored my life to experience abundant life in Him. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He delivered me from severe bondage to eating disorders.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He filled the gaps of my insecure heart as a young wife and mother.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He brought healing to brokenness from crippling childhood wounds.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He gave me strength to walk with hope and comfort when my mother died.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He replaces my fears and concerns with trust in His sovereign will.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He brings me joy despite frustrating circumstances.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He calms my irritations and buttons my lip when I want to have the last word.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He enables me to love and respect my husband.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He provides wisdom and patience as I strive to nurture my children.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He rebukes my pride and unfair comparisons when I am discontent.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do I get it right every time? Nope. But, I believe the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead, is also in me. When I submit by dying to myself, operating in His power and not my own strength becomes my response to life, which is far beyond my ability. This is the power to live a victorious, resurrected Christian life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you dying to live?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Work:</span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">The most significant event in history changed everything. How has Christ's victory over death changed you?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't forget, when we die to self it offers the hope and life of Christ to others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Comment and share what ways God has given you victory and new life? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you died to self and been made alive in Christ?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How can your life better display the power of the resurrection of Christ?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heart Transforming Word:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John 11:25-26 (NIV 1984) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Romans 6:4-5 "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live new life."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Corinthians 15:57 "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Cor. 4:10-12 "We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Cor. 5:17 tells us, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Peter 1:3 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Copyright 2011 by Hester Christensen. Edited 2013. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-39219172267349201952013-09-06T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-06T07:42:20.146-07:00GLORY<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last night's thunder and lightning storm displayed the majestic power and beauty of God as our house shook and as our shingles took a violent beating from the hail and rain. White streaks lit up the darkened clouds as branches whipped sideways and wind chimes did somersaults.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The glory of God was revealed. There is no doubt Who controls doplar statistics.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been thinking a lot this summer about the glory of God, what it means, what it looks like, how I'm a part of it. And honestly, it brings me to my knees that the Almighty would impute His righteousness to me, an undeserving sinner. But behold, though my sins be scarlet, He washes them white, by His blood. What an extraordinary exchange. I can now exude the glory of God because of what He has done. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His glory is revealed in us when we are most desperate for Him. His glory is seen when we subdue our sinful nature and walk by His Spirit. His glory is witnessed when we resist worldliness and embrace godliness. His glory resounds from a life that echoes, "Not my will, but Yours' be done."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is what I want . . . all I want: For God's glory to be evidenced through my life. As a wife, mother, friend, ministry servant, speaker and writer. Like the storm landing in our community last night, I want there to be no doubt that my life is transformed by the powerful hand of God. I want there to be no doubt that wherever I go and wherever He leads me, there is no question of my allegiance to our Lord. I want there to be no second-guessing as to Who I serve and Who gets the credit for the work He gives me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The glory of God revealed. Is there any doubt what is revealed in you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been blessed to enjoy some time off this summer and I pray you have been ministered to by the ladies who guest posted for me. I'm looking forward to this next year, but don't be surprised if my regular posts sometimes look different than the regular devotion. God is stirring things up a bit for me. I'll hope you'll stay and continue this journey with me. Love, Hester </span>Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-59072034680210114522013-08-30T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-30T05:00:09.588-07:00BEAUTY THAT NEVER FADES<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patricia Holbrook is a
Bible teacher and the author of a series of thought-provoking and faith-challenging
devotionals that</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 8.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she shares on her ministry’s blog, </span><a href="http://www.soaringwithhim.com/" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">www.soaringwithHim.com</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her passion for challenging her audience’s
faith and walk with God has quickly made her website a popular place for people
from over 20 countries around the globe. Patricia is also a guest columnist for
the Atlanta Journal Constitution, the largest newspaper in the South. She
is also a guest writer for Christian magazines. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patricia is originally from
Brazil and has lived in the United States since 1999. She is a national speaker at women’s retreats and
conferences. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She lives with her husband
and two daughters in Kennesaw, GA .</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my oldest daughter was only eight years old, I caught
her looking at herself in the mirror and sucking her tummy in. When I asked her
what she was doing, she said: ”My tummy is big, mommy!” My heart sank. Who on
earth said something like that to my baby? Actually, no one did. Truth being
told, she merely observed mommy close enough to repeat a bad pattern. “Oh, my,
I need to exercise!” and “I need to lose these five pounds.”</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so, in longing to be like mommy, she
soaks up the good and the bad. Even though I carefully filter what my children
watch on television, the examples of how the “popular girls” are supposed to
look have started to influence the minds and behavior of even elementary
students.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking to look our
best. We should all strive to take good care of the bodies God gave us by
eating healthy, exercising and not allowing self-indulgence to take over our
minds and our health. However, I believe the obsessive pursuit of beauty
can easily become sinful. When we cannot accept ourselves as God made us and
our minds are so engaged in looks that we cease to cultivate internal beauty,
we allow our looks to become an idol. And as it does, it slowly corrupts our
understanding of true beauty: That it should always shine from within.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are women whose beauty does not change with time. It
makes me think of a lady from my church, who is almost 80 years old and is so
very beautiful. I watch her from across the room, her countenance beaming with
love and peace. Don’t get me wrong - she has many wrinkles -- visual witnesses
of her many years of victories and trials. But the sweetness in her spirit
radiates her face. She is more beautiful than many gorgeous young women will
ever be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When those external traits that make us “physically
appealing” fade away, what will there be? Will we be able to cultivate internal
beauty in a way that it will shine on our faces, regardless of how old we are?
Are we keeping ourselves as busy feeding our minds and spirits with Jesus’
presence as we are covering our blemishes with makeup and sweating on the
treadmill? I believe if we focus our minds on Him; if we direct our
thoughts to Him in times of anxiety; if we try not to hide our anguish behind a
new dress or a piece of cake, but, instead, open His Word and seek His peace,
we shall become indeed beautiful as God designed us to be -- inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This should become our ultimate desire: to be able to stride
across the room, confident, head up high, a smile on our face, not because we
know we are the girl with the prettiest face and perfect body, but because we
are daughters of the Most High and have His peace and joy in our lives. It is
then that our light will so shine, that people cannot help but notice us,
whether we are 20, 30, or 70 years old!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-53838077144362484822013-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-23T05:00:03.973-07:00NEVER ALONE<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenny and I became friends when we discovered each other at church several years ago. We learned we were both writers and had hearts for ministry. Be blessed by her words of encouragement today. Every mom will identify with her transparency.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jenny Lee Sulpizio is a wife and mother of three who enjoys
writing about anything and everything under the sun, but especially loves to
instruct, motivate, and guide other moms with practical advice, tips, and a
whole lot of comic relief in the process. Jenny is a contributing writer for <i>The MOB Society</i> and <i>Moms Together, </i>and is the author of the recently released guide for
all mamas titled, “<i>Confessions of a
Wonder Woman Wannabe: On a Mission to Save Sanity, One Mom at a Time.</i>” </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-Hh_Mm3iLDu2gJ2-ScDWC5P3s0Xvx4ANoX4xSBr2wj4XahJMML7rtNx4-RtnCdm2jQ1sMl3gKJTAr2STDEhOEy7TqnrbkMJDZWog9PXWzcOyBc8FmVnuukhpnv65VoLzAN42fUsuW8s/s1600/J.+Sulpizio+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-Hh_Mm3iLDu2gJ2-ScDWC5P3s0Xvx4ANoX4xSBr2wj4XahJMML7rtNx4-RtnCdm2jQ1sMl3gKJTAr2STDEhOEy7TqnrbkMJDZWog9PXWzcOyBc8FmVnuukhpnv65VoLzAN42fUsuW8s/s1600/J.+Sulpizio+book.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaskGNO3vJdzcHeP0JJG3CxcuKLhVK-EKTTUnjp_aZv6OHXgey6AeEoH7aYplVE85xzr7GmlcvFYKeOYb8KWycwpJtCwl1fm24cH7olQ010Kr6ZYRE9W4D7FZS00R8prZ3bsD9x_VD5s/s1600/Jenny+Sulpizio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaskGNO3vJdzcHeP0JJG3CxcuKLhVK-EKTTUnjp_aZv6OHXgey6AeEoH7aYplVE85xzr7GmlcvFYKeOYb8KWycwpJtCwl1fm24cH7olQ010Kr6ZYRE9W4D7FZS00R8prZ3bsD9x_VD5s/s1600/Jenny+Sulpizio.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To
find out more about Jenny visit her <a href="http://www.jennyleesulpizio.com/">blog</a> </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">or find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jennyleesulpizio.author">Facebook:</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To order Jenny's new book visit <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Wonder-Woman-Wannabe-Mission/dp/089112392X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375684699&sr=8-1&keywords=confessions+of+a+wonder+woman+wannabe">Amazon </a>for more details.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Motherhood. Is. Hard. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There, I’ve said it. I’ve let my guard down and owned up to
the fact that this role I’ve been blessed with? Well, it’s an area I struggle
to succeed in, and fail at more times than I’d like to mention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today was definitely one of <i>those</i> days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A day where I wanted to give up, call it quits, and hide
from the responsibilities required of me. A day where I wanted to scream
“mercy,” waive my white flag, and claim that motherhood may just be too much
for <i>this</i> mama.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like me, maybe you’ve grown weary from your days spent in
the trenches, worn down, frazzled, and wondering whatever happened to those
memorable mommy moments you initially longed for. Maybe you find yourself in
the midst of chaos more often than you ever thought possible. And maybe, you
just don’t know what to do about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet mamas, I get it. I understand and relate to those times
where nothing seems to go right. Days where you might yell too much, snuggle
too little, and crave alone time, all the time. I know how those seasons are,
what they look like, and the feelings of guilt and failure that creep in while we’re
experiencing them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But can I just tell you that these feelings? Well, they
don’t make us bad moms--instead, they make us<i> real</i>. And in those moments where we feel like we can’t take much
more, we need to realize that we weren’t meant to do this job alone. God didn’t
create us to live a life separate from Him, His love, and His Word. If
anything, He made us to co-parent right along with Him, to raise up our kids (<i>His kids</i>) and love them without
condition. He never said this life would be easy, but with faith, He did promise
to make it possible (Luke 1:37).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So pick yourself up mama, dust yourself off, ditch those
issues with failure and mother in the moment. Don’t think ahead, don’t reflect
on the past, just be. Rely on your Heavenly Father, seek His counsel, His will
and love, and take one breath at a time…one moment at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You were made for motherhood by a God who knows exactly what
He’s doing. So, no matter how hard those
trials might be, just remember: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are never alone, sweet sister. God is always with you…guaranteed.
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-49354311080084817732013-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-16T05:00:11.604-07:00SINGING UNHINDERED<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.eighttwentyeight.org/">Kirsten Holmberg </a>is a wife, mother, author, speaker and ministry servant. Her website if full of spiritually enriched reading, through her written words, that will bless you beyond what she shares today. Kirsten lives a life of purpose for her Lord and ministers to others with the profound truth of Romans 8:28.</span><div>
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<br /><h2 style="background-color: white; border: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.5em; margin: 0px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;">This kind of embarrassment went way beyond the social undoing caused by wearing the collar of your polo shirt the wrong way in the early 1980′s.</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; float: right; margin: 4px 0px 1.625em 24px; padding: 0px 0px 7px 7px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 300px;"><a href="http://www.eighttwentyeight.org/2013/03/singing-unhindered/#" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; max-width: 50%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><img src="http://www.eighttwentyeight.org/wp-content/plugins/pin-it-button/images/pib-pinterest.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></span></a><img alt="" height="auto" src="http://www.eighttwentyeight.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/file5011286799216-e1362512853640-300x276.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="Hymn Book" width="300" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was the beginning of a new quarter. I dutifully arrived in the choir classroom for the first day of the required class. I’d already completed the other 7th grade required quarters of shop, home economics and art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Familiar with piano after several years of lessons, I understood what she meant when she instructed the class to sing back the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arpeggio" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #743399; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank" title="Arpeggio">arpeggio</a> she would play for each individual. This was, apparently, the means by which she would determine vocal range and placement in the choir. <span style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Students were called forward one at a time. She played an arpeggio and the student sang it in response. The teacher directed each student to a seat in the choir accordingly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then it was my turn.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">She played an arpeggio.<br />I sang it back.<br />She played another.<br />I sang it back.<br />She played <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">another.</em><br />I sang it back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Until this point, nobody had sung more than one arpeggio in response. My cheeks began to flush underneath my feathered hair. I was grateful most of the class couldn’t see my growing discomfort as I faced only the piano and the instructor. I just wanted it to be over.</span></div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Please, tell me where to sit.</span></em></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Finally the arpeggios came to a halt. I waited expectantly for her words. They came… jarring and painful:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“Go find another elective.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Remember: this was a required class for seventh graders. <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Required. </em>And I had just been invited to leave. Instructed to find an “elective” in lieu of this required class. In front of God and everyone. <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mortifying.</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">A seed of belief was planted that day. A belief that I couldn’t – and <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">shouldn’t – </em>sing. So, I didn’t. I avoided projecting my voice or trying to match a tone in any and every setting other than my own bedroom or car for the remainder of my junior and senior high career. In college my venues expanded to include bars, using a bottle (or thumb) as a microphone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then I began to attend church.</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My new church-going friends eventually noted that I never sang during the service. They graciously gave me time to learn the musical repertoire before inquiring as to why.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">“I can’t sing.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Armed with verses instructing me to simply “make a joyful noise” (Psalm 100), they tried to draw me out. And, to some degree, they succeeded. My vocal offerings were tentative and quiet, ever mindful that the person in front of me might react to my singing the same way as my 7th grade choir teacher.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Today, I see the talents of those who lead song during worship service and feel envious. God has given them an ability to usher the rest of us into His Throne Room. I’m grateful for their ministry; they are God’s agents in my harried-heart on many days. Wistful that I don’t sound more like them, I cannot fathom letting them hear me sing. Under <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">any</em> circumstances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I forgave my choir teacher long ago. But only now — 30 years later — have I finally learned why I <em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">should</em> sing.</span></div>
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<em style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Because God gave me my voice.</span></em></h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;">He picked out my hair color and shape of my nose. He determined I would stand 5′-5″ tall and have skin that burns when I’m outside for mere moments. He decided I would prefer Peanut Butter M&M’s over a slice of chocolate cake any day. He gave me my voice, depth and tone, even if off-pitch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">All these qualities were given so that I might return them to Him for His joy and glory. The attributes I posses may not be highly esteemed by my culture or my peers. <strong style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">But they were sovereignly appointed to me for the delight of my Creator.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When I don’t sing, He misses my voice.</span></h2>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7002150855181992808.post-50187764831633005022013-08-09T05:00:00.000-07:002013-08-09T05:00:05.288-07:00DREAMING OF TOMORROW, APPRECIATING TODAY<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Susan Stilwell is one of my dearerst online friends. We share a similar heart for the Lord, teaching women and ministry. She is a freelance writer, motivational speaker and Bible study leader who loves discovering God at work in the ordinary, day-to-day stuff of life. Passionate about God’s Word, she’s a prolific devotional writer and a popular guest blogger. She and her husband Steve enjoy their empty nest in the beautiful mountains of southwest Virginia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can connect with Susan on Twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/susanrstilwell">@susanrstilwell</a> and on her website, <a href="http://www.susanstilwell.com/">www.susanstilwell.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV96sCR_izCpF9RRTtT23uqLk9-QYE-Stw90H1aZPk8DQEuOZlcC_FrurZ8sWIyPxkZYlvgkwuN3h748S2kQEx-mIOPmPX-4IYw19EoJmunCERnoqDT-cKqoSQvVAPnkbUBbUAf47VNc/s540/Susan+Stilwell.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqV96sCR_izCpF9RRTtT23uqLk9-QYE-Stw90H1aZPk8DQEuOZlcC_FrurZ8sWIyPxkZYlvgkwuN3h748S2kQEx-mIOPmPX-4IYw19EoJmunCERnoqDT-cKqoSQvVAPnkbUBbUAf47VNc/s320/Susan+Stilwell.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite sounds is the groan of the school bus as
it pulls up the hill near my house. Before my kids entered kindergarten, one of
the highlights of our morning was watching the “big yea-yoh bus” pick up the
“big kids.” How they dreamed of the day when they would be old enough to climb
aboard!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We dream of many “milestone” days in our lives: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*the day we start school, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*the day we get our driver’s license, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*the day we leave home, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anticipation of the future is a wonderful thing, but only
when it’s balanced with an appreciation of today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I look back at times in my life when I was so focused on
what was on the horizon that I missed some of the joys that were in front of
me. College was one of those times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I couldn’t wait to graduate from Tech, get a job and start
making money. My parents helped me choose a major that virtually guaranteed a
job after graduation. The field I chose wasn’t well-suited to my personality,
so I didn’t really enjoy my classes and I struggled. But I managed, because off
in the distance was the promise of landing a high-paying job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Building my resume’ became critical. I worked hard to make
good grades, went to summer school so I could position myself for a senior project,
and joined clubs that would help me stand out in an interview. My goal was to
find employment and be self-sufficient. And I did, but there was a cost.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent most of my time and energy trying to impress others
so I could earn a good living. Don’t get me wrong, earning a good living is a
good thing and now that I have two in college, I want them to earn good
livings of their own and become self-sufficient! But I was so focused on
advancing my career that, during that time in my life, I neglected my personal
growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also missed opportunities to grow in my faith. If I'd kept
a journal back then, the entries would have likely been about pursuing a career
and not about pursuing God. I had an agenda, I moved forward, and I expected
Him to rubber-stamp my plans and open doors for me. While He was faithful and
He did open doors for me but, praise God, the doors were HIS. As I
continue to walk through His gracious doors, He patiently reminds me that He is
in control of my future so I can enjoy and appreciate today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So when the “big yea-yoh bus” stops in front of my house, I
remember happy days with carefree children who are grown and wondering about
their futures. I want them to walk in godly confidence, following His plan for
their lives and being thankful for His blessings and opportunities each day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tidbit to share with your kiddos as they prepare for a new
school year:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The right thing isn’t always popular, and<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the popular thing isn’t always right.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But you’ll never regret doing the right thing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now,
and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will
help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. ~Matt 6:34
(MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Hester's Hearthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06484503013069778364noreply@blogger.com0