tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50534434658566187632024-03-14T11:42:52.122-06:00Semper ReformandaKelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-12802201886658653472022-02-02T11:33:00.002-07:002022-02-02T13:45:11.439-07:00A Story of Loss<p> <span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTBnM8KJHwV9MMLY78D4HnpWCAroagxK81s6CGQNB9QGXI9HCJpdfV86r7iEEeANXaF1aCOCtHBjhEUZMJQnP8zaEPWlS-l1y4NmSjoSKJO-4Oy9WyKoF2qW7r3xy2uQ5kB_om62XHlly4814wqy6IQsKj5GOhJMgXcqbuYw8-E63htquknMJV4nWM=s696" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="556" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTBnM8KJHwV9MMLY78D4HnpWCAroagxK81s6CGQNB9QGXI9HCJpdfV86r7iEEeANXaF1aCOCtHBjhEUZMJQnP8zaEPWlS-l1y4NmSjoSKJO-4Oy9WyKoF2qW7r3xy2uQ5kB_om62XHlly4814wqy6IQsKj5GOhJMgXcqbuYw8-E63htquknMJV4nWM=w337-h422" width="337" /></a></span></div><span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <i> </i><i>We both look perfectly happy in this photo but nothing could be further from the truth. </i></div></span><p></p><p><span> </span> It was January 27th, 2018, the celebration of my brother's wedding in which I was a bridesmaid. It should have been a day of joy but instead, my husband and I were grieving a very recent loss.</p><p><span> </span>Just two days before wedding day, I was rushed to have an ultrasound done. I was about nineteen weeks pregnant but my normally active baby had been so still that past week, I knew something wasn't right. Instead of my next ultrasound determining our child's gender, it determined there was no movement; our baby girl had died. </p><p><span> </span>The wedding rehearsal was the following day, the wedding would of course take place the day after. My husband and I personally knew most of the guests attending this wedding. It was a day that should be filled with celebration, not mourning. For this reason we chose to keep quiet about our loss for the time being, sharing the news with only our parents and a select amount of family members. Not even the bride and groom knew. It was the hardest, most heartbreaking secret we'd ever kept.</p><p><span> </span>After getting through the rehearsal, we attended a dinner with a large group of various family members. I distinctly remember walking in... My step brother was holding his baby girl and grinned at my husband across the room calling out, "You ready for this to be you?" The rest of the evening was basically an attempt to avoid as many people as possible, until we finally made an early departure. </p><p><span> </span>Come the morning of the wedding, as a bridesmaid I had to smile for photo after photo. Then the ceremony took place with me onstage, still smiling... and I've never felt so fake. It seemed as though I was constantly answering questions from many sweet, excited friends who wanted to know how I was feeling and telling us how happy they were for us. My husband had a similar experience as he was recruited to direct the guests parking, and many who knew him offered enthusiastic congratulations. I felt deceptive for answering how far along I was, leaving out any other explanation. The whole time truly felt like I was wading through a thick fog. I was just trying to survive this day so I could then go home and be alone with my husband to grieve the loss of our pregnancy. </p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqEZC7iZ4GJeGPSBORlJsUmyqcjJeoumjiwCkdkz5-P7A2trM0GOJwWw3R3UlfU7538otUJ9qaURrPP73G8te5ueyWm01WIb69xHj79XYDLi0IsFo-tSpIxPdMWap8_s8DUFGKNn5bkTmr7s5moIPkpdo0kDzAx-eJ8CP6h3qF_U5S6uAT3FJK-qLm=s2048" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqEZC7iZ4GJeGPSBORlJsUmyqcjJeoumjiwCkdkz5-P7A2trM0GOJwWw3R3UlfU7538otUJ9qaURrPP73G8te5ueyWm01WIb69xHj79XYDLi0IsFo-tSpIxPdMWap8_s8DUFGKNn5bkTmr7s5moIPkpdo0kDzAx-eJ8CP6h3qF_U5S6uAT3FJK-qLm=s320" width="320" /></a></div><span> Hopefully you don't get the wrong idea. I'm not writing about this to make it sound like we've struggled worse than others or as an attempt to gain sympathy... Life is life and we all go through things. This was several years ago and while there is obviously still pain, we are not where we were then. God has been faithful, and healing is a steady progression. I'm also not writing this to say I think we should have handled things differently. These were special circumstances and the timing made it even harder. Of course the timing of these things will never feel appropriate. As normal as death is, the moment it rears it's head it can feel like everything is upside down and nothing will be the same again. It's an accurate assumption, I suppose. </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjletwD2pbzau9BzUzV6crUFl6UBUcQELRGd3FF07s9s7dTnNBQNFmavqMUHi5qb-jWiXHJ5P3wY34_gf0a_AE8nXxo2mGDdnrjDSnAbtFoZJkIotnpey5ZWIw9JwU0YtZVkgcAApm1_LVOnzmRCeNyefCcn8a6Zlihn_nw4aLtggqJODEq-Y8DelIL=s770" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="770" data-original-width="720" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjletwD2pbzau9BzUzV6crUFl6UBUcQELRGd3FF07s9s7dTnNBQNFmavqMUHi5qb-jWiXHJ5P3wY34_gf0a_AE8nXxo2mGDdnrjDSnAbtFoZJkIotnpey5ZWIw9JwU0YtZVkgcAApm1_LVOnzmRCeNyefCcn8a6Zlihn_nw4aLtggqJODEq-Y8DelIL=w286-h306" width="286" /></a></div><span><span> I wanted to tell this story for several reasons. One, miscarriage is a subject that is often brushed under the rug. A mother's pregnancy doesn't seem to feel as valid, nor the baby in utero thought of fully as a life lost. And it's my opinion that these erring thoughts are often committed by the mother herself, just as much if not more than those around her. That baby was a life, and that precious life was lost. Momma, please don't invalidate these truths to yourself. The value of your baby's life should not be cheapened nor your experience of loss and grief somehow made to feel inferior. </span></span><p></p><p><span><span><span> Second, I hope to use this story</span> as a platform to recognize the reality of pain and hardships in this life; another subject I think is often brushed over. I want us to be able to acknowledge the hurt and anguish that is underneath so many smiles. You look at this photo of my husband and I and it's nearly impossible to tell how much we were struggling in that moment. (My Dad knew at this point as well, also pictured.)<br /> </span></span></p><p><span> </span>As a Christian, my joy comes from God; this is a foundation throughout my walk in this life. However, that does not mean I always feel joy; it does not mean I am always happy; and it doesn't mean I should not recognize when life is a struggle. </p><p><span><span><span> </span>If you are currently in a good place, just remember to reach out to those around you... Know that a smile does not necessarily mean everything is fine. And w</span></span>hen the time comes for you yourself to grieve, allow this process to take place. It's also so important to be surrounded by those who will walk with you through your hardship, rather than feeling like you have to keep smiling and put on a façade. I cannot say enough how much the support of our family and friends got us through this incredibly difficult time in our lives. </p><p><span> I will wrap up with the recognition of this reality: <i>God is good... yet we suffer.</i></span><br /></p><p><span><span> I am not in danger of a lack of faith in God if I am crying out to him in anguish or asking asking him why. Our Savior felt hurt and pain more deeply than any of us can imagine. He knows how it feels and he is there with us in our sorrow. </span><br /></span></p><p><span> It may help us to reframe this reality of our suffering: <i>We suffer... but God is good. </i></span></p><p><span><span> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuXm49YJ6ck28OMchUsWivRU0ZVn1vX65p9NPRsbejVjl12pJ_qoZ2q88GSn-iy2DLRKJXgizcDYb1tg0DswdH7d8VPVi9-Ak6Ce0lVZZP7wgp5K-yP5-IK27pdFL_UJI18k1xMb5-r_tl9Ulw-oLiLLLBErC0yJuwm1HULCKND-D0CO3d-kXrVCxP=s1880" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1880" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuXm49YJ6ck28OMchUsWivRU0ZVn1vX65p9NPRsbejVjl12pJ_qoZ2q88GSn-iy2DLRKJXgizcDYb1tg0DswdH7d8VPVi9-Ak6Ce0lVZZP7wgp5K-yP5-IK27pdFL_UJI18k1xMb5-r_tl9Ulw-oLiLLLBErC0yJuwm1HULCKND-D0CO3d-kXrVCxP=w286-h239" width="286" /></a></span></span></div><span><span><br /> We are all sojourners, wading through an immense depth of sin and depravity in his life. Emotionally, we are all at different places at different times, but we are traveling <i>together</i>. It is impossible to live this life and fail to recognize the tribulation it holds for every single individual. So let's stop trying to pretend it's not a reality. And as the sun disappears and we are left to suffer in the dark, lift your eyes past this present moment to gaze on the horizon and remember, "W</span>eeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." </span><br /><p></p><br /><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>*Photo Credit: </b></span><b style="font-size: small;">Jeana Barry, Clarissa Clark, and Jeremiah Hoppman</b></p>Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-70603011143916770252019-10-03T21:22:00.000-06:002020-02-01T11:37:54.136-07:00God of Sorrow<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The emotions of God in regards to His people and towards those who have rejected Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Part 2</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the second in what will be a four part series discussing the emotions of the God of scripture. The one we will look at here is: the God of Sorrow.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Picture Christ in the garden of Gethsemane. He is burdened. He anticipates the anguish to come. So intense is this moment that His drops of sweat are as blood. Meanwhile, His disciples sleep; He is utterly alone. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> God's sorrow over sin.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> When God created mankind, he created us in a world of perfection. Then Adam and Eve sinned against Him and this not only brought guilt onto them, but imputed sin to all mankind. Thus we do not live in a perfect world and we do not, nor cannot, live in perfection. Sin has tainted everything around us and infected our lives in many significant ways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In Jeremiah 8 we see God voice His sorrow over the sin of His people through the words of the prophet:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"'For the hurt of the daughters of my people I am hurt. I am mourning; astonishment has taken hold of me. Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people? Oh, that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people... They are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me', says the Lord."</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> The sin of a lost world is a sad thing to witness indeed. Hearing about New York passing the bill that allows the death of a baby in the womb up until birth is devastating. There are many other issues in our culture today I could name in which the world with arrogance stomps upon God's law with a haughty boldness that lacks any fear of His judgment. It is brazen and it is ugly. How much more must God grieve over the sins of those who are His own? When His children go astray and rebel against His law, it is indeed a sad time to witness and even more heartbreaking when we take part. Listen to the anguish in His voice when Christ, speaking through the heart of His Father of those who were fighting Him and rejecting those who presented God's law to to their hearts, laments:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling..." </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Through God's sorrow when we turn astray, we can see His love for those He longs to call His own. In my last blog post I talked about the God of wrath. Looking in scripture we see God's desire to bring His people to Himself. His anger is often brought to fruition amidst the heartbreak of watching His people sin. His perfect nature does not allow room for sin. For this reason we see His anger and judgement; for this reason we see His incredible depth of sorrow. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <i> God feels sorrow over our sin because when we violate his laws, we do so against Him directly.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> In Hosea 11 we see God speak through the prophet regarding His sorrow over the sins of His people, the Israelite's:</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son. As they called them, so they went from them; they sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to carved images. I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by their arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love, and I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them... How can I hand you over, Israel?....My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred..." </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> What truly loving parent does not grieve over their child who has gone astray? This is the heart of our God towards His children. When we sin, there is an important factor that must be realized. Not only does that sin hurt others around us and ourselves, that sin also hurts God. And to the unrepentant sinner, please understand the hurt you may feel as you struggle to do better and fail, does not go unseen by God. Through His heartache over your shortcomings, He desires to give you what you need to overcome the sin that plagues you. However, this can only come through your complete surrender to His will.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God's Sorrow When We Are Burdened </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> There is a second element of God's sorrow that I have seen showcased in scripture. This sorrow God exemplifies when we feel sorrow. Again, looking at the nature of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, we see the way in which our Savior cares when we feel sorrow. The most prominent example that comes to mind is when Jesus came to Mary and Martha as they were grieving over the death of their brother, Lazarus. John 11:35- "<i>Jesus wept."</i> Our Lord knew he was going to heal Lazarus, this was no mystery to Him. While His sorrow over the loss of his friend may have been the cause of His weeping in part, I believe He was primarily sharing tears with Mary and Martha and those grieving his loss for a reason. Being "<i>A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief", </i>He understood the depth of their sorrow over this significant loss. He too felt their sorrow and wept with them. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">God's Sorrow In Gethsemane </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Starting out, I asked you to picture our Savior in the Garden, talking to His Father. Fervent in prayer to God He prays <i>"Not my will but Thine be done"</i>. Earlier Christ had shared the last supper with His disciples. Later in the garden He spoke to them these heavy words: <i>"My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me." </i>Then the disciples slept and Christ prayed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> This moment was the epitome of sorrow. God was there as a witness and fellow-sufferer as</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Sorrow held His Son with it's icy grip</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. For this reality remained, while Christ was giving up His life, this meant God would be giving up His beloved Son to take on the sin of the world, thus giving us the ability to be saved from the sin that seeks to overcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> This was the ultimate submission of Christ to his Father and the ultimate sacrifice of God, through His Son. In seeing the heart of Christ through his sorrow, we can see God's heart towards His children. He was willing to give up His Son to save us. How much does a father love and cherish his son? How much more does God? So then, in His willingness to give us His most precious gift, of how much more worth are we to Him? Through the God of Sorrow, once again we see a showcase of God's love for His people. And, as the thought of the God of sorrow communing with His Son in the darkness of the garden penetrates our thoughts, let us bear in mind an important fact:<i> "Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning..." </i></span><br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-31348037101355542312018-10-25T10:42:00.000-06:002018-10-25T15:12:06.858-06:00God of Wrath<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Emotions of God in regards to His people and towards those who have rejected Him: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Part One</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is the first in what will be a four-part series discussing the emotions of the God of scripture. Jesus Christ came to earth as a man and of course, was subject to human emotions and feelings. What I hope to look at however, are the emotions we see in scripture in regards to the God the Father. The first one we will look at is the God of Wrath. </span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w2mMRJ6-Xrtz6O47cKWlcGka6yqjaWfP2MXna195XMmCLJNRpUWWqP8tIZJxwXgXoMWPHAC_k2NWwSBS0MRRrMfPlHmLnJtvxeMZBm9EvFe8vCt2KFqQLiUaeqpD6-t3Jf3kzctkGec/s1600/IMG_1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w2mMRJ6-Xrtz6O47cKWlcGka6yqjaWfP2MXna195XMmCLJNRpUWWqP8tIZJxwXgXoMWPHAC_k2NWwSBS0MRRrMfPlHmLnJtvxeMZBm9EvFe8vCt2KFqQLiUaeqpD6-t3Jf3kzctkGec/s640/IMG_1273.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<u>God of Wrath</u></div>
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Anger brought about by sin and immorality. </div>
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<u style="font-family: inherit;">Psalm 2:12</u><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <i>The wrath of God is a commonly overlooked attribute. As </i></span><i>human<span style="font-family: inherit;"> beings, subject to passion and </span>sinful<span style="font-family: inherit;"> natures,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> we act </span>improperly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> within our anger, and thus commit sin. God's anger is </span>righteous; <span style="font-family: inherit;">brought about by the sins of His people and the unconverted. It is also fully justified through His holiness. He does not sin in His anger nor does He sin when He carries out His wrath through </span>judgment<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of the wicked. As a God who is </span>perfectly<span style="font-family: inherit;"> righteous and just, He cannot accept sin. Light and dark cannot dwell with one another. It is because of His love that we see His intolerance for sin which is manifest by His fierce anger towards that which goes against His Word. He will not allow the wicked to go unpunished. He will not allow those living for Him to</span> live in continuous sin; it is an impossibility. And it is driven by His holiness and love for His children. Let's take a look in scripture at some of the reason's for God's wrath.</i></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;">Anger Towards the Unconverted; God's Wrath Brings Judgement</b></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">God's anger is provoked by the sins of the unconverted</span></li>
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<u>Romans 1:18</u>- For the <b>wrath of God</b> is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness, suppress the truth. </div>
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<u>John 2:36</u>- Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the <b>wrath of God</b> remains on him.</div>
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<u>Ezekiel 25:17</u>- I will execute great vengeance on them with <b>wrathful rebukes</b>. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay <b>My vengeance</b> upon them. </div>
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<u>Nahum 1:2-3a, 6</u>- The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is <b>avenging and wrathful;</b> the Lord takes <b>vengeance</b> on his adversaries and keeps <b>wrath </b>for his enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty... Who can stand before his <b>indignation.</b> Who can endure the<b> heat of his anger</b>? </div>
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<i>Who is this "adversary" of the Lord that is spoken of? It refers to the unrepentant sinner who has rejected Him. This passage also says the Lord is slow to anger. He does not "React" in anger as we do. He is patient in his anger but the unrighteous will not slip by unnoticed. </i></div>
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<u>Romans 2:5</u>- But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are <b>storing up wrath </b>for yourself on the <b>day of wrath </b>when God's righteous judgement will be revealed. </div>
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<u>Revelation 9:15</u>- From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the <b>fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdplAvhUxBG8Yt8wytH-I5GakDygbVmbs6V68oZ6Ks6w35ND27YQtDAZmw8C1UoZb_Zkw3Ju45kgX2i8GhhGZPCDMXOAA6fYhF6vzkENU9fR2ZFLXaQ3f2V97TOKN2pZumpN6o_1gztwg/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdplAvhUxBG8Yt8wytH-I5GakDygbVmbs6V68oZ6Ks6w35ND27YQtDAZmw8C1UoZb_Zkw3Ju45kgX2i8GhhGZPCDMXOAA6fYhF6vzkENU9fR2ZFLXaQ3f2V97TOKN2pZumpN6o_1gztwg/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a><u>Ezekiel 8:18</u>- Therefore I will act in <b>wrath</b>. My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity. And though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, I will not hear them.</div>
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<u>2 Thessalonians 1:8-9</u>- In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His might. </div>
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<i> How then do we have hope? Our only savior from this wrath which would ultimately manifest in our damnation to hell at the judgment, is Christ's work on the Cross. This act of love fully satisfies the wrath of God. </i>(Romans 3:21-25, Hebrews 2:17)</div>
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<ul><b style="text-align: center;">Anger Towards His People; God's Wrath Brings Repentance</b></ul>
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<li>God's anger can be provoked by the sins of his people. (Jeremiah 8:29 and Hosea 11:8-9) </li>
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<span style="text-align: left;"> </span><i style="text-align: left;">For those of us who are in Christ, we are saved from God's wrath at the judgment. We are however, still subject to His anger towards our sin. This indignation will not force us away from Him as before but instead He will chasten us for the committed sin, and thus ultimately bring us closer to Him. So we see that this does not mean that God is suddenly tolerant of our sin. Instead, his anger towards our sin brings about a heart in us that is, in turn, more sensitive to the things of God and more distasteful towards sin. Through this work, the Christian is being sanctified and becoming more like Christ. God is our Father, guiding and instructing His children. <b>He will not allow those who are His to continue living in sin. </b></i></div>
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<u>Colossians 3:5-6</u>- Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the <b>wrath of God</b> is coming. </div>
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<u>Psalm 90:7</u>- For we are brought to an end by your <b>anger; </b>by your <b>wrath</b> we are dismayed.</div>
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<u>Numbers 11:1-2a</u>- Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the Lord; and when the Lord heard it,<b> His anger </b>was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.</div>
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<u>Numbers 32:13</u>- So the <b>Lord's anger </b>burned against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the entire generation of those who had done evil in the sight of the Lord were destroyed. </div>
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<i>The wrath of God is an important attribute to understand. Were it not for God's hatred towards sin, his holiness would not exist because a righteous God cannot allow sin to go unpunished. If that righteousness did not exist, Christ is without perfection, and thus an incomplete sacrifice at Calvary. Without Christ to take our place at the cross, who would be able to stand before the throne and declare us sinless before the Father? God's wrath proves his righteousness. His righteousness is our only hope because our attempts at righteousness will always fall woefully short. Through the wrath of our God, we see his love manifest through the drawing of His people to Himself. </i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPxqDbkHNsfrqpCJ0NRE4uu_R27_VwOJEHEix2Q9bI6cH9DCuUdeQAsnTFhXXE3RxaSAXe6elfWVBDi3xYptGGz-v8wyKmTWF7ZNUXdpw8iPE3jEl6hGmSllsTPG_TH3yR0oVc1MAGwc/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPxqDbkHNsfrqpCJ0NRE4uu_R27_VwOJEHEix2Q9bI6cH9DCuUdeQAsnTFhXXE3RxaSAXe6elfWVBDi3xYptGGz-v8wyKmTWF7ZNUXdpw8iPE3jEl6hGmSllsTPG_TH3yR0oVc1MAGwc/s400/IMG_0389.JPG" width="400" /></a><i> Another aspect of his wrath we must understand is how it correlates with God's love. Reading the scriptures above (And trust me, there are many others to be found) we can grasp a small understanding of how very much God hates sin. He also knows every sin we have committed and ever will. Yet He still loves us and through the sacrifice of His Son to satisfy his justice, He is willing to look at us and declare us righteous. This wrath does not bind us by the fury of an outraged God, but instead sets us free through His beautiful holiness and unfathomable love. </i></div>
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<u>1 Peter 1:15-21</u>- ...As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct... and if you call on the Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile way inherited from your forefathers... with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. </div>
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<i> This poem (Author unknown) sums up this subject well:</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Sovereign ruler, Lord of all, prostrate at Thy feet I fall. Hear, O hear my ardent cry. Frown not lest I faint and die.</span></div>
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Depth of mercy can there be mercy still reserved for me? Can my God his wrath forebear, me the chief of sinners spare? </div>
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I have long withstood his grace, long provoked him to his face. Would not harken to his call, grieved him by a thousand falls. </div>
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Now incline me to repent, let me now my sins lament. Now my foul revolt deplore: weep, believe, and sin no more.</div>
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Justly might they kindled art cleanse this healing broken heart. Justly might thy kindled ire send me to eternal fire. </div>
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But with Thee is mercy found. Balm to heal my every wound. Soothe, O soothe this troubled breast. Give the weary wand'r rest.</div>
Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-4048144704275616792017-12-18T01:04:00.001-07:002017-12-18T01:16:16.219-07:00Metamorphosis <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPhgK4d6jji0pmL6f-cuxKs9hM4zDSdx2eT_-gxMLvwNSx7AFenUQ7-qhZTGqWo6MjnfI1yE7zFIF3PFLtbPc5pT5rhq_7J_6TyZinwNd9nHIv6L3woIlX7jbhhxSnlGY7HVi_CSyAQ/s1600/101_5847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAPhgK4d6jji0pmL6f-cuxKs9hM4zDSdx2eT_-gxMLvwNSx7AFenUQ7-qhZTGqWo6MjnfI1yE7zFIF3PFLtbPc5pT5rhq_7J_6TyZinwNd9nHIv6L3woIlX7jbhhxSnlGY7HVi_CSyAQ/s320/101_5847.JPG" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Joy Transformed to Sorrow</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The air is crisp and the stores are bustling with activity. I am living a dream; married to the most special man I’ve ever met. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">e are so incredibly in love and overjoyed to spend our lives with</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">one ano</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ther. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> God has provided in so many ways: our family and home, we <span style="font-family: inherit;">adopted </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: black;">a puppy a few months ago and in addition, God has blessed us with a baby who is due in the Summer.</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> My younger siblings have a Mom and my Dad a wife, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">after a difficult couple years.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;"> We are all so happy, it’s such a beautiful time. In the mountaintops and valleys of our life, this is definitely a mountaintop moment. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Yet I find myself at an unexpected place. I am missing Mom more than ever… The more blessings God grants, the tougher it is to think about the reality that I am unable to share </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">them </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">with Mom. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZB3SOaovr4SECbUJtTKU6MT5uUI2ACuc7vxtWEKVEVMNPM3YguNfDy8Ia0lzgo2JkrO5e0_LXL1T4bwuwZ6uQS6AMaJGwZDWjrQaw1tgfnruoe2k0XF5ZfjJW6-XuQSSiR86a0kNL4/s1600/101_5852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1sZB3SOaovr4SECbUJtTKU6MT5uUI2ACuc7vxtWEKVEVMNPM3YguNfDy8Ia0lzgo2JkrO5e0_LXL1T4bwuwZ6uQS6AMaJGwZDWjrQaw1tgfnruoe2k0XF5ZfjJW6-XuQSSiR86a0kNL4/s320/101_5852.JPG" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Getting into a relationship this summer would have put her over the moon with joy. She would have been elated for me, and loved on Andrew like a son, even more than she already had for so many years when he would hang out at the house with my brother. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> She would have spent so many late nights with me hearing about all the details of my thoughts and feelings, and would have been full of wisdom for me to follow. It was everything she hoped for… to see her children happily married to a godly spouse who loved </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">us </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">more than any other, second only to their </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">love for</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But she isn’t here to share that joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> The news of her first grandchild…. I can only imagine all the excitement she would have had when she was told. She would have been </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">literally</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> jumping up and down with exclamations of joy. She would have gush</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">ed </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">about what an incredible gift </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">from </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">God babies are, and that </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">"Y</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">es, childbirth is hard, but</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">o</span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">h, you forget all the pain immediately </span><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">in that moment as you hold that baby in your arms for the first time, and you know you would do it all over again because it is so worth it...”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">can’t even really imagine what my life would look like now if Mom were still alive. Everything has changed so much and God has designed every detail to fall into place in such a way, to bring about the rich life I now live. I am truly so grateful to Him for it. Every day feels like a dream of which I hope never to wake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But I do wish I had another chance to tell Mom I loved her; another moment to show her how much she did and still does mean to me. When those precious moments are gone, no matter how many times yo</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">u said "I love you"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">, it doesn’t feel like you said it enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> These moments are indeed gone, but by God’s grace, the world keeps turning despite the times we get caught up in sorrow. I know I’ll see her in heaven, but right now that feels like an eternity away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> It’s crazy how I am filled with more joy this Christmas season than ever before, and yet because of these joys, sorrow runs deeper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> In my mind, love is undeniably worth the pain of loss; but God never promised it would be an easy path to walk. </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">The</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="m_-1793990223231616366gmail-small-caps" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">has done great things</span><span class="m_-1793990223231616366gmail-crossreference" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">for us </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">and we are filled with joy..... </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">Those who sow with tears </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">will reap</span><span class="m_-1793990223231616366gmail-crossreference" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">with songs of joy.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">Those who go out weeping, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">carrying seed to sow, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">will return with songs of joy, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 16px;">carrying sheaves with them." Psalm 126:3, 5-6</span></i></span></div>
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-44190813428391585032017-09-21T11:50:00.004-06:002017-09-24T22:06:06.592-06:00Whirlwind <div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last July I had the joy of becoming Mrs. Andrew Holets. A journey with moments I would at times say was a whirlwind of activity, yet other moments felt like they took a lifetime to reach. With the understanding that this was only the beginning of our journey together, we pledged under God, our unending love for each other; "</span><i>Till death do us part.</i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thinking back on the wedding day, I was so grateful how well everything turned out. Many brides have said they don't remember much from their special day. However, Andrew seemed to be the one who came up short in the memory department. It took him a full week to remember a few of the details. Such as his dancing nerves right before the ceremony, sharing tears with several others as the bouquet to honor my deceased Mom was brought out, eagerly waiting for me to walk down the aisle and feeling impatient when I wasn't the next one to walk out, "<i>Is that another bridesmaid?!</i>", saving me from a bee that was threatening to wreak havoc during a special song, and of course, feeling ready to take off honeymooning with his bride after about song number two. For myself however, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I remembered most of the prep time, wedding ceremony, and reception. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I tried to take in every moment. To cherish this special time and make each part of the ceremony a heartfelt promise of my commitment to Andrew. I sang a surprise song to him, we each said our vows, exchanged rings, shared in communion, and of course, sealed our commitment with a kiss. An upbeat tune began as we were announced: "Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Holets!" We then made our way down the aisle; slowly at my request, for I had discovered that my sparkly high heels and the fresh grass were not a pleasant combo. </span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Making our way back up for pictures it was clear... that storm was getting closer. As the cameras were clicking rapidly, the sun's rays were quickly masked by the dark and brooding storm. Being an aspiring photographer myself, I was perfectly happy with the cloud cover. After all, an overcast day is perfect for photos! </span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> It was only when the photographer was just snapping the last of the photos that I felt it... A raindrop. I big fat NM raindrop. That was followed by another, then another, and another. I thought I'd state the obvious. "It's starting to rain." </span></span></div>
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"Yep" agreed one of the groomsman. "I felt it too." The wedding party was quickly hustled into the bridal chambers as the drops began to fall more steadily. Arriving in the room, we all stood there for a moment. I decided to sit down and give my feet a break from my heels. Andrew, realizing his legs were pretty tired as well, contentedly took his place by my side. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Do you guys want some time alone?" asked one of the bridesmaids. At that moment, everyone in the wedding party seemed to unanimously agree this was a very needful thing, so Andrew and I quickly found ourselves the only individuals in the room. Amused, we looked at each other and smiled. I snuggled just a bit closer. Then the door burst open. </span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Oh! I didn't realize you two were alone. Sorry about that." It was Andrews mother bringing us a couple guests who she knew we would appreciated saying hello to before they made their early departure. We were grateful. We chatted a bit, thanked them for the well wishes, and bid them goodbye. The door shut behind them. We were alone again. </span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> We sat back down on the couch. Where were we?<i> </i>Andrew slipped his arm around me as I moved closer to his side. We looked into each-others eyes. They quickly darted to the door as it burst open once again. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "Oops! Sorry, am I interrupting?", my bridesmaid was quick to inquire. In her arms was her baby daughter. </span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> "No problem, it's nothing anyway" we were quick to assure her. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> "I've just got to nurse. I'll stay in the bathroom so I'm not interrupting. I'll just knock to let you know when I'm going to come back out." She gave a big grin that insinuated we would be doing more than just sitting beside one another. She left. Well, sort of. It was suddenly in the forefront of our minds that with only a thin wall and wooden door separating the bathroom from our view, she was basically sharing the room with us, privy to any noise or conversation. </span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> So there we sat. We shared another smile. It was quiet for a few seconds. But this time I don't think either one of us were surprised when, once again, we were interrupted. A knock sounded and the door burst open. It was my matron of honor. She rushed in apologetically, quickly setting some items down in the room that had been soaked from the rain. The door which was currently ajar gave us a glimpse into the impending chaos outside. The rain beat down, creating a huge puddle by the door as our friends and wedding party struggled to get everything out of the way that would be ruined, if left in the downpour. Then the door shut. We were alone again... Minus nursing momma a wall away. </span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The door opened again. Andrew's mother was back with more guests. I felt like so much was happening beyond that door which everyone was making sure we didn't stress about. I appreciated it, but it was also nice to have another brief interaction with a couple of our guests, who were preparing to leave early, and thus scooped up by my new MIL so we would have the chance to say hello. </span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> After they left we sat back down. Almost immediately following, the wedding party, having given us ample time to do whatever they thought we needed to be alone for, were ushered back into the room with us. </span></span></div>
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As the rain finally slowed and revealed a dimmed sunset, roughly forty minutes had passed and we were ready to eat. All of our guests had been ushered into the church (So thankful we had it available on the property) and were happily chatting and eating there. Due to the lost time from the rainstorm, any thought of dramatic introductions of the wedding party was cast aside, as we managed our way across the huge puddle in front of the door. Slipping through a side door, we made our way into the church. After greeting all our guests, we finally managed to sit in a quieter part of the room, and grab a bite to eat. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The rain had stopped by now as groomsmen, bridesmaids, bride, and groom made our way to the front of the bridal chamber. Guests took their places at the tables outside, and an only slightly wet wedding party were announced as we found our seats in the grass. Toasts were given and as the last of the sun set, we had our first dance. I then danced with my Dad, then Andrew, with his Mom. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The lively music played as the real dancing began and although that portion of the reception was brief, I enjoyed myself. There was something beautiful and refreshing about the raindrops that were left behind on the grass and dripping trees in the clear air, as everyone danced under the pergola, gently lit in the darkened night. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The sendoff, though a bit chaotic trying to remember everything before we left (Which included a valiant rush for a forgotten bag by my matron and maid of honor) was beautiful. The sparklers were going strong, the night air was clear, and I was pleasantly surprised that the groomsmen hadn't done anything too crazy to our vehicle. Yay! We were off, leaving behind our friends and adventures, for a week up in Taos. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM2OqhksG2VsNa3xP9lbNwB61L7Gva4kPGLmL-shfuruhfrYjJeRtSlMul1agkc_o6uhOE1R8T1CzQRd25EHqIl6G_CeNy4Zbj_KFifu7bslkaOnETCL5YY5pidM12M65mnw7_qV78Kc/s1600/21232093_10208067859689367_8614379449134121967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="960" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOM2OqhksG2VsNa3xP9lbNwB61L7Gva4kPGLmL-shfuruhfrYjJeRtSlMul1agkc_o6uhOE1R8T1CzQRd25EHqIl6G_CeNy4Zbj_KFifu7bslkaOnETCL5YY5pidM12M65mnw7_qV78Kc/s400/21232093_10208067859689367_8614379449134121967_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Thinking back on the wedding brought to mind certain correlations with my life up to that day. I don't lead a particularly exciting life. At least, not in the sense that some may imagine. However, the events and circumstances I have previously encountered on a personal level, have created what feels like a full lifetime of experience. </span></span></div>
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> My Christian walk had been a myriad of questions, study, and mistakes that led me to the place when I was finally ready to make this faith my own. Struggling through a very difficult church split was what ultimately pushed me to begin this quest. Some time later, my Mom passed away within less than a year of her cancer diagnosis. With the many joyful memories I have of her, the suffering she endured throughout the disease created many difficult, and unpleasant memories during that dark time. But I was then granted a newfound joy that was fresh and beautiful, as God brought Andrew into my life. </span></span></div>
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As we walk in a world of hurt and pain with a God who reaches beyond, it's easy to lose sight of His hand, through the storm. It's easy to think our moments of sorrow are too great to bear, so we bear them alone. We grind down and struggle through the trials without appreciating His vast sovereignty throughout. The omnipotent hand of God is something we will never understand. Yet a little insight can be reached, if we don't shut our eyes through it all.<br />
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<span class="im"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Our wedding day was full, bringing with it the joy of anticipation, and the fear of the unknown. It created an unexplained thrill, yet serious moments of sacred repose. Nerves were strung tight, yet joy and love were burning strong. Yes, the unwanted rain and storms had rolled across the once clear skies. But it didn't remain forever rushing with severity and chaos. Instead, it created a grand showcase of God's hand, lasting memories during, and a refreshing beauty after. Just like my life had felt, leading up to our special day. </span></span><br />
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Through everything that has happened in my life thus far, it has been a whirl of emotion. The sorrow runs deep, it's unexplainable. But the depth of joy through it all and the love I have been granted for my Savior helps me realize that if I could go back and change it all, I wouldn't.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Life is full but God is good. When you trust Him, not only can you rest with joy after the hardship, but you can be granted peace<i> during</i> the storm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tempests of clouds and rainfall is not the most desired experience to be had at a wedding... But having experienced it and looking back, I can boldly say I wouldn't change it for the world. </span><br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-75523726705527023662016-09-29T08:45:00.001-06:002016-10-31T22:50:09.151-06:00Lydia's Miracle My Mom was dying.. I could see this plain as day. I knew she couldn't have long in this world. Her body was being taken over by this deadly disease called cancer, and there was nothing my family or I could physically do to stop it. But we could pray.<br />
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One thing was certain, my Mom, Lydia Hoppman, was prayer warrior. Years of her Christian walk contained hours upon hours of prayer for those around her. Heartfelt, desperate, genuine prayers. Crying out to God on behalf of those He put on her heart, filling notebook upon notebook of her spirit to the Lord, as a David in these moments in time, she pleaded, repented, glorified, and honored her Yahweh-God.<br />
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But this time, the prayer warrior needed prayer. She needed a miracle. Desperately, she needed one. Her faith was showcased in a beautiful way, as my Mom pleaded as a child to her Father, requesting this death sentence to be lifted. She knew, without a doubt, that God could work a miracle of complete healing in her broken body, if He so desired. Multiple times in her past God had spared her life, saving her from eternity in Hell. She was well aware of the power worked in her and through her when the God of Heaven reached down and pulled her out of her hopeless, rebellious state, to save her sinful soul. That was an act of God. That was a miracle of which to marvel.<br />
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So to me it was no surprise to hear her asking God for another miracle: Total and complete healing. I knew God could do it. I hoped beyond all hope He would. Yet I held myself in check because I was afraid to be taken off guard. In my eyes, knowledge gave me time to prepare emotionally. If I could learn to handle the worst case scenario in my mind, surely I would be okay. Of course, I really wanted to believe that my Mom would be healed. I think I mostly did try to have faith in it for her sake. But somehow, I couldn't make myself believe that healing was going to happen in this lifetime.<br />
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And as my Mother's body weakened, breathing got to be more difficult, her arm continued swelling with lymphodema, and her neck grew harder and discolored, I couldn't help but stare at what was clearly in front of me and face facts: Mom wasn't' getting better. Mom was dying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htMEY280jR_VI_vVHlUv1xLfUMKW5Fj6rvQKbCijH59e2F9Qj-KPfkzVbBDo-DVAeg4yenLQT-61eV-2gJ_66TCea9A6252HwJwOKdGc5QGEriPUOhP_BFCAWdt720TrWROdYOMjq3M/s1600/294845_1905892426916_2071035921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7htMEY280jR_VI_vVHlUv1xLfUMKW5Fj6rvQKbCijH59e2F9Qj-KPfkzVbBDo-DVAeg4yenLQT-61eV-2gJ_66TCea9A6252HwJwOKdGc5QGEriPUOhP_BFCAWdt720TrWROdYOMjq3M/s400/294845_1905892426916_2071035921_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
Yet her fervor grew. Her faith increased. Little moments of fear were immediately overcome with delight in her Savior. A tiny doubt in her heart was quickly defeated by her childlike trust in His plan. She knew he was going to do this miracle. Surely this is why He has her suffering. Surely this is the best way to glorify His name. Surely, this is what God was going to do. And it was going to be awesome.<br />
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I loved to see her have joy in her hope, but I hated it at the same time. Reality is what it is. Hoping in what to me seemed to be a pipe dream was a cruel deception to allow anyone to believe. I would never try to paint a perfect picture of my world to disguise a bitter corruption beneath. I wanted my Mom out of pain. But that's about as far as I dare let myself hope.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJulNfkhTRWUuddtfQMBycaaBramu457PfoInbskCR4JZkY8MtIj9XSKoX3B3AWkZOSSVv7wJ6yf0y55Z0e5HNCxTg4GshDf4rxtubB0pXFTm68N4WSo00RIGnLNID05yMBlkHG83zNo/s1600/10600577_10201732021662183_4446648900242413306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJulNfkhTRWUuddtfQMBycaaBramu457PfoInbskCR4JZkY8MtIj9XSKoX3B3AWkZOSSVv7wJ6yf0y55Z0e5HNCxTg4GshDf4rxtubB0pXFTm68N4WSo00RIGnLNID05yMBlkHG83zNo/s320/10600577_10201732021662183_4446648900242413306_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> I remember one of the times she had difficulty breathing and she had to be taken to the ER. Glancing around nervously her gaze fell on me as she spoke, an unusual hint of fear in her voice. "Kelsey, I'm not getting better...". Even so, she trusted God knowing he was in complete control, no matter what. I trusted God too, but what did that mean coming from me, when my Mom was the one who was sick? She was the one living in that disease-filled body. She was the one who was forced to endure so many hours of pain.<br />
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Then it finally happened. Early Monday morning on September 29, 2014, Mom passed into the arms of her Savior.<br />
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And the revelation of the miracles Mom received was staggering.<br />
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In her past, she had received a miracle of healing from sin. God had saved her and brought her to a place where she was living a life that was probably unrecognizable to those knew her before Christ. Going from a steady path of destruction to a 180 turn to God, this miracle was hard to deny. (Please ask me about it if you'd like to know her testimony)<br />
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Then, in September 1999, her life produced another miracle. Twins. As a forty one years old with signs of Perimenopause, this miracle was almost impossible to deny. She would later give birth to two others after that, Josiah Ezra and Keturah Abby.<br />
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By the beginning of 2014, she had discovered that she had breast cancer. She was gone before the end of September that same year. This brought with it her last miracle. A miracle of healing. It may not have been on this earth, but I know without a doubt that she now lives in joy before her Savior as a new creation, without sorrow or pain. And nothing in this world could ever bring greater comfort and peace.<br />
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Her miracle was everything God had done to bring her to himself. Her miracle was the time after time God spared her life, preventing her from an eternity without Him. Her miracle was the unfathomable grace that was shown to someone lost in darkness and rebellion.<br />
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She wanted a miracle of healing. It was a prayer God answered in more ways than one. Taking her to be with Him in heaven granted her complete healing. God had worked miracles not just once in her life, but over and over again. Standing above and beyond time and saving her soul from death in Hell, he brought her to life that He might be glorified in the death of her body. This miracle is unequivocal.<br />
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Furthermore, Lydia Hoppman died on the 29th of September... the twins 15th birthday. Her death took place on the day God granted her this miracle, the birth of twins. Such a perfect reminder of His control over life and death.<br />
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Mom was praying that God would showcase his glory through her healing... He did and it was in more ways than she could have ever anticipated. And I believe He will continue to do so for the rest of my life, and beyond. <br />
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The morning she died revealed miracles that were amazing. They were undeniable. That night the sun lowered itself below the horizon as it always did, and the next morning it opened up again in bright glorious brilliance. As sure as I could trust it would continue to do so every day of my life, there were no questions or doubt in my mind of God's sovereignty and loving hand.<br />
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Requests made by the tender pleading of His trusting child, brought the hand of an omnipotent God into a life who Satan had long since deemed his own. Omnipresent, transcending time, her Father God reached through the space of her existence and intervened. Through His sovereignty and with the knowledge of her future prayer, He guided every moment and detail, and granted Lydia her prayer.<br />
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That, my friend, is a legacy that leaves evidence of the power of God which will continue beyond the end of time. It is testimony of His grace that reaches out to the far ends of the earth. Some could even say... It's a miracle.<br />
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"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be praised." </div>
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-90750450780698363252016-07-15T21:58:00.001-06:002016-07-15T22:12:17.370-06:00El Shaddai<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why is it we do not</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> courageously <i>fight </i>against</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the attacks of the enemy? Is this not God's command? Why is it we cower in shrinking submission when challenged by the world and it's devices of wickedness?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The battle of </span><i style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">good</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> versus</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> evil</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> is a reality every Christian must be willing to face and ready to overcome. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What stops us: </span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We don't trust God</i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. This is the bitter truth of the matter.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> But we must, we </span><i style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MUST </span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">trust Him. With</span><i style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> everything, p</span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">roclaiming it as our battle cry, <i>"We trust." </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QvFZG2n83PDEi7nXggW_C57ZCNs-FSc25tVi1OgVzFWdLEtTn-VS6ucF2klfR5M1B8mC39-4FyKx07rp0-kygCqfyT0his-17dzMBDQFqoia4M1oWI4CK0Ujt_7kHUUtQ4CDqfl8Rlw/s1600/12115852_10204018155694105_4444646232237669308_n.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/AVvXsEj9QvFZG2n83PDEi7nXggW_C57ZCNs-FSc25tVi1OgVzFWdLEtTn-VS6ucF2klfR5M1B8mC39-4FyKx07rp0-kygCqfyT0his-17dzMBDQFqoia4M1oWI4CK0Ujt_7kHUUtQ4CDqfl8Rlw/s320/12115852_10204018155694105_4444646232237669308_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"</i>God our Rock" alludes to strength and refuge. The name of our Lord, "El Shaddai" means literally, "God Almighty". At His Name and with the reality of the truth it carries, may the knees of our every enemy tremble. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">May we</span><span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-style: italic;"> trust</span></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">... even when we think our way is the better plan. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Trust..</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">. Even when our confidence outlasts all else. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Trust... E</i>ven<i> a</i>t the times we are at our weakest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Trust.</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.. Even when the truth is too scary to face on our own.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Trust.</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">.. as our proclamation of surrender. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZu5mfkJeDIvCBFtXYNt2Hf4otAajXjXJCL4ug8_KIBUvMBlzNrW_-YHRwaEwnF9suSc9ftf0Ad2l9VTEjxnxW_jIh2cXCN_6SRfi06cv9IfVrboYtg2Ve8zeiRPL0eAVjsKdDV-EVR4/s1600/_DSC2305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZu5mfkJeDIvCBFtXYNt2Hf4otAajXjXJCL4ug8_KIBUvMBlzNrW_-YHRwaEwnF9suSc9ftf0Ad2l9VTEjxnxW_jIh2cXCN_6SRfi06cv9IfVrboYtg2Ve8zeiRPL0eAVjsKdDV-EVR4/s400/_DSC2305.JPG" width="305" /></span></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In order to win the battle, we must </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>give all </i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and be ready to </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>lose all </i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">for the One who is our <b>Savior</b>. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>To trust</i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> means we must surrender if we want to win the battle.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>To trust </i></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">means we do not fight alone. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trusting</span></i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> in <b>God's</b></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> strength, we must lay </span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">all</b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> at His feet. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">The giving up of ourselves to Him wholly, to act in surrender, to rest in faith, to know it is not by our might that we win the battle... This is to trust. </span></i><br />
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Psalm 37:40 And the Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they trust and take refuge in Him.</h3>
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Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.</h3>
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-32233214233286669972016-06-24T15:09:00.001-06:002016-06-24T22:20:14.497-06:00Heavens Eyes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3LFV8CDUlfPJIfQxw7WeRD8D3Ul-SuQgOd9t_4bH8dLwVewyePa60gCN8ZRYpgRqiQ34n4E6haPg9k45ABWBEkuTKQFuXYvgXuakrxxYGZ3LIQRKhyJzVAwmsDL8Mq0fPWzpm43PJac/s1600/_DSC1917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3LFV8CDUlfPJIfQxw7WeRD8D3Ul-SuQgOd9t_4bH8dLwVewyePa60gCN8ZRYpgRqiQ34n4E6haPg9k45ABWBEkuTKQFuXYvgXuakrxxYGZ3LIQRKhyJzVAwmsDL8Mq0fPWzpm43PJac/s400/_DSC1917.JPG" width="400" /></a> The people of Israel were in exile. Rejecting the word of the Lord for their own pleasures and idols had separated them from the One who had done so much to free them from their bondage in Egypt.<br />
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As a God of holy perfection, Israel's "Jehovah Jireh", the Lord who provides, was unable to commune with His people, so cankered were they by sin and moral corruption. Justice and compassion were forged together as a paralyzing example of what happens to those who defy the living God who rules in righteousness over His people, yet is filled with a passionate love no man could ever understand.<br />
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Justice had come to Israel; justice was deserved. But God spoke: and he spoke to them with love. Desiring their sanctification through him as he gathered them from their enemies <i>"That they will know that I am the LORD their God because I made them go into exile among the nations, and then gathered them again to their own land, and I will leave none of them there any longer..."</i> (Ezekiel 39:28), the Lord spoke through the prophet Ezekiel to the people of Israel:<br />
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<i> "...I sought for a man among them that should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none." (Ezk. 22:30)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJyes2HRSiT0Xa6XoHx8aZ9sVNnhyphenhyphenk3rg2kcm6yLGQk1BlyMVWvUcwCOCa3fRzgMI81vELJ_UOp05gaQTGzYZxyLHKPqKGS2KcE7-poAKeQgAO9LlXg-X39IUm3svh9jxGOYI9wbYLVc/s1600/_DSC1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJyes2HRSiT0Xa6XoHx8aZ9sVNnhyphenhyphenk3rg2kcm6yLGQk1BlyMVWvUcwCOCa3fRzgMI81vELJ_UOp05gaQTGzYZxyLHKPqKGS2KcE7-poAKeQgAO9LlXg-X39IUm3svh9jxGOYI9wbYLVc/s400/_DSC1968.JPG" width="313" /></a> Through all that God had done for them, his deliverance, his compassion, his love, Israel chose to reject him. The judgment they were experiencing was justly deserved. And yet... Yahweh looked for one; one who would stand in the gap, intercede for the people, and desire to follow after righteousness at a time faced with vile wickedness and immense compromise among his people. For this one, the nation of Israel may have been spared. But he found none.<br />
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We face a dilemma today in our country. We the church, those who claim to follow Christ, are rejecting our God for idols made to feed our desires of self gratification. We serve the god of media, of social status, of achievement. We live either to serve the god of our bodies or use our bodies as a god to serve us. Our focus is inward and our goals are often cheap and vapid. <br />
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Yet... God looks for one. One person to stand in the gap. One person to rise up in prayer as a David against the Goliath of our culture. One person who will not conform. One who will lay down their pride in a humble cry, Lord here am I, send me".<br />
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Our God is holy. This means he is perfect and righteous. It's because of his love and justice that we must someday answer to our actions. Yet heavens eyes seek that one.<br />
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Are you willing to make the sacrifice? Will you stand in the gap? As a bond-servant of our Savior will you allow yourself to be used by him no matter what the costs? Even when you are rejected by those you love? Even when you are spit on as the fool while all the world looks on and laughs?<br />
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Don't let this culture define who you are or the gods you serve. When the eyes of heaven gaze down in the sludge and grime of our sinful ways, may we stand with unwavering resolve against the compromise of the world around us. May we be surrounded by the convicting words of the gospel presented through a humility that displays, in glorious splendor, the name of our awesome God.<br />
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Heavens Eyes are searching. The world's eyes are watching.... Who is ready to rise up for all to see?<br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-19348211061129301392016-06-09T10:18:00.000-06:002016-06-21T23:31:12.901-06:00Skeptical Surrender Sitting in a room of young ladies, mostly older than herself, sat a 12 year old girl. Her experience at this Christian home-school convention had been okay so far, but definitely not a great one. After being dropped off at the wrong room by her brother, her terrible sense of direction found the young introvert forced to ask one of the volunteers for help. He had taken her to the correct room now, one story down from where she was at, and the soft-spoken girl was now seated in the very back of the crowded room, late.<br />
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The speaker had already begun. She was upbeat and engaging as she chatted small talk with these girls, introducing herself and talking about hobbies. Then she pulled out a piece of paper.<br />
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"I want you to pass these around", she said. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix3qWQ52_439C0sFp9MGoaJObTsjsvsydAdekDqloZd2I66BrABluDkGTe6BGpmEwBvqqrMSyGdZ8CTzKhoSxS14NvNxxCEXbIX4clU7S-b20Ra4iti_nRNIK5YDjoKypSQphQLsL1oA/s1600/_DSC1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhix3qWQ52_439C0sFp9MGoaJObTsjsvsydAdekDqloZd2I66BrABluDkGTe6BGpmEwBvqqrMSyGdZ8CTzKhoSxS14NvNxxCEXbIX4clU7S-b20Ra4iti_nRNIK5YDjoKypSQphQLsL1oA/s400/_DSC1902.jpg" width="400" /></a> The girl received her little slip of paper and a pencil. Worried about having to write something she may not know about, she waited tentatively for her next instructions. Satisfied that everyone was ready to go, the lady smiled and continued.</div>
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"On your own slip of paper" she began, "I want you to write something you really want to be when you grow up". </div>
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<i>Okay good, </i>thought the girl. <i>That was pretty simple. But I hope she doesn't make me read this aloud. </i></div>
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Some of the girls took a little while to think about their answer, most wrote their "One thing" pretty quickly, but the girl was probably one of the first finished. She knew for sure that she wanted to be a Mom. Her desire for this future had never been anything different. She knew that was what she was called to do and she felt sure that's probably what all girls were called to be; a wife and mother; a homemaker. </div>
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A basket was passed and the girls were asked to put their slips of paper into it. The girl was glad. She realized she wasn't going to be asked to read it aloud, but perhaps this speaker-lady would. She hoped so. She hoped hers would get picked too. All the other girls probably wrote a career, she thought in disgust. The other girls probably wrote selfish things. But clearly <i>her</i> choice was the best one. It was the one that God would be happy with, not that other stuff. While feeling very good about her godly choice for a future, the girl was completely oblivious to her blatant pride. </div>
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Sure enough, the speaker, having received the basket, began to pull out a few slips of the white paper and read them aloud. As the girl suspected, they were all career related. </div>
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"Doctor, chef, veterinarian, actress, engineer, designer, geologist..." Then the speaker stopped. Her hand, now holding several white slips of paper, was suspended high over the basket. She paused dramatically and slowly looked around the room. Taking one paper into her other hand, she read it again: </div>
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"Basketball player". Crunch! The lady made a fist and the piece was nothing but a tiny ball. </div>
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"Actress" Crunch! As the first, she had smashed it into a little bit of nothing. </div>
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"Nurse" Crunch!</div>
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"Teacher" Crunch! On it went. </div>
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Satisfied that she had their attention, the speaker lowered her hand and slowly dropped the crumpled papers onto the floor. </div>
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"This is what you have to be willing to do with those dreams." she stated softly.</div>
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"We all have things we want to do, people we want to be, plans, hopes, and dreams... but girls, we need to be open to what God has planned for us. We need to be ready to give him everything..."</div>
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She lifted the basket, "This may be something we want to do, but whatever it is that God has planned for us and called us to... it may not be this... And that means, no matter what we end up doing, we have to be willing to surrender ALL our desires to God."</div>
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Indignant, the girl sat stiffly in her chair. How dare this speaker stand there, with the basket containing <i>her</i> piece of paper, and try to tell her that being a wife and mother may not be God's will? What if this speaker <i>had</i> grabbed up her paper and crumpled it up like some of the others? Her slip said she wanted to be a Mom. She honestly wondered, would the speaker have been <i>able</i> to crunch<i> </i>that up? The girl was now glad she was in the back. She didn't like this speaker so much anymore. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTGW6l0oXaboe_r5WMz_jPFc1MBcbG4_6JYNS1CUpfMhJLX_M2Al-J_FMihEGo3H5FFn7l6h7VTd4x8_UlAAIXbMZ60T3LoyHwl-Nz0S9pNU4CLZpwnplNM4vv5obfpJhxjH1iWqbok/s1600/_DSC1740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yTGW6l0oXaboe_r5WMz_jPFc1MBcbG4_6JYNS1CUpfMhJLX_M2Al-J_FMihEGo3H5FFn7l6h7VTd4x8_UlAAIXbMZ60T3LoyHwl-Nz0S9pNU4CLZpwnplNM4vv5obfpJhxjH1iWqbok/s400/_DSC1740.JPG" width="400" /></a> The woman continued with her message, but the girl wasn't really listening. Feeling a prick on her heart, she mulled over the words that were just spoken. She knew she was supposed to give God everything. She knew the speaker wasn't wrong to say we need to follow God's will and not her own. But the girl felt she was doing better than those other girls in the room. Her desire to be a keeper at home was biblical. It was God's will... right?</div>
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She decided she wouldn't let anyone else tell her differently. Let those other girls hear this message. They don't understand that they shouldn't be seeking a career. <i>They</i> needed to hear this... But she knew she was doing what God wanted. Sitting there feeling very self righteous, the girl was still oblivious to her arrogance.<br />
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Throughout the years as she grew in the Lord and matured as a Christian, God had to teach this girl many things. She had to learn how to give up her plans to Him. She realized through firsthand experiences that she really didn't have control. She could think she did. She could fake it. She could try to make things happen, but when it came down to it, that couldn't actually change what happened around her. </div>
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She realized how prideful she was about her choices. She realized God needed to be the center of her entire life and every decision along the way. This meant she had to be willing to do whatever God had for her and rest in His guidance in her life. This included the stuff she felt sure was God's best. Leaving it all in the hands of her Father gave her peace knowing He would be the one to work out her future. </div>
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No longer a little girl, she dealt with some trials and difficulties in her older teen life and young 20's. But in the midst of it all she could say God brought her through, because He had taught her what it meant to trust Him with her piece of paper that held her desire for the future. That speaker, all those years ago, was absolutely right. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJOdyo0qmvkB4TSrjFabVzqPVkNrrFyPwPJp9omblMBNmUwpkAvHVcehwwj6j2LM-jh4nCU6cKpcgAtplV8RFCDO31GAzpqxRu8qty3KBUfTR9fAOm9VbE1SjXTn4SchZFFAVWXdDPZY/s1600/_DSC1737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrJOdyo0qmvkB4TSrjFabVzqPVkNrrFyPwPJp9omblMBNmUwpkAvHVcehwwj6j2LM-jh4nCU6cKpcgAtplV8RFCDO31GAzpqxRu8qty3KBUfTR9fAOm9VbE1SjXTn4SchZFFAVWXdDPZY/s640/_DSC1737.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
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In case you didn't catch on, that little girl was me. It wasn't until quite recently that I remembered this story and realized it correlated so perfectly with my life now. I hope it will speak to your heart as well.<br />
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Friend, we can try to understand the will of God, follow Him with our entire being, read his word, pray, and live in devotion to him. But guess what, we must be ready to give up everything for him. Everything. This means the stuff we want. The stuff we've prayed for. The stuff we've felt sure we're supposed to do with our life. We must be able and willing to lay it all at the feet of Jesus and rest in Him to be the One who guides our future, because let's face it, we'll be miserable if we're fighting His will.<br />
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If God's not the one leading our lives, can we really say we are living a life that honors Him? Christ gave up everything on the cross at Calvary. This was the biggest act of submission ever to take place. In trying to be like Christ, should not our obedience towards His command to follow be to submit to Him as the One who determines our every step? </div>
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<i><b>Isaiah 26:3-</b> "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." </i></div>
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May our minds be "Stayed on God", our hearts full of childlike trust, and our will and desires surrendered to Him, that He may grant us <b>perfect peace </b>and we can fully rest in His direction and grace during every step of our lives. Praise the Lord.</div>
Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-29567859830224598462016-05-08T16:26:00.000-06:002016-05-11T09:50:13.365-06:00Motherless Mother's Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhPxCyf795mWp9nCfSgAEQ-c9DwUTI_609O7RnU0Yrux3Rf5XxfdL3HURTiwBYxz2ksnRyX_d0u7hfOWhA5pzvxjs388q3K91pyLFQCpZY7aS81NIGpjgwoWB0J92oZC6qeJltcllQQE/s1600/DSC_3923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhPxCyf795mWp9nCfSgAEQ-c9DwUTI_609O7RnU0Yrux3Rf5XxfdL3HURTiwBYxz2ksnRyX_d0u7hfOWhA5pzvxjs388q3K91pyLFQCpZY7aS81NIGpjgwoWB0J92oZC6qeJltcllQQE/s320/DSC_3923.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> As I was working at a flower shop this past week, one of my jobs included handwriting people's various messages to loved ones to be put with their bouquet delivery. It was sort of a strange experience... Writing message after message of "Happy Mother's Day...", "I love you...", and "You're the best mom in the world..!" I was writing the messages I would give almost anything to tell my own Mom, but could not. I also wanted to give a message to all these people writing to their Moms. I wanted to tell them not to wait for that visit. Don't wait to put in the time. Don't wait to show your appreciation. Don't wait to say the stuff you've wanted to say but never got out. Because you probably won't know when that "I love you" will be your last. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGfKLzphdvPGkY3tYdvf_CqrGW9LlDmMIDWUdVD_tRx-gDbBcTy9XmqBdnNY-EQkR-KuL8p7gjeWPvqVEW-y9k2RWz0QKEpNGyva8fsEvCuQA7KBV0auZe81Yj85AIXEYUQFu5gDKQP8/s1600/10670242_10202123051517685_7529737210963655735_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGfKLzphdvPGkY3tYdvf_CqrGW9LlDmMIDWUdVD_tRx-gDbBcTy9XmqBdnNY-EQkR-KuL8p7gjeWPvqVEW-y9k2RWz0QKEpNGyva8fsEvCuQA7KBV0auZe81Yj85AIXEYUQFu5gDKQP8/s1600/10670242_10202123051517685_7529737210963655735_n.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Throughout the week as I thought of Mother's Day, I was sad to realize this was a holiday I was no longer apart of. But then I thought about it some more. I thought about how much my Mom poured into this family. How much she sacrificed, and the amazing offering of love that was given to lead her kids to witness a real life example of what it means to be like Christ. Her being gone doesn't change that. It doesn't take away the seeds that were planted in her family. It doesn't discount the incredible legacy she left behind. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF1z7zFkzMOizxRmxW3FeLAnh568MA8joVEE8n1aJYL4o0KypF_H8k_E6DdkNiyy0ylzrqZdbVKcn55YzdfKiZkayrrYz9gXcbnBL2mImvI8NJaGN3BSKjb-ObmZ-Oqvjjl4wMBojIgM/s1600/1460033_10152478756449139_8430228339521307578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF1z7zFkzMOizxRmxW3FeLAnh568MA8joVEE8n1aJYL4o0KypF_H8k_E6DdkNiyy0ylzrqZdbVKcn55YzdfKiZkayrrYz9gXcbnBL2mImvI8NJaGN3BSKjb-ObmZ-Oqvjjl4wMBojIgM/s320/1460033_10152478756449139_8430228339521307578_n.jpg" width="287" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /> So while this will be the second "Motherless Mother's Day" for my siblings and I, I'd still like to honor my Mom for everything she did for this family. Hours of prayer on our behalf, hours of labor for her household, hours of emotion and passion for the things we pursued, hours of time and talks with her children, hours of teaching us the word of God... all of which create a lifetime of love which we will never be able to repay. But that's the kind of love that we are to follow. You know, Christ like love. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia, 'times new roman', serif;"> So to a mother who never let anyone tell her that her job doesn't matter; who realized she was raising a generation to honor God and live to serve Him, poured into her family, and understood the influence of her home as her battle ground, thank-you.... Through guiding and training the hearts of her children, she understood the power behind the vital truth that she was creating a legacy with the ability to build up or break down a nation. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> This is the example I was given every day of her life, and one I hope I too will someday be able to emulate, at least a little. And it's with much respect and love that I honor this legacy of motherhood today. Happy Mother's Day, Mom. I love you.</span><br />
<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-69626765633454853252016-02-29T10:32:00.000-07:002016-06-21T12:05:56.675-06:00Avoiding Religion Part Two<i>So in <a href="http://kelsianne.blogspot.com/2016/02/avoiding-religion-part-one.html" target="_blank">Part one of "Avoiding Religion</a>" I discussed the dangers of religion for the Christian. In this post, I'll be focusing on the dangers of religion for the non-Christian.</i><br />
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Religion is a dangerous commodity. In fact, I believe our country's push toward religion is one of the primary reasons we're seeing a lack of interest in regards to God and the church.<br />
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The fact that we, as a nation, are pulling away from God is no surprise to me. We are a people desperate for something more, yet blind to everything that could save us. The more we disregard God's word and the very existence of God, the more willingly we accept and even welcome immorality... and certain destruction. <br />
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But what is the reason behind our country's obvious acceleration to sin? Is it something specific? Could it be that our country has been so saturated with religion in politics in the past that people are just tired of it? Maybe our generation is hit hard by the hypocrisy and unrealistic impressions of morality in the church. Personally, I believe the morality children are being taught in our schools and homes is largely to blame. They are taught good and evil. Smiling, sharing, loving...? Good. Lying, cheating, and stealing...? Bad. But based on what? Are they given something to back up the reasoning and purpose behind such claims?<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNCrmx2qbulWiszYC_PuLqwpdFsc0OPT1q9g-oUa391WCN6yd2ZIqi1aDhJphHWl3pzVCDUlsHzE6VNQ_Fg3b8gGwb3EsLSvmx0AeWFLtqXB0ztAv5m4H1vDsnUGUx1RIFL8N-UX-LTM/s1600/P1170245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNCrmx2qbulWiszYC_PuLqwpdFsc0OPT1q9g-oUa391WCN6yd2ZIqi1aDhJphHWl3pzVCDUlsHzE6VNQ_Fg3b8gGwb3EsLSvmx0AeWFLtqXB0ztAv5m4H1vDsnUGUx1RIFL8N-UX-LTM/s320/P1170245.JPG" width="320" /></a> It's no wonder we have so many problems with our youth today. There is nothing to stop them from creating morality for themselves. Nothing to hold them back when they decide they think something's right or wrong. Notice, THEY choose. (<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.2px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Proverbs-14-12/" style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Proverbs 14:12">Proverbs 14:12</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 19.2px;"> - There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.) </span><br />
<br />
There is another reason that I believe has a great affect on our culture's decline in true Christianity. More often than not, those who claim "Christianity" do not really hold fast to the true meaning of the word. Many call themselves Christians, but have no clue what that really means. Or worse, the Christian knows, but looks no different from the world. So this leaves onlookers confused. What's so great about Christianity if it looks no different than everything else? What's the point?<br />
<br />
So how does the overuse of religion fit into all of this? It's simple. Not unlike religion for the Christian, it takes the focus off of the Truth and instead, onto self; what man can do to be good enough, to fit in, to measure up, or to feel positive about himself.<br />
<br />
When doing a good deed for others, the motive becomes self gratifying if it isn't done in the name of Christ. "Meditating" to feel spiritual only opens the doors of the mind to any evil Satan cares to slip in. Going to church just to please "The Man Upstairs" in case our good deeds weren't enough to weigh out the bad this week, means nothing when we are commanded obedience over sacrifice.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBkCKAdYPFISuaVvib6rApb0GpjKlfEvdpDM81oAI_umJQWEw38NaoItrQERI-TDHlor0TcXUpWiXw3t2Jzd4L86yJd_JC2mJKF1PDV1hL9WFcoFsgbSM7iGSDePFSmT6tQIUPLa6vU/s1600/12143323_10204018148813933_4795881448755037478_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XBkCKAdYPFISuaVvib6rApb0GpjKlfEvdpDM81oAI_umJQWEw38NaoItrQERI-TDHlor0TcXUpWiXw3t2Jzd4L86yJd_JC2mJKF1PDV1hL9WFcoFsgbSM7iGSDePFSmT6tQIUPLa6vU/s320/12143323_10204018148813933_4795881448755037478_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> We live in a world built of religious people who have good intentions but remain uninformed. In seeking to be enlightened they have lingered in the dark. In seeking to be religious, they have become a generation who have advanced willingly towards their silent killer, and so continue to be pervaded with it's deadly poison.<br />
<br />
Standing on it's own, religion means nothing, at least in the sense that it gains nothing. When we let ourselves get distracted with trying to be spiritual enough or appear religious enough to look good, please society, or make ourselves feel better, we miss the point. And when our deeds are not done in the name of Jesus Christ, we may as well have not done them at all. It makes us feel good about ourselves for doing these good deeds and thus only pull farther away from God in trying to measure up to the standard we've set. And I'm afraid it's a pretty low bar, people.<br />
<br />
We are witnessing a country who completely rejects God by using <i>religion</i> as a mask to cover the reality of certain destruction. The irony is painful, and the day of destruction is so much closer than they may think.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-81366762092934060602016-02-08T09:52:00.000-07:002016-02-19T11:33:33.559-07:00Avoiding Religion Part One<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLct3E-7gohCb2LmXO9Z00n34Oi1SMZjt2Nwhl_K2LVIFCASEZnfXr0EmNqQNw6BdQqXb3cKlz84liov82EtI3STW-AmDtcTbg5Mf4NlDk6O4sHYaP0ytN_gGgt5VKgYPpK2ixub9UVu8/s1600/12115557_10204038624325808_4052061635124546931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLct3E-7gohCb2LmXO9Z00n34Oi1SMZjt2Nwhl_K2LVIFCASEZnfXr0EmNqQNw6BdQqXb3cKlz84liov82EtI3STW-AmDtcTbg5Mf4NlDk6O4sHYaP0ytN_gGgt5VKgYPpK2ixub9UVu8/s1600/12115557_10204038624325808_4052061635124546931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLct3E-7gohCb2LmXO9Z00n34Oi1SMZjt2Nwhl_K2LVIFCASEZnfXr0EmNqQNw6BdQqXb3cKlz84liov82EtI3STW-AmDtcTbg5Mf4NlDk6O4sHYaP0ytN_gGgt5VKgYPpK2ixub9UVu8/s400/12115557_10204038624325808_4052061635124546931_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<b><u>Avoiding Religion: To the Christian</u></b><br />
<i>There once was an enthusiastic woman. She had a husband to whom she was completely devoted. In fact, she promised herself she would remain dedicated to him forever. In doing so, she also decided she needed to prove herself worthy to him so he could truly love her.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> So this woman decided to learn about her man. She wanted to understand every aspect of him, ways she could better</i><i> help him, when this devotion started, and in what ways could she encourage it to continue. But the woman didn't just stop there. She traveled to all the places he'd been, walked where he walked, and even talked like he talked. She met his friends... and his enemies. She learned about him in every way imaginable. She acted in a way that she knew would please him. She knew she had to be the perfect wife.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> While on her expedition, anyone who met this woman was impressed. The ladies wished they were more dedicated like her. Men wished they had wives who loved them as much as this woman seemed to love her husband.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> "Such a devout wife", they would remark. </i><i>"This is a woman of character. She is not afraid to work hard to get what she wants. She sets out to find what she's looking for and is successful. And all of this to please her husband..."</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP50ByIXKqzq-FBSGTSBAESzs-c8SkLqDDzojQAuOsTbp0x2_vdnvKLKBPcwOxEIJrSHFbZyukdsFpaYVLP0ZIU4HqVPNThyX3-iAG1vtce7bVCwlvCBMK8hsSvcfAncO1Do_HUerjsk/s1600/10801849_10202213004446452_5124159518705825170_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsP50ByIXKqzq-FBSGTSBAESzs-c8SkLqDDzojQAuOsTbp0x2_vdnvKLKBPcwOxEIJrSHFbZyukdsFpaYVLP0ZIU4HqVPNThyX3-iAG1vtce7bVCwlvCBMK8hsSvcfAncO1Do_HUerjsk/s320/10801849_10202213004446452_5124159518705825170_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><br /></i>
<i> It made her feel good inside to hear these things. It pushed her to try harder and work harder to be the one her husband would accept. In fact, as she did so, she had this hope in the back of her mind that this would be a way to prove the validity of her love to this man.</i><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i> Then, the day came.... Her journey had reached it's end. The people she met were gone, the places she had visited were but a distant memory, and her aspirations and dreams were fulfilled. But would it be enough to impress the man she loved?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> She went to the door of her house, and crept inside. Her eyes traveled across the room, from the empty living space, to the messy kitchen, and the barren dining area. Suddenly, an elderly man entered the front room. The woman jumped back with a start.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> "Who are you?" She demanded, a little taken off guard.</i><i> "I'm looking for my husband."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> The deep-set wrinkles in the man's brow increased as he looked at her closely. He took a step forward.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> "I", he stated slowly, "I am your husband." The woman stared in disbelief.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> "That can't be!" she countered. "I know my husband. Better than his own mother! I've studied him and everything about him. You sir, cannot be that man." However, he continued to look at her sadly.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7e263UEORvpQQsPlM9GoADzYE3vcGnRWlsKBhcjl5ZtWSmIOGYNJduXDvSoOop3FcJzyMGrTAvXrqjBGZjDcO71wcGJ_v0QC2felO4vmzhedetjrxGJRuT8Lx1-WuhaCnIKUcBtTlNM/s1600/1800354_10202213008366550_2803109599977820945_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7e263UEORvpQQsPlM9GoADzYE3vcGnRWlsKBhcjl5ZtWSmIOGYNJduXDvSoOop3FcJzyMGrTAvXrqjBGZjDcO71wcGJ_v0QC2felO4vmzhedetjrxGJRuT8Lx1-WuhaCnIKUcBtTlNM/s400/1800354_10202213008366550_2803109599977820945_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><i><br /></i>
<i> "You don't recognize me because you haven't spent any time with me. While I was taking a morning walk in the neighborhood, you were off touring my childhood home. The days I came home from a rough day at work with cold dinner as my only consolation, you were reading documents at the library about the day I was born. As I sat alone by the fireplace at night with a cup of green tea, you were having dinner with those I haven't seen in over 20 years. While my life forged on, as does any other, you were not there because you were too busy trying to learn about me and earn my respect. But I was right here the whole time. Waiting for the chance to learn and grow along side you. Waiting to care for you. Waiting to love you. Baby, you don't recognize me because you don't even know me." </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i> At this point, tears were streaming his bride's face. She had made a mistake that cost her the relationship she had devoted her whole life to maintain. In trying to earn the right to be cared for, she had lost her one chance to experience a relationship that would have melted any fear of rejection. A love given that could not be gained through something she did, nor ever could be. In trying to earn a love her spouse gave freely, it had all been lost... </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKmV7vjrIt81TpSL2Le13i3J9F9lSJoWNre0MNwSA6mt35ejcCxie9tXp2UVmyiD4jpIwic-ZKus-O0Ytk7qmcGNBH-L6b2cdO0d5IxzlWCIaZDU6_xs7V09l6DgQMMSt1VFRp7Kurm0/s1600/12068789_10204038603325283_5476945781055390443_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKmV7vjrIt81TpSL2Le13i3J9F9lSJoWNre0MNwSA6mt35ejcCxie9tXp2UVmyiD4jpIwic-ZKus-O0Ytk7qmcGNBH-L6b2cdO0d5IxzlWCIaZDU6_xs7V09l6DgQMMSt1VFRp7Kurm0/s320/12068789_10204038603325283_5476945781055390443_o.jpg" width="320" /></a><i><br /></i>
I don't consider myself a religious person. Actually, I aim to avoid "religion" as much as possible. Classifying myself as one who is "Religious" immediately puts all religions at the same level. Buddhism, Mormonism, Christianity, Hinduism... All are forced into a crowded and invisible coffin of good works and unobtainable perfection. To be religious is to be piously moral, saintly, or devout. What's wrong with these things, you ask? Well, everything... when done in our own strength. When we are trying to be "religious", we are trying to attain something that was already achieved; the saving grace of Jesus Christ. In the story above, we saw a woman who went to great lengths to learn all she could about her husband. She worked hard. She was unrelenting. She was determined. Yet she forgot the most important thing,.. spending time with her husband. You know... Relationship.<br />
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Being religious denotes self. It brings glory to the good behavior and holy living of a working saint, rather than bringing to the forefront the actions of an awesome Creator.<br />
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Works are not the coupons we parade during our Christian walk in order to gain the good deals of God's blessings. He loves His people. Nothing we can do or say will ever change that. Instead of using our works to help self, we offer them to God as a meager sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. Our good works should proclaim the goodness of God and showcase His power to save those who are utterly unable to do so themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXUlgoUmoqwdgrqXLfF1l217hCjEYHe0jGt-oqRA-9SgQCKaxGxN89Ui75-i5eRAoQ4s3QL5VDKGzimCXNDj6jSpr21tGMwVIVIBDe8nRhm1l8hIFRrgUZFMBUAWAN9Di_bgLsJWLLps/s1600/10420389_10202212986125994_8945617333172406398_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIXUlgoUmoqwdgrqXLfF1l217hCjEYHe0jGt-oqRA-9SgQCKaxGxN89Ui75-i5eRAoQ4s3QL5VDKGzimCXNDj6jSpr21tGMwVIVIBDe8nRhm1l8hIFRrgUZFMBUAWAN9Di_bgLsJWLLps/s320/10420389_10202212986125994_8945617333172406398_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> You see, with the right approach to our Christian walk, we will lose all aspects of a simple religion, at least in the way the world would see it. As we draw closer to God, we find instead a relationship with a Father who loves us. With this perspective in our hearts and the experience of the grace of God in our lives, the idea and practice of Christianity as a "religion" really couldn't be further from the truth.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Jeremiah-33-3/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Jeremiah 33:3">Jeremiah 33:3</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> - Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"><br /></span>
<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Revelation-3-20/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Revelation 3:20">Revelation 3:20</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> - Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.</span><br />
<br />
<strong style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/James-4-8/" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="James 4:8">James 4:8</a></strong><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19.2px;"> - Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse [your] hands, [ye] sinners; and purify [your] hearts, [ye] double minded.</span><br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-26069068657576219942015-11-03T12:29:00.000-07:002016-04-26T23:20:57.834-06:00Mirrored Reality<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtDx974BcWzrGeo2VhwAmF08_3UJL3AzdDcfaLT7lyzgEtuOdRg_pVkWYMwf1NyOQsEaNgS_ruuzr6mtolR4wQ2shoWnXyi2zoYjzx7a3pMnBGmILznGU-mdEC1qJhjhZ2Jo92iSarM/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAtDx974BcWzrGeo2VhwAmF08_3UJL3AzdDcfaLT7lyzgEtuOdRg_pVkWYMwf1NyOQsEaNgS_ruuzr6mtolR4wQ2shoWnXyi2zoYjzx7a3pMnBGmILznGU-mdEC1qJhjhZ2Jo92iSarM/s400/IMG_1481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We have two mirrors in the restroom downstairs. One is a normal mirror and the other, an antique mirror that is slightly tinted with a gentle pinkish tan shade. It's slight, however; hardly noticeable unless you compare the two side-by-side.<br />
<br />
When looking at myself in the mirror, washing my face, or putting on makeup, the temptation is to look into the one that is tinted. It's right in front of me. It's a charming mirror. Not to mention, I feel better about myself this way. My face is less marred and even a bit tan. It's nice... But it isn't authentic. For a true depiction of my skin tone and facial state, I must look in our other mirror, sitting quietly to it's right. But that mirror tells all. That mirror doesn't hide my flaws. That mirror is the mirror of reality.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pQc2VtmbCLuFTBJN8UUAj2u-4gXECUXMCNUUQVF-ZNfebBaozweORvPsctW2YVcMq-FK3jcszZPnSD7RxZifTcMI2JzlFLg7HWTWa-Gn9riOQ97ujmbAjk5kDekDXCTqV2TPgq7A8NU/s1600/IMG_1484.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/AVvXsEj_pQc2VtmbCLuFTBJN8UUAj2u-4gXECUXMCNUUQVF-ZNfebBaozweORvPsctW2YVcMq-FK3jcszZPnSD7RxZifTcMI2JzlFLg7HWTWa-Gn9riOQ97ujmbAjk5kDekDXCTqV2TPgq7A8NU/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="272" /></a> In life, we are given two mirrors. The first mirror arrogantly stands in front of us as our default. It makes us feel good about ourselves. It makes us feel indifferent and justified. This mirror is the mirror of the world. Facing myself through a glass wall that is tinted with egotism, complacency, bitterness, conformity, and self-gratification, I feel pretty good. With all of this to compare as a marred reality, I know that I am winsome and ethical in the sight of the society of this world and every glorified idol to which it's devotion lies.<br />
<br />
The second mirror stands for absolute truth. It doesn't hide my flaws. In fact, as I look at my barren reflection, I see not only the defects I was aware of, but many others that would have, were it not for the honest image staring back at me, remained in happy oblivion.<br />
<br />
Sin is a bitter reality we don't like to face. It's easier to ignore it, look away, put off the inevitable, pretend it doesn't exist. What happens then? Nothing at first. No spiritual growth, no innovation, no joy. Nothing to show for a life that should be a plethora of wisdom and vision, hope and tenacity. Then... the changes happen. Sin doesn't just sit in one place in our heart and mind. It is constantly moving, constantly working. Not just satisfied to infect our life, it's passion is to destruct our soul.<br />
<br />
We stare into one mirror and see a veiled existence that feeds a lie. This is when destruction comes because we don't know the sin is even there, to deal with it. When we look into the mirror of truth, the infallible word of God, it's not always easy to face. The <i>true</i> reality? We are full of disgusting, ugly sin. However, God's word not only brings us face to face with truth, but provides us with a way of escape. It grants us cleansing that comes only through Christ's blood, which washes away all impurities, creating an image that reflects God's unfathomable glory.<br />
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When you look into a mirror that is tinted by the world, you give yourself to be bound by its chains, through sins you never knew existed because you chose not to see them.<br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-54161356130318588002015-09-22T22:36:00.002-06:002015-09-22T22:55:31.124-06:00Here...And Gone...<div class="_209g _2vxa" data-block="true" data-offset-key="agbj8-0-0" data-reactid=".1p.1.0.1.0.0.$editor0.0.0.$agbj8" style="background-color: white; color: #373e4d; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Time is a puzzling thing. Often, life flies by so fast I feel I can hardly keep up. Things that took place a while ago seems to have happened yesterday. But then, I look back at events in the past few years of my life that feel an eternity away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> These thoughts were running through my mind this past Saturday as I stood a few feet away from the bonfire, laughter, and chatter at Family Camp, in Prescott AZ. I turned to look into the dark woods to my right, suddenly realiz<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ing that this was the last place I had spoken to my Mom. One year ago, only a week early to the day, I had talked to her on the phone and told her "I love you" for the very last time. It was a strange realization. I remember thinking I could almost believe she wasn't sick, as I heard her cheerful voice on the other end.</span></span><br />
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Time is something we may never understand. I remembered this bonfire taking place a year ago and it felt like it happened only weeks prior. Yet as I remember the terrible battle Mom faced with her cancer, it seems years and years away.</div>
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I'm so thankful we serve a God who stands outside of time as the Creator of time. He is the great "I Am". As we were entering the first of Mom's diagnosis, He was waiting at the end. As we were in the middle of the hardship, our God had already seen us through.</div>
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Unbound by time, Jehovah Jireh, our Provider WILL see us through because He has ALREADY seen us through. And I think few things in this world could ever bring more comfort.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjAF320pofH_OKlPYCK9o5amlZ_BX2J7xohaRJ-9XfqxbqXXB8VCIB1s4mQOXvHRaLVmW65avRNr1l10NCi2Xn3Ne7gfd1NCBnE4RchxB8uejU8llLZzOcshz-PyzEsnVh6w9kTCO9TI/s1600/300484_1905888226811_1120002606_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNjAF320pofH_OKlPYCK9o5amlZ_BX2J7xohaRJ-9XfqxbqXXB8VCIB1s4mQOXvHRaLVmW65avRNr1l10NCi2Xn3Ne7gfd1NCBnE4RchxB8uejU8llLZzOcshz-PyzEsnVh6w9kTCO9TI/s320/300484_1905888226811_1120002606_n.jpg" width="320" /></a> This day comes with much love to my Mom, as on her birthday, she resides in the place where tears are wiped away, sin is forever defeated, and where she may joyfully praise her Savior, directly in His glorious and most holy presence. It sure doesn't get better than that. <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/hoppman2015?source=feed_text&story_id=10203957965469387" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;"><span aria-label="hashtag" class="_58cl" style="color: #627aad;">#</span><span class="_58cm">Hoppman2015</span></a> </div>
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-62682978799001393272015-07-08T15:49:00.004-06:002015-07-08T21:54:27.346-06:00Defective Faith<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">".<i>..So they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea; and the sea ceased from her raging. Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord, and made vows."</i> (Jonah 1:15-16)</span><br />
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The above verses are not a story about men who were heathens, saw the mighty power of God, and repented of their sins. This is an example of men who had a fear of God, and probably nothing more. This was a fear that made them weak-kneed, a fear that caused them to recollect their sins and faults, a fear that brought them to reverence before a powerful God. At least, this is what we may take from the little given about them in this passage. This fear, however, was a skittish reverence, rather than sorrowful repentance.<br />
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The Bible says that at the name of God, even the demons fear and tremble. (James 2:19) They know He exists. This is already established. Yet they, along with Satan, have rejected God, and they will continue to do so for eternity. So the question then remains for our own hearts and lives: is there <i>repentance</i> from sin, and a life turned away from wickedness? Is there a rejection of the "Old man"? Has that fear birthed only reverence... or repentance? Do our action represent our fear: "I may be destroyed" or do they proclaim: "I have been redeemed."?<br />
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Dependent on the answer are two very different outcomes.<br />
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"...<i>They will know us by our fruits..</i>." (Matt. 7:16-20) We can be recognized as saved through our deeds but it is not by these deeds that were are saved. Do you see the difference?<br />
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If you are saved, yet constantly fear punishment and rejection for your sin, you are living under a condemnation that has been conquered at Calvary. Yet the sinner lives his life shackled and immovable by this eternity. It is a darkness that reeks of self-focused pity and hatred. It crushes him with the weight of unattainable piety. God did not call us to this. For what reason would you live this way as a Christian? If you have asked Christ into your heart and repented of your past life, there should be no condemnation or fear. You have been saved by the blood of the lamb, Jesus Christ, and He has freed you from these bonds. Otherwise your life becomes focused on good works and accomplishments. What you do or don't do becomes the basis for the salvation of others, and for yourself. This is a dangerous path.<br />
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So what is the other side of this? Yes, we have sinned. Yes, we will make (Many) mistakes. The difference is, we live with the knowledge that despite our sins, we are not pushed away from God eternally. When we sin, we must repent, strive to do better, and remain in communion with God, knowing fully that our salvation is not determined by our actions.<i> "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; (1 Peter 1:13)</i><br />
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The focus is not on self, but instead, God. Rather than looking to <i>my</i> actions and <i>my</i> words, I look to Christ, and His word, and how <i>He</i> will work<i> through</i> me. Does that make sense?<br />
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With this knowledge, we will rejoice in our awesome God! We can live in freedom from the bondage of sin, and in utter devotion as a bond-servant of Christ.<br />
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When you have been redeemed, you will desire to serve the One by whom you have been saved. You will strive to please and honor Him with everything in your being. You will be utterly sorrowful when you are brought to the knowledge of your sin, and will be quickly brought to repentance and restoration with Him.<br />
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When the men on the ship bound for Tarshish threw Jonah into the tumultuous waves, they witnessed a miracle. The other god's they worshiped had never done anything like this! So out of fear, they made sacrifices to God. This was a God unlike the others. This was a God who they believed to be feared. However, that doesn't mean they changed their ways or stopped serving their false gods. They were still bound by a works based faith in many things, and in self. It was a defective faith. <br />
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People will know you are saved because of your fruits. They will see an unwavering, steadfast joy as you serve God, the One who saved you from sin, saved you from condemnation, and saved you from an eternity without Him. This is how you are to live, so that you will have absolutely no fear when the time comes for you to die.<br />
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Remember: <span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble..." </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span>Don't live in condemnation under a defective faith.<br />
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Acts 3:18-19- "<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>...<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;">Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;"</span> </span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> </span></i></span><br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-14497882309794528072015-04-09T13:19:00.000-06:002016-03-21T12:26:03.158-06:00Jesus Idols <div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span class="text Nah-1-3" id="en-KJV-22688" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">" </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. </span><span class="text Nah-1-4" id="en-KJV-22689" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers:... </span>The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger?"</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Nah-1-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">Interesting. This passage of scripture in Nahum not only speaks of our Lord as One who is slow to anger... But also great in power with the ability to cause chaos in nature. We don't often put the two together. We like to separate the qualities of directed strength vs gentle kindness because we don't think they meld quite right. Slow to anger rich in mercy... Yet seemingly full of wrath and Hell fire... And the two go together? I think we need to be careful with how we separate these truths. Whether it's just a thought we don't conceive, or an action we take in conversation, this subtle change we slap to the attributes of our Lord is a slippery slope. We need to watch out.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> " </span></span> ...His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. <span class="versenum" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.<span class="versenum" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But with an overrunning flood he will make an utter end of the place thereof, and darkness shall pursue his enemies."</div>
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<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">So often I think we like to "Use" Jesus in a way that fits our particular issues or desires. We try to fit Him in an easy-to-understand mold. For example, we sometimes like to use our "Meek and Mild" Jesus. He is gentle, soft, and does not raise His voice or challenge much, if anything. This is the Jesus we find in children's story books and at Sunday school. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> We often like to pull out our "Judgement Jesus". Anybody who gives us grief or are sinning, in our eyes, meet this Jesus. We like to pull this one out when we have to let folks know what's coming if they don't "Turn from their wicked ways". </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> And we can't forget the "Love and Peace Jesus" either. This one is probably most common. This Jesus, of course, loves everybody. This Jesus <i>accepts</i> everybody and <i>everything </i>while<i> </i>ignoring your guilt and reminding you just how special you are<i>, just the way you are</i>; "Simply love and accept others and yourself". </span></span></div>
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<span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> Anyway, there are others, but I think you get the idea. The Bible warns us against false idols... Do you suppose we set up for ourselves idols when we keep trying to worship a Jesus of our choosing? Should we not be applying the warning against worship of false gods, when we pull out certain things from Scripture about our Savior, and discard the rest?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Nah-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;">Christ's attributes work together beautifully. Our God is not weak and yielding, nor is He abounding in anger and wrath towards his children. </span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> Instead of trying to use our Savior's various qualities to our advantage, why don't we give Him credit as the One our Scripture portrays; the</span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><u> whole picture</u></span><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> given to us through His word; the God who cannot be contained? Why is it we refuse to accept scripture as a whole, and instead pick out bits and pieces? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text Nah-1-3" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> Our Lord is mighty yet gentle; wholly just yet loving; completely </span></span><span style="line-height: 22px;">righteous yet forgiving</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="line-height: 22px;">. He is Three and yet One; here with us now, yet unbound by the confines of time; the great "I Am". He is simple enough that a child may understand and trust Him... yet so grand and complex that our minds could never fathom His limitless and unbound power and greatness. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;"> We must not let ourselves "See" Christ for who we want Him to be... Let's see Him for who He is, then step forward and be forever amazed by His greatness. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>*Scripture taken from Nahum 1:3-4b and 5-8 KJV</i></span><br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-27899236631519934252015-01-13T16:24:00.000-07:002015-01-13T16:24:07.432-07:00The Curse Removed "Thou sayest thy sin is little; then, if the sin be little, how little trouble it might have taken thee to have avoided it! If thy transgression be but small, at how small an expense thou mightest have refrained from it! Some have said, 'Surely the sin of Adam was but little; he did but take an apple.' Ay, but in its littleness was its greatness. If it was a little thing to take the fruit, with how little trouble might it have been avoided! And because it was so small an act, there was couched within it the greater malignity of guilt. So, too, thou mayest never have blasphemed thy God, thou mayest never have desecrated his Sabbath; yet, insomuch as thou hast committed a little sin, thou art justly condemned, for a little sin hath in it the essence of all sin; and I know not but that what we call little sins may be greater in God's sight than those which the world universally condemns, and against which the hiss of the execration of humanity continually rises. I say, God is just, although from his lips should rush thunders to blast the entire universe; God is just, although he curses all. Tremble, man, and 'kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish by the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.' The curse is universal, the curse is just." Wow. Great words from Charles Spurgeon in his sermon: "The Curse Removed".<br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-65887504961937196922015-01-01T11:44:00.003-07:002015-01-01T11:44:55.486-07:00Double Take <div>
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2014 has been a hard year; there's no denying it. Looking back at previous years would be enjoyable, predictable, and perhaps a little nostalgic. I like to look back and reminisce. I appreciate seeing how God has shaped me through various hardships and experiences. Taking a typical "look back" at the year, across the years, has provided ample opportunity for such. However, this year has held more of the "Hardship" and "Experiences" than I, or probably anyone else, expected. Looking back proves to be sometimes difficult. The memories are not all happy ones... But how could anyone have known what was to come? </div>
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So my siblings and I will be entering this year without our sweet Mom. She was such a large part of our household; it's difficult and strange. It's such a bitter truth. but one that many face everyday. It's not particular to I or my family, it just feels that way as we go through it. </div>
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Of course, I'm not writing about this to make you feel sad or discouraged. The sin nature is ever-present and death is just a harsh truth we will have to face throughout our lives. Yeah its tough, but it's reality. I'm writing about this because I would like to take <i>another</i> look back. I want you to see God and what He has done and can do in the lives of His children. When you look at something, the "first glance" is often perverted. The first conclusion is often flawed. Sometimes, it requires a double take to see things as they really are... </div>
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So here are some things I have noticed as we go through this. As Anton Ego from Ratatouille would say, "A little perspective"... </div>
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First, it has definitely drawn me closer to God. A relationship with God is something that must be maintained. You have to work at it. I'm thankful for the hard times because it has forced me to realize, once again, how needy and incapable I am in my own strength. It reminded me just how much I needed to trust in my Savior, no matter what.</div>
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I've also noticed the body of Christ moving in an amazing way. When we needed help, they came around us and supported us. Our church family was quick to see a need and fill it. When we weren't around our immediate church family, other friends and brothers and sisters in Christ picked up where our church could not. They were there for us. Praise God for His body at work. This was what provided such a source of encouragement and comfort. It was a beautiful thing to see. </div>
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There were also things God was teaching us through others. Our family had to be able to <i>accept</i> the help so willingly given us. It's a funny thing. To need help but somehow still feel like we could pull things on our own. For me, my first inclination was to show that I was okay and could get through things without burdening others. However, when I accepted the help of the friends around me, it helped me realize how much I needed it. People wanted to help and needed the opportunity. It would be prideful to say I didn't need it and refuse simply because I didn't want to put the load on someone else. And again, regarding the Body of Christ at work, seeing that probably did more to encourage and uplift than anything else could.</div>
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So here's the last bit of perspective I'd like to shed on this past year: Through the hardship, joy-filled times, laughter, and sorrow, God has shown His glory through it all. It's my constant prayer; "Lord, may Your name be glorified." I've had many people tell me this past year that watching our family has encouraged them, strengthened their faith, and brought them closer to Christ. I've seen renewed relationships, people putting differences aside for the collective purpose of helping us out. I've seen the hand of God on our family and in turn, touching others for the better. In no way do I credit this to us! Clearly, it's God working through us and despite us, and for that I thank and praise Him continually. Our God is an awesome God! I can only pray that His hand of blessing will continue to touch our lives and the lives of those around us in the years to come.</div>
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What you have just read is only a minuscule part of the "Double take". It is just a tiny part of what I've observed through this year. It's not even an extensive list! How much more is God doing that we have yet to see? How much has He done that we won't know until later? How many lives has He worked in that we won't even see until heaven? How exciting is that? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjPuvm7s_IlDH7dRJq5zWUwlckZ6fHemsw_nOHSzsnfwSIT7zAaZ02ajG7vMxOH7ezvNMaHx9YJ54rbBYHszWnblfgGuuSmZYzd5K_7ts64dIp9wZ0iPCNKhMp3k5xAf0c2R49wBbntM/s1600/DSC_2041.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/AVvXsEgJjPuvm7s_IlDH7dRJq5zWUwlckZ6fHemsw_nOHSzsnfwSIT7zAaZ02ajG7vMxOH7ezvNMaHx9YJ54rbBYHszWnblfgGuuSmZYzd5K_7ts64dIp9wZ0iPCNKhMp3k5xAf0c2R49wBbntM/s1600/DSC_2041.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a> I'm going to end this blog post with some words from Oswald Chambers:</div>
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"As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, unremembering delight, not with the flight of impulsive thoughtfulness, but with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future....Leave the irreparable past in His hands, and step out into the irresistible future with Him."</div>
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As you enter the year 2015, always remember that our first idea of what is going on around us is not always going to be correct. We only see a little tiny part of the big picture. If you find yourself discouraged after drawing first conclusions of a matter, stop for a double take and see if the Lord doesn't show you something different. </div>
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Happy New Year, my friends. </div>
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-49936034856031488322014-10-11T09:33:00.000-06:002014-10-11T11:34:53.188-06:00"But A Vapor"... Death is a hard pill to swallow. It often leaves those involved confused, hurt, and angry. However, by God's grace, we will deal with our loss in a way that honors His name. As odd as it sounds, death is a part of life, and it's only <i>through</i> death that we truly live.<br />
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It's not as if I thought something like this couldn't happen to me. I've always tried to resolve conflicts between I and a family member as soon as possible; making sure we didn't have a rift, particularly before the late evening, or as they were traveling someplace by car. The thought would cross my mind, "What if something were to happen? What if they got into an accident and I never saw them again?" Bearing this in mind, a hug, smile, signing "I love you", or the last lingering word before they left was always important, in my mind.<br />
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But the reality really hits home when a loved one is truly gone. Gone, leaving a thousand things unsaid; leaving behind imminent memories that will never be made...<br />
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I was talking with a couple good friends the other day. They mentioned some wedding planning Mother and daughter would be doing together. It struck a thought in my mind. That is something I will never have... Planning my future wedding alongside my Mom. It's just something that happens, it's expected... but something I will never experience.<br />
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My younger siblings have been on my mind as well. They too will grow up without their Mother. Little Keturah, Josiah, the twins... So young. So many experiences to come and so much of life before them; yet they are motherless.<br />
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I guess it's common to ask "Why?". Why would God take Mom from us, why would God let her suffer?... Honestly, I never really found myself asking these questions. We have so much more than we deserve and wishing Mom was still here with us seems almost selfish to me. She's so much happier than I could ever fathom. We weep now because we want her back. I want her back. I want these times with her. There are things I want to tell her. I want to go through my life, through the trials, the hardships, and all of it's joys and beautiful experiences, with her. It seems selfish.<br />
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So I don't ask "Why"... However, this doesn't make the sadness any less, nor does it help the emptiness we now feel without her presence. It's amazing what one person's life can create in such a short amount of time and the lasting impression it can have on others.<br />
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Of course, as expected, life moves on despite our circumstances. Memories will be made, sorrow will come, hardship, temptations, and experiences will sprinkle this path called life. Death is a part of life but the hole one leaves is hard to fill. I thank God we do not walk this path alone.<br />
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<i>"... His anger is but for a moment,<br />His favor is for a lifetime;<br />Weeping may last for the night,<br />But a shout of joy comes in the morning"</i><br />
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<i> </i>Don't take for granted the little things in your life. These are things that make a lifetime. These are opportunities that are fleeting. At once it's here and the next moment, dissipated like a mist greeted by the sun.<br />
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So enjoy the little moments in your day; revel in them. Take delight in the gentle smile of a loved one, the dirty hands of a child at play, the reading of God's word together, young shouts of glee and enthusiasm, voices lifted in song, the strain and sweat of hard work, the grace of a kind word, a glistening tear in a softened eye, the honor in adversity as you journey through life with those you love... Each and every little thing create a lasting impression on those around you. Don't take them for granted. Don't let them pass you by unnoticed. Instead, step out and work through the moments. Stand strong on God's word and follow Him with a steadfast heart and unwavering trust in His love; for you, my friend, will be making impressions that last a lifetime.<br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-84975264015220991812014-07-19T15:40:00.001-06:002014-07-19T21:07:34.442-06:00Vegetable Soup-Vegan/Vegetarian/PaleoHere is a soup recipe I made up for Mom and thought I'd share it with you all! I didn't put amounts down-They vary, depending on what you like. It's soup... Have fun with it! :-)<br />
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<b>Kelsianne's Vegetable Soup</b> <i>(Vegan/Vegetarian/Paleo)</i><br />
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Ingredients: <br />
Vegetable juice pulp (Soup flavor will vary depending on what's in the pulp)<br />
Organic Mixed Vegetables<br />
Water<br />
Tomato Sauce<br />
Onion<br />
Kale<br />
Canned Kidney Beans<br />
Canned Pinto Beans<br />
Canned Mushrooms<br />
Mixed Vegetables<br />
Bragg's Liquid Aminos<br />
Garlic<br />
Salt (Opt.)<br />
Olive oil/coconut oil (About 1T)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjxmwBWnwmnlXWR1dVSz2-c6fRWIiSY87XMEkC0JKkWX1_MnLLhfEVyh0Wdnk1tn5WvwihOpVtTG8Gbnc4BUHLql7zSpg1igqw0MyUZ2XbJtdK8i8zMvCZTj6Y577VEAkWMcng2bXo0o/s1600/DSC_0636.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/AVvXsEhsjxmwBWnwmnlXWR1dVSz2-c6fRWIiSY87XMEkC0JKkWX1_MnLLhfEVyh0Wdnk1tn5WvwihOpVtTG8Gbnc4BUHLql7zSpg1igqw0MyUZ2XbJtdK8i8zMvCZTj6Y577VEAkWMcng2bXo0o/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a><i>Put the pulp on the stove on Med. heat in some water. (Maybe about 2-3 cups of water to one cup pulp?-I just eye it) Bring it to a boil, then stir it, and turn the heat down to Med-Low and let it simmer for 1-2 hours. After finished cooking, strain the pulp from the juice. (Make sure to squeeze all the juice you can get out of it!) Put the juice (Soup base) back on the stove on Med heat. Saute onions in oil till edges are golden brown. Add them to the soup base. Then add the next five ingredients. Add Bragg's, Salt, and Garlic to taste. Simmer for a few minutes or until thoroughly heated and kale is cooked. If you are able to have dairy, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top really hits the spot. Enjoy!</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-13944041788643103592014-07-07T08:39:00.002-06:002014-07-07T15:08:19.645-06:00Hope As some of you know, my two brothers and I are with my Mom at a Euro Clinic in AZ as we try to beat this cancer that threatens to take over her body. The hand of God is evidenced by what I've watched around me; the body of Christ pulling together to encourage, pray, and give a helping hand in a time of need. Praise God.<br />
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A few nights back, I had some thoughts that were coming to my mind in regards to a recent visit to a another clinic in the area, in hopes of getting some relief for Mom's arm, which is currently swollen with lymphodema. </div>
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It occurred to me how much hope is able lift one's disposition and on the other hand, how discouragement and hopelessness can bring our spirits critically low. </div>
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Back in NM, when Mom was first diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, we were offered very little hope. The best they could give us with contemporary medicine was "buying time" and "quality of life". They stamped down a time-frame which, with treatment, could buy her a little time with her family. While even one day more with her was a blessing, this news was not favorable or encouraging. However, this was our reality. In our hands and through man's work, this was the most that could be done...... But God.</div>
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When we did the research, we found a few places Mom could go where they were ready to try more than "buy time", but instead, bring her back to health. Were there any guarantees? No, of course not. But we had that spark of hope that kept us trying more, rather than throw in the towel. The interesting thing is, this in itself improves one's "Quality of Life", which seemed to be a buzz-word back at the hospital.<br />
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So now we've been taking her to a clinic in Arizona and things are going pretty well, thus far. However, Mom's arm has been pretty swollen with lymphodema, so we took her into another clinic and met with a woman who was going to do some massage, wrapping, etc to hopefully bring it down.<br />
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We sat down with her and began our first meeting, the "evaluation", to determine where Mom was and what could be done to help her. It didn't go too well. The lady we met with was nice; very cordial and explained the situation and how the meeting would work... But it was pathetic. She saw Mom, heard she didn't have any lymph nodes removed or "real treatment" done, and shook her head in pity. Alternative medicine, in general, was not something she put stock in. She told us she was pretty sure she couldn't do much to help Mom's swollen arm but she would wrap it and see if that changed anything.<br />
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Nearing the end of the meeting, I was trying to explain Euro clinic's methods for treatment to kill the cancer. She began to shake her head then looked me straight in the eye.<br />
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"You do realize they're not ever going to get rid of the cancer... They're buying you time but that's it... You know that, right?"<br />
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Yes, I "knew". I knew the clinic has been working towards more than "buying her time". I was very aware of the "Worst Case Scenario", if you will. I knew what this cancer may and should be doing to her. However, I also knew the God we serve is bigger than all that.<br />
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As the meeting went on, the "lymphodema lady", (as we later called her) began to bring Euro clinic further into question. "So, how do they test progress?" Mom couldn't remember. The lady lowered her eyes and gave a knowing shake of her head. "See?" Her gaze fell on these poor, naive folks in front of her who were blindly following a pipe dream.<br />
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At this point, the discouragement of Mom's condition and the lack of hope for progress was wearing on me, but I looked at "lymphodema lady" and manged a few words.<br />
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"Back at the hospital, they gave us no hope with traditional medicine. The best it could do was give us a bit of time, and even then, they didn't expect her to last very long." I stopped as I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Just the fact that she is alive, and breathing, and functioning, to me, is progress."<br />
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As I later thought about that meeting, I realized how much it reminded me of our experience back in NM. Mom was having tests done at the hospital, and the gravity of the situation was just starting to weigh on us. Every day we went, every new test that was done... was a struggle. The more we found out, the worse it got, and it was dismal. But praise God for the hope He grants us through the power of His name and the opportunities he puts before us that gives us the strength we need to go on.<br />
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I don't know what the outcome of this story will be. However, no-matter what comes our way, I know without a shadow of a doubt that we do not walk this path alone. I don't know know what will happen... But my God does and it's in His hands to which our spirit's and our lives are committed.<br />
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I pray that we, as the Psalmist, may declare with righteous fervor: "<i>And now, Lord, what wait I for?</i> <i>My hope is in Thee."</i> Praise Him.<br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-15113808258376326032014-05-09T16:04:00.000-06:002014-05-09T16:04:05.068-06:00Happy Birthday, Jonathan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8Q_P5BbdX_Jbu2aRyarZiBbLVPFEim7-V9vpz8K6URkK-2YFVval33fKSPObjluiURbqVwEEfUmC9iGYAldQl-ufKquIjvH0tH33RdeQo7DFoiXAxPnh0Lw0xJPysGI6A_up3Gy5LeU/s1600/100_8145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8Q_P5BbdX_Jbu2aRyarZiBbLVPFEim7-V9vpz8K6URkK-2YFVval33fKSPObjluiURbqVwEEfUmC9iGYAldQl-ufKquIjvH0tH33RdeQo7DFoiXAxPnh0Lw0xJPysGI6A_up3Gy5LeU/s1600/100_8145.JPG" height="640" width="442" /></a></div>
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Wow, hard to believe the little guy has grown up so much...<br />
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Some know Jonathan to be a serious person...</div>
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But those who know him <i>well</i>, know better. :-)<br />
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Happy Birthday, "Little" Bro!</div>
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-61314363588784610802014-04-21T09:25:00.000-06:002014-04-23T13:28:12.035-06:00The Stranger<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i> <span style="font-size: x-small;">By Kelsey A.H.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While trotting down a dusty path</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With aimless steps, we walk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm heavy by my comrade's side</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In disbelief and shock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh how could I, a simple man,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grasp all which happened there?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The place of my salvation and</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The place of my despair.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I see a man approaching us,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His cloak drawn round his face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His eyes: They penetrate my own.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend in such a place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He speaks of things so wise and bold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And yet he does not know</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About the trial and death of Christ?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Roman's deadly blow?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And so we tell him of these things:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How Jesus bled and died,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The men who gave his body up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To have Him crucified.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stranger listened silently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just nodding here and there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He taught us, then, of all fortold,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of prophets, Christ, and prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At last we came upon the place </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hoped to stay that night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I held deep questions in my heart</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As dark dispelled the light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stranger planned to leave from there</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But by our urge to stay,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We sat to eat a humble meal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stranger bowed to pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just as the cloaked man stooped to pray</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart cried out in laud:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Is he who sits before me now</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And prays, the Son of God?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This bold apocalypse denied</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Christ's death won over grace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My swelling heart burst forth in joy,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wet eyes look to His face.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But Christ had vanished-Then I wept.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love vanquished my despair.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The agony and joy of grace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I almost could not bear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then rose we up to tell of all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His mercies would afford.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Behold Him: spotless Lamb and King,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ Jesus, risen Lord!</span><br />
<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-44354706792661597062014-04-11T10:39:00.001-06:002014-04-11T11:03:37.113-06:00The Naive Prayer<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NpsJGQjgjMpncZct8odYxcxtAr-WGze3hJzNqoqCQt3exuzW0OGcUgsRfXNeV1MFzq1U5KLMPSXTN7Xdct_7yS94TpoNfD8ClNugx0q7FP8933iGWMTpsO9jcUhfCK4zfp29HmLtkC0/s1600/101_4569.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/AVvXsEh9NpsJGQjgjMpncZct8odYxcxtAr-WGze3hJzNqoqCQt3exuzW0OGcUgsRfXNeV1MFzq1U5KLMPSXTN7Xdct_7yS94TpoNfD8ClNugx0q7FP8933iGWMTpsO9jcUhfCK4zfp29HmLtkC0/s1600/101_4569.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Out of fear of what we may sound like, do we sometimes avoid praying about a certain issue? Do we sometimes avoid utterance of a certain person or subject because we somehow feel it's too trifling, too silly, or too naive?<br />
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Yes, we prayed for "So and so's" salvation but did we pray for that life to be completely turned around for Christ? Did we pray passionately for that heart to be dramatically changed, and did we truly believe it could happen?<br />
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I think we get so used to things the way they are we don't ever think things could be different. "Well, Aunt or Uncle Deville have always been the black sheep of the family, and so it is what it is..."<br />
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What ever happened to ardent prayer?<br />
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I believe what is at stake here, is our faith. That beautifully innocent child-like faith that is so sweet in God's eyes. Have you ever heard the prayer of a child? The tenderness of their words, naive to the world they live in? Simply bringing their innocent request before the throne of grace they leave it in God's hands.<br />
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As that little child raises up his petitions, do we sometimes laugh in our heart at the simplicity? Honestly consider, as we've heard the young utterance for this or that, did our mental barrier come up? "Well, we <i>know</i> that probably won't happen, but how cute of them to pray for it!"<br />
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What happened to our prayers? What happened to our humble, and yes, naive requests? We lack in wisdom and experience and thus we must wholly rely on Christ. These are the desired prayers of the saint. Humbly, we look upward to our mighty God crying, "Abba, Father!"; presenting our innocent request with a trusting heart that our Father can do anything.<br />
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Praise God for the naive prayer! May they ascend the heavens into God's presence that He may show us his strength and wisdom. We shouldn't ever doubt something is possible when we know that through our God, all things are possible. Praise Him.<br />
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The naive prayer of a child; may we all give utterance to this sort of prayer and, as a child trusts Father or Mother to know and act on what's best for them, even more so may we lift up our request to our heavenly Father, trusting the outcome in Abba's* mighty hand.<br />
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I'd like to encourage you today to dig deep into your prayer list and your heart. Is there that beautifully trusting, naive prayer? Then, child of God, lift it up that it may be as the Psalmist proclaimed: "[May]...M<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">y prayer be set forth before thee </span><i style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">as</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> incense; </span><i style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">and</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> the lifting up of my hands </span><i style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">as</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> the evening sacrifice." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> </span>Don't fear the issue to be trifling or silly. Lift up your "Naive" prayer and see God move.<br />
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<i> *The name "Abba" is a deeply intimate term meaning litterally, "Pappa" or "Daddy".*</i><br />
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Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5053443465856618763.post-35299084573624645292014-02-24T09:02:00.001-07:002014-02-24T09:03:36.979-07:00It's Released!<div style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Announcing the Release of "Remembering the Alamo"! - </strong>Written by my friend Miss Alicia Willis. Check it out!</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Alamo-Novella-Alicia-Willis-ebook/dp/B00IKPI66W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393009648&sr=1-1&keywords=remembering+the+alamo+a+novella" target="_blank">Remembering the Alamo</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #0c343d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;">When Pastor Mark Siegler takes his youth group on a midsummer vacation to San Antonio, he anticipates teaching them about honor and sacrifice at the Alamo. But arrival at the historic landmark brings cutting disillusionment. A troubled teen is determined to make things difficult - and spread his embitterment to the rest of the group. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;">Mark has two choices: give up or try again. Midst his own discouragement, he decides to give them the story behind the legendary Alamo. And his perseverance results in the unforgettable.</span><br style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;" /><br style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;" /><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;">The sweeping events of the Alamo comes to life through the eyes of an 1800's wheelwright named Silas Edwards. As his tale unfolds, his decision becomes a difficult one. Is defending the Alamo so important? Or are the principles behind opposing General Santa Anna worth sacrificing everything for?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.31px;"><b>Join Private Silas Edwards, David Crockett, Jim Bowie, and Mark's youth group to discover the gripping events behind America's battlecry: "Remember the Alamo!"</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Purchase your own copy</strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Alamo-Novella-Alicia-Willis-ebook/dp/B00IKPI66W/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393009648&sr=1-1&keywords=remembering+the+alamo+a+novella" target="_blank"><strong> HERE!</strong></a><strong> </strong>If you don't have a kindle, you can download the FREE <b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000493771" target="_blank"><span style="color: #992211;">Kindle app</span></a></b> for your PC, MAC, tablet, phone, or ipad now and start reading! </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11.81px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Alicia Willis is a homeschool graduate and avid historian. When not writing or doing endless historical research, she enjoys being a church pianist, teaching music, singing, and playing volleyball. Her other passions include working in her church and spreading the love of Jesus Christ. She also manages a monthly e-newsletter entitled "Little Corners" and is working towards her degree in Biblical theology and history.</i></span><br />
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<br />Kelsiannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05257935516424906145noreply@blogger.com0