tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83097716712176693142024-02-21T09:20:24.479-08:00Verse 14verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-87057068172862048092012-07-17T18:27:00.000-07:002012-07-17T18:27:26.885-07:00I think in analogies...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All growing up, I had a serious phobia of bees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The sheer sound of a “Bzzzz” would send
me running in circles, screeching while my hands wailed out of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would detour my path if I saw
bees in the clearing; and no matter what I was doing, I was willing to let the
bee take over my space to insure a 100 yd distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My caution and fear of the stinger followed me into my teen
years; pride set aside, as the sight of a bee still sent me into a frenzy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I had mastered the art of bee
running, until one day the little sucker was buried in the sand stinger side
up…my foot could no longer out run, as the stinger latched perfectly to my
heal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I winced for a slight second
as I was caught off guard to the tiny prick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THAT WAS IT?!?!? A MERE SECOND OF DISCOMFORT? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I spent years
running and screaming and making a ruckus for that?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Should I be appalled, embarrassed, or relieved? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…appalled that the anticipation of the sting was more
painful than the sting itself?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…embarrassed that I made a bee sting a lifelong phobia</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…or simply relieved that none of my fears were confirmed,
and the little bugger no longer has an effect on me? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many stingers in this world that prelude a caution
of buzzing, sending me running in circles, screeching with hands waiving in the
air. I grow fearful, anxious, and create the effect each scenario will cause
through my imagination. Rather than resting on faith and truth, the buzz sends
me on detours if I can see a "sting" in the clearing. I hurl to a sudden stop, creating enough distance, giving way to the "stinger".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inevitably, regardless of my best effort to detour my
“stingers”, they find me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually
I am caught off guard, as they burry themselves stinger side up; anticipating
the moment I can’t outrun them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some stingers sting worse than others, but each leave me appalled,
embarrassed, and relieved as the realization sets in: the buzz was more painful
than the sting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I look back on years of bee running…I wasted too much
time on detours, and too much energy on fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The promise of the sting kept me enslaved to anxiety and
worry, as my imagination created a false promise of a pain that did not uphold
truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If</span> I had stopped
running, and fixed my mind on truth; truth that a bee sting is NOT going to
kill me…I would not have been held captive for so many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As my analogy of bee running set in, I was forced to ask
myself what stingers in life am I running from? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…am I putting my trust in the false promise of a buzz to
produce a painful sting?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">….has my imagination created a false reality enslaving me to
anxiety and worry?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">…am I creating unnecessary detours? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Realizing that fear is built on lies, and truth is built on
faith…I see that satan has used lies to detour me from truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gave me HIS armor… </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“In all circumstances
take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming
darts of the evil one.” (Eph. 6:16)
God says in Isaiah 41:10 to “fear not, for I am with you; be not
dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The false promise of the sting only leaves me appalled and
embarrassed…Gods truth, however, gives me strength and faith with the assurance
of deliverance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">No more detours from this girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> “The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart
trusts, and I am helped. My heart
exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him!” -(Psalm 28:7)</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-63464519231504612142012-07-09T09:05:00.000-07:002012-07-09T09:05:18.961-07:00Do you ever wonder why you are doing what you are doing?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I gave up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Questions like:</span> Why am I a Real Estate agent?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My only answer: </span>it’s
because of Jesus!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I fought Real Estate at first.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God won.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have never been so glad to lose a fight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Saturday may have been the worst, best day of my life….</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Waking up sick on the day of my first official open house,
was anything but spectacular.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Setting up “Open House” signs in 114 degrees, could possibly
be a reflection of hell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was faced with a choice: I could use the Lords strength
and be joyful, or I could be a crab.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My character when sick and sweaty, gravitates towards crab.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I’m miserable, then everyone else should be also.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God had other plans.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as Id like to say </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> chose joy, I know God chose it
for me!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knew what was coming…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I cant go into details…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trust when I say God had a divine appointment set up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw potential buyers walk through the door, God saw broken
children in need of His love.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He changed my eyes to see an image of a customer, and fixed
my heart to see a soul.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears flood my eyes yet again as I think of the gem who
walked through the door that afternoon; a woman in need of a friend, a prayer,
a hug, a shoulder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She came looking for a house…</span>but really God was looking for
her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As soon as the conversation began, so did her story unfold.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears streamed. Hearts ached. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lords power reigned as His Spirit overcame through
prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A connection was made in a way ONLY His love can connect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why am I doing Real Estate?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beacause God says,</span> “Love ME. Love others.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God wanted me to love a beautiful stranger.</span> That day. That
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HIS way!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He simply used Real Estate to connect the two of us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not the way I would have planned it.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> </span>It’s better.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-17093123817342779672012-07-05T14:56:00.000-07:002012-07-05T14:56:10.397-07:00Grace in the Midst of Disgrace<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong…”-
1 Corinthians 1:27</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God has done exactly that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each of my days are different; however my mornings are a consistent
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can list what I do, and
the order I do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t
until this past Saturday afternoon I realized my heart and mind have followed a
routine as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, it
is shameful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take a look for
yourself…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I woke up on a bed, in a house, with air-conditioning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Curse you alarm clock!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I stumbled to a bathroom, with running water, and endless
amounts of TP.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Still contemplating why I was awake.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had two cups of coffee. Scrambled eggs. A bowl of Fruit. All
housed by appliances and cookware allowing me to enjoy such delicacies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Rather than enjoying my meal, I rushed through it
complaining how late I was going to be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I showered in cool running water and used an assortment of
cosmetic items. Shampoo. Conditioner. Body Wash. Shaving Cream. Razor.
Face wash. Make-up. A brush. Curling iron. Toothpaste. Toothbrush.
Lotion. Deodorant. Perfume.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">All of which go un-noticed, as they are expected commodities
in my every day life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thumbed through a closet full of clothing and an array of
shoes…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Only to catch my thoughts thinking upon the clothing I wish
I had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hoped in my brand new car filled with gas, cranked on the
AC, and blasted the beats from my iphone…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Only to be distracted by the Mercedes SLK that passed me on
the highway</span>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My morning routine was conducted as normal, but as I arrived
at the Phoenix Rescue Mission, God started to shed light to my unconscious
routine of thankless thoughts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“God chose what is low and despised in the world, …. to
bring to nothing things that are”- 1 Cor. 1:28</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within minutes of passing out water and outreaching to the homeless in down town, I realized it was myself who was in need of "outreaching".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew has a rash spreading on his body due to constant sun
exposure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lack of shade on
Arizona streets leaves his skin in agony and filled with open sores. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">His face never lacked the presence of a smile. He was
overjoyed with thankfullness from our willingness to listen to his story and
bring him cold water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tony fights for a second chance at life, as he was recently
released from prison.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He prays for
strength to return sober to his family 400 miles away in the coming three
months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Mean while, his only
possession is the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spends
his time translating Gods Word in Spanish in hopes his unbelieving friend might
come to know Jesus as His personal Savior. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LeBrie is 3 months away from delivering her precious baby
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She seeks Gods favor to
provide a shelter once her daughter is born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was burdened, but sought out anyone who might pray with
her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After an extensive talk to the Lord, her embrace and
tear-filled eyes exuded a light of hope. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tanya had nothing but a hat on her head and yet she
possessed the biggest smile I have ever seen on anyone’s face. Despite being on
the streets, with no confidence of incoming food or shelter, she had three
prayers: for Jesus to become her best friend, for God to provide her with a
Bible study group, and the skies to pour down rain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Bible and bottle of water we left her with will never
compare to the permanent picture forever framed in my mind of her bear hug and shining
grin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John asked for food and water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had nothing left but a few celery sticks, cucumbers, and
a half empty bottle of water.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With a smile he said “I’m not a fan of celery, but I bet I
can find someone who is. Thank you for the water and your kindness to a
stranger.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hoped in my air-conditioned car to return to a full
refrigerator and loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is no doubt God used the weak to humble me in my shame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My routine each morning has not
changed, however God transformed my heart from unconscious thanklessness to a
heart of rejoicing. I can boast not in what I have been given, but rather in the One who gives all things. If stuff was the the reason to rejoice, then the
people I encountered that Saturday afternoon should not have had any reason to
be thankful. My heart has not been transformed because of my enlightened awareness
to all I have, but rather to the One who gave. My stuff and routine mean nothing
without my first love Jesus. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
be mis-taken, I am thankful for the tangible things I have, but my heart
rejoices because I am now able to see Jesus in each moment, rather than
floating blindly though life as a shameful mess.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“And because of Him, you are in Christ Jesus, He who became
to us wisdom from God, is righteousness and sanctification and redemption. So
that, as it is written, ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’”- 1Cor.
1:30-31</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-10520524832316715482012-04-20T07:20:00.000-07:002012-04-20T07:20:17.545-07:00Pass the Salt, Please<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>926</o:Words> <o:Characters>5283</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>44</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>10</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>6487</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sit down to blog for the first time in months (due to a season of studying and test-taking) I feel as though I have just sat down to coffee with a good friend whom I haven’t seen in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being SO excited to share all that God has done; but overwhelmed by His goodness, I am at a loss for words not knowing where to begin.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God traded me pepper for salt; He took away the smelly allergen, for a thirst quencher!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made me stop thinking and reacting with a spice that only made me weak with the sniffles and replaced it with one that made me dependent for His flowing water of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He intertwined His Word, multiple teachings, books, newly formed relationships, and mentorship to reveal common themes of His thoughts, to rid me of my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could write story after story…but where would I start?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My blog left off on point A and I am now at point E….there are many ups and downs, twists and turns between the two points, but thankfully the direct path between Point A and Point E is a straight line.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This straight line connects God’s revelation in my life from October of last year, to now; where He is forming His revelation to a broadened, more defined understanding of what that revelation should be. In October God told me to take His message of Psalm 139:14 to the world…He used a song by Brit Nicole to speak to me.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“I Want to Set the World on Fire”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the time of my revelation, I clearly heard the Lord tell me to take His message to everyone and anywhere that He would send me. I heard the whole song, but neglected to hear the most important verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact I resisted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I interpreted based off my perception what I wanted to hear. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">AKA, selective hearing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praise Jesus, he took my perspective and shattered it, then reconstructed it to his perspective, opening my eyes to His glorious vision.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Perspective:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Take the message of Psalm 139:14 to girls just like you, in North America, who struggle with their physical appearance, lies from pop culture, and past heart aches that have become their false insecure identities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take this message to schools, camps, different organizations, teams etc. To girls who struggle with the day- to- day of gossip, mean boys, and family rejection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell these girls they don’t need more stuff, adequate talents, a perfect physical appearance, or a boyfriend to have worth or a purpose; they simply need Jesus!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not a “bad” perspective.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BUT just as I neglected to recognize the rest of the song “Set the World of Fire”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I neglected to see beyond Psalm 139:14; to study how Jesus tangibly shared these truths when He walked this Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To see who His audience was; who my audience should be. (Matt19:23, Mark 10:23-25)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gods perspective</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">You want to set the “World on Fire’?...the world is not JUST North America…you asked me to send you everywhere….to tell anyone?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then Ash, why did you neglect the part of the song that says, “I want to feed the starving children, and reach across the farthest land, tell the broken there is healing, mercy in the Fathers hand”?…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because that made my revelation costly, and no longer comfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made Psalm 139:14 not only a message I believed, but a message that needed to be followed out with action.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t stand in front of white, middle-class girls with hair extensions in your head, a face full of make-up and pretend to know what TRUE beauty is all about. Don’t “inspire” in an air-conditioned building that you arrived to in your brand new car… Don’t show up wearing designer logos with platform wedges, and think you are being stretched… (Matt 10:5-11)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Rather, GO to all nations. Be with people who are not like you…people who understand what it means to be poor, to be hungry, to be naked, to be dirty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clothe them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Feed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wash them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brush their hair, wash their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell those beautiful orphans who were abandoned by their parents for a buck, that they have a Daddy in Heaven who is CRAZY about them and gave His own life for their sake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell those stunning young woman who have been enslaved to evil men, that their worth and freedom can be found and restored through Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tell them their Creator gives them worth through Himself; that He made plans of their arrival to earth before the beginning of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That this Creator who intricately made them to be a marvelous individual, created them in His Marvelous image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t just tell them, SHOW them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be dirty with them, learn what it means to be hungry, give your clothes to them, find them healing, teach them…give them all your time and energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be their friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find out what makes them special, then celebrate it! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WOW! A bit more hefty than my perspective.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By no means do I demean or deny that there is a need for young girls in America to fully comprehend who they are through a marvelous Creator.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it wrong to wear make-up, be in air-conditioned buildings, drive a new car, wear plat form wedges?….NO!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But when the American Dream is replaced by Gods dream, when happiness is traded for holiness, and when being comfortable is more desirable than being uncomfortable….</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “Houston, we have a problem!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is impossible to study Jesus’ life and find that He was ever comfortable, self-serving, or chasing a personal dream; rather He was always living outside of himself, by denying himself (Philippians 2:6-8).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He commanded us to love the “least of..” because we could love Him by doing so (Matt. 25: 35-40).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Multiple times throughout His gospels, He instructs that believing Him was simply not enough…it MUST conclude with following Him by leaving EVERYTHING behind, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>starting and ending with any form of comfort…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To follow Jesus means to literally do as He did; to make His ways my ways; his thoughts, my thoughts.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So where do I go from here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am praying, seeking, asking, that He will enable me a way to GO.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To diligently seek being uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not walking out of my house in the morning without being completely surrendered as a vessel for Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God made me to be an inspiration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether that means to the teller at my bank, the enslaved girls in down town Phoenix or to 8-year-old Sarah who is deaf and poor, but whose ceaseless joy changed my world one Saturday morning…I will not simply tell them how marvelously made they are, BUT I WILL SHOW THEM!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I’m excited to share what God has done in my next “coffee date” with you… lets not make it months till next time!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-12803119043048627092012-02-10T10:04:00.000-08:002012-02-10T10:04:54.560-08:00Featured!!!I am so blessed to have the opportunity to join in a journey of blogging with other followers of Christ! I was asked to share some of my dating experiences and gathered wisdom on <a href="http://20-somethingsblog.blogspot.com/">http://20-somethingsblog.blogspot.com</a>/ . <br />
<br />
I love that our Lord can take our devastation and failures and use it for His good, if we are faithful to let Him! I am delighted to be used even in the smallest of ways...if only by declaring the truth my God has imparted to me through my experiences can encourage someone else!verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-58774585038791950922012-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:002012-01-18T09:00:07.952-08:00I am SO in love...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>1062</o:Words> <o:Characters>6058</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>50</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>12</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>7439</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">with Jesus!!!</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My heart feels like it could burst out of my chest as I must explain why!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Journals, I have found, can be one of the biggest blessings in disguise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a place where we let our guard down and share our innermost secrets…where we write the juicy gossip, vent about situations and people, and share our deepest aspirations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Journals are the one place we hold nothing back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tell of the good, and the bad…not withholding any information…it is our safe haven.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, my journals act as my prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I admit that if I pray in my head, within 2 minutes, I am thinking of something totally random and off topic...making my prayers aloof and un-concentrated. SO, I write them out; forcing myself to stay on track. It is my safe haven, where I hold nothing back while presenting my heart to the Lord.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A benefit, I have found, to writing out my prayers is I have the ability to go back and see how God answered them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often forget how far He has brought me, because I often forget the small triumphs in between each trial… I get caught up in the day-to-day issues and lose sight of how I was brought to that day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was in the middle of writing this very blog, telling of how I am so in love with Jesus, when I spotted my journal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt inclined to read it, and opened to the very page that I had prayed to God asking Him to make me fall in love with Jesus! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The date was October 2, 2011 and on that day I watched the Passion of the Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Upon watching the Son of God under-go the shameful death for my souls sake… stemmed my prayer to fully surrender to Jesus out of the love He demonstrated for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked Him to crucify my desires and thoughts and transform them to His.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not want to be simply an on-looker in the crowd who was moved by His death because I believed He was the Christ…but I wanted to be one of the few who helped Him carry the cross to Calvary’s hill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Therefore, behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And there, I will give her her vineyards and make the valley of Anchor a door of hope”- Hosea 2:14-15</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Looking back to this day in my journal, God did take me to the wilderness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stripped away the allure of the world and brought me into His presence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to remove me from what I considered comfortable…and take me to a place I was unfamiliar with. It forced me to rely on only Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His consistent and constant voice reminded me, HE IS ALL I NEED!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth of His steadfast love was given to me over and over.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“And in that day,” declares the Lord, “you will call me ‘My Husband’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more.”- Hosea 2:16</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God started conforming my desires to His…being in the desert was more appealing if it meant I had more of Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that once seemed SO crucial to my happiness and advertised false fulfillment to my desires, no longer interested me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted more of my Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I stopped fearing for my fleshly body and started to fear for my soul. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 10:28)…knowing that my soul is the well spring of eternal life, and my flesh is dying; Jesus being the only cure to salvage the spirit within me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took experiencing the truth of Ephesians to prove that not one man is good in his flesh, Jeremiah 17:9 to tell me my heart is deceptive and sick, Proverbs 3:5, 28:26 to tell me I cannot rely on my own understanding, for me to comprehend and believe God's steadfast love for me. (Psalm 86:5, 89:31-33) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have read one too many dating books…and the good ones will tell you to GUARD your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanna know why?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BECAUSE PEOPLE SUCK!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are Imperfect, and unable to love perfectly.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We change our minds, and change in personality.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are selfish and love ourselves above anyone else</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We Lie</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We Cheat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are deceptive</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We disappoint, and fail to follow through</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have this permanent thing called SIN…. It never goes away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sin is a curse to ourselves, to everyone we encounter, and it mocks the very One who created us!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I believe now, the Lord has allowed me to experience first hand the detriment someone else’s sin can cause to your heart…. ONLY so that I would become fully surrendered to HIM and HIM ALONE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wanna know why?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT!!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And His love is perfect; it is unable to be anything less.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is incapable of lying, cheating, or deceiving me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His love never changes, because He never changes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His love is not just a bunch of words, but they have been carried out.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His love is selfless and sacrificial.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His love is steadfast, eternal, everlasting, and unable to fail.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part is… FOR THE FIRST TIME…I do not have to guard my heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“And I will abolish the bow, the sword from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will betroth you to me forever.”-Hosea 2:18-19.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been a follower of the Lord for 13 years this month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always understood Gods love for me, and I have genuinely loved who He is…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>BUT, as of lately I have become so IN LOVE and fully captivated with Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having been in a romantic relationship where I was “in love”… I now understand the symptoms and side effects that take place from being in love.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I think of Jesus all day long.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I talk about Him at every chance I get.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I have a giddy, stupid grin on my face.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I wake up early, just to be alone in the quiet with Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I talk to Him all the time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He has become my confidant, and best friend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I crave His word, wanting to know Him fully.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I long to please Him…I want to put His wishes before my own.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I desire for others to know who He is.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My life would cease to exist without Him.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Surrendering my life to Him is no longer a sacrifice, but a pleasure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">His voice is no longer an interruption, but a divine invitation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My plans are held loosely, in concordance to His plans.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">My life is now complete; my soul is finally satisfied.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Everything has become faded at His illumination.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I am finally at peace, because I am no longer searching.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my first blog, (now found under <a href="http://psalm139-verse14.blogspot.com/p/my-verse-14.html">http://psalm139-verse14.blogspot.com/p/my-verse-14.html</a>) I wrote about my desire to be a wife…to be loved and adored by her betrothed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To love and to serve, giving my life to another…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus is the ONE my soul has longed for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am HIS bride, adored and loved by Him, my betrothed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and mercy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will betroth you to me in faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you shall know the Lord!” -Hosea 2:19-20</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On October 2, 2011…I wrote out this whole verse of Hosea 2:14-20 in my journal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from it, this was my prayer…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">“Imprint this verse on my heart, in my mind, and on my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I grow weary in the wilderness, make me fall in love with You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bring me so far with You, that only You can be responsible!”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His faithfulness is only one of the hundred attributes that make me in love with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From October 2, 2011, to now January 18, 2012…the Lord has brought me to the wilderness, romanced me with His steadfast love, changed my heart towards the idols I placed in my life, and brought me into an everlasting covenant with Him though his grace and all perfect love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He has brought me from simply loving Him, to being compassionately in love with Him. </span>I am finally experiencing the truth I have known my whole time as a believer…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He has brought me this far with Him, and only He is responsible!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">I decided to fast.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People fast all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I have tried and failed multiple times due to my love for food and hate towards the discomfort of hunger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, despite past failures, I was determined to be strong and push through 24 hours without food.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The purpose of my fast was to for-go my fleshly desires, and rely fully on the Lord; to pray at each discomfort, and seek the Lord for fulfillment of His Word and Spirit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started off strong, by missing my favorite meal of the day… BREAKFAST!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By lunch I was hungry, but felt confident when I denied both Dunkin Doughnuts and a PB&J Sandwich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I spent the afternoon in Barnes and Noble, I started to become faint. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But continued to write out prayers for the next half hour, until I was too light headed to think</span> (pathetic, I know).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rather than to use my hunger to engulf myself in prayer and fulfill my purpose in fasting, I headed home to take a nap…knowing sleep would take my mind off my hunger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I justified that my nap would leave me refreshed and therefore promised myself to finish the night by reading and praying.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleep worked like a charm, until I was woken to my Mom calling me downstairs.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The moment I stepped out of my room, I knew I was in trouble…and trouble was confirmed the moment I met my family gathered around the dinner table with plates full of pizza and wings….MY FAVORITE!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I quickly justified to myself that I needed to join my family, as it was my brothers last night before he headed back to University for the semester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I had time to comprehend what I was doing, I had already eaten 2 slices of pizza and 3 wings.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It tasted so good!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But no sooner had I started eating, did I feel the urge to vomit. I could not move, every motion made me queasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laid on the couch for 2 hours, feeling sick and sulking in my defeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only had I given in to temptation and failed once again, but I also just wasted most of my night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never see those wasted hours again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praise to Gods grace, that I was not left sick for too long and he redeemed my failures by teaching me a lesson through a tangible analogy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My failure started before I ever took that bite of pizza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It started when I became weak and tired; when I no longer was dependent on the Lord...when I decided to do things my way and take the easy way out. (ie, take a nap)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">It worsened, as my nap took me out of prayer and communion with God, and I was left weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being weak, while presented with temptation is a recipe for failure. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Failure happened when appeasing my flesh became more important than honoring God to every extreme.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The satisfaction of quenching my desires through temptation left my flesh satisfied for only a brief moment (ie, eating cheesy pizza),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but created a lasting effect on my soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It took less than 10 min to eat that pizza, but left my stomach and mind in anguish 12x longer as I spent 2 hours on the couch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Clearly turmoil and regret were not worth savory taste buds.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My defeat left me useless, as I was not able to fully carry out my ambitions and goals. It took away precious time, that I will never get back.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am aware that eating a few slices of pizza in the midst of a fast, does not qualify me in the world record book of sinners (if there was such a thing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is in the small and weak, that God reveals the big and powerful. Through this small story of my weakness, He has taught me a big and powerful lesson:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I cannot rely on my flesh, except in expectation that it will lead me astray. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A moment of walking on my own is the invitation to multitudes of temptation and failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doing things my way will always get me off course.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Satisfaction is only found in the Lord.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Enticing things are usually a pathway to deception. Sin takes me farther than I ever intended to go, and costs me more than I ever expected to pay.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Justification is another term for disregarding God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an ugly word with ugly results.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">No matter how confident I may be to overcome something, my flesh will always fail me, and it is through humility of my spirit and denial of my flesh, God will be the one to over come.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“God uses various forms of discomfort to woo us to cry out to Him, but He never forsakes us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is the only one who is not repelled by the depth and length of our needs”- Beth Moore.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My favorite part of the lesson was to be taken deeper with my Heavenly Father…even through the means of justification, temptation, choosing my flesh, and experiencing failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To know that His love is unfailing despite any circumstance or failure I might encure, I am free to rely on Him and ditch my flesh!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In my weakness, He makes me strong!</div><!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-55390723646025216602011-12-28T09:32:00.000-08:002011-12-28T09:32:15.283-08:00<div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">A year ago today I set out on my voyage to journey across "the pond" and left behind everything I knew...</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP3K90B_4XPGb07NoGt6E3er_QQ80Pgajlo1yYBw1FMeUV49WvT0x7K2d9Q7TgJQSJFHnjnpGSdYQ9FfkI623s0kCVXwIadW8jIZH23TSrOH3ucCJvfVcTvSULi6RLfHzOI91f72-Fg/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAP3K90B_4XPGb07NoGt6E3er_QQ80Pgajlo1yYBw1FMeUV49WvT0x7K2d9Q7TgJQSJFHnjnpGSdYQ9FfkI623s0kCVXwIadW8jIZH23TSrOH3ucCJvfVcTvSULi6RLfHzOI91f72-Fg/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Talk about a crazy year...so many adventures, so many descions...so many detours. As I reflect on the past year, and all the decisions I made, I realize that most of my ideas and decisons were good ideas with a pure hearts motive, BUT most were not carried out as God's decisions. I never really consutled Him...I just kind of thought since they were not "bad" plans, they must be good..right??? </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Beth Moore beautifully captures what my past year entailed through her crafty illustration she tells in her bible study "Breaking Free". She puts a spin to the "Footprints" poem...</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Imagine in Heaven, God lovingly shows you His plan for your earthly life. You see footprints walking through each day. On many of the days, two sets of foot prints appear. You inquire: "Father, are those my footprints every day, and is the second set of prints when You joined me?"</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">He answers, "No My precious child. The consistant footprints are Mine. The second set of foorprints are when you joined ME."</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Where were you going Father?</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"To the destiny I planned for you, hoping you'd follow."</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"But Father, where are my fooprints all those times?"</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Sometimes you went back to look at old resentments and habits. Sometimes, you departed from My path and chose your own way instead. Other times, your footprints can even be seen on another person's path because you liked their plan better. At other times, you simply stopped becasue you would not let go of something you could not take with you."</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"But even if I didn't walk with You every day, we ended up OK, didnt we?"</span> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">He holds you close and smiles, "Yes, child, we ended up OK. <b>BUT, you see, OK was never what I had in mind for you."</b></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Father, what are those golden treasure boxes on certain days?"</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Blessings, My child, I had for you along the way. Those that are open are those you received. Those still closed were days you did not walk with Me."</span></blockquote><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have learned anything from this past year, it is that, I am not ok with "just being OK". I am not ok with missing out on golden treasure boxes filled with blessing. And mostly, I am not ok with being on a different path away from my Father!!! </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lately, I have been given multiple opportunities and choices. I have described it as feeling like I am in an inclosed, dark hallway with multiple doors...not knowing which one to choose, or which direction to start walking. I have felt overwhelmed and defeated as, I am so dependant for Him to reveal, LITERALLY, every step I take. I cant even plan the next hour withour asking God, "what next?"...I am in a season, where every desicion is based on the one before it. I feel like a toddler learning how to walk again...frustrated, and wobbly... not able to complete a simple task without help. It was in the many moments of defeat that I was smacked upside the head with His amazing truth!!!!:</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Let Him who walks in darkness and has no light, trust in the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who equip yourselves with burning torches! Walk by the light of your own fire, and the torches you have kindled! This you have from my hand: you shall lie down in torment!!!" Isaiah 50:10-11</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sure it is much more frustrating to walk around in pitch blackness...but I would rather be frustrated than tormented. His word, brings light to this simple truth: if I knew beforehand the plans He had for me, I would not need Him and I would do everything on my own. God only allows me one day at a time, so that I am forced to rely on only Him..</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"Your wisdom and knowledge led you astray"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Isaiah 47:10...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"then call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me and find me with all of your heart!"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Jer. 29:12-13.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I no longer want to be led astray. I have now found joy in heading down my "hallway" in pitch darkness. I am content, having no control over what door my God is about to open to me! I am no longer tormented by doing things my own way and following my own light. It is a moment by moment battle fighting my flesh to do things completely God's way, and seeking Him with my whole heart... but the treasure boxes each day have been nothing short of blessings!!!</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">"But He knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold!"</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praise Jesus, I am not left to be a piece of scrap metal...but have been bought at a high price to be tested worthy as gold!</span></div>verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-20297900435722253732011-12-26T13:21:00.000-08:002011-12-26T13:21:43.549-08:00My Christmas Present!!!Famous question the day after Christmas.... "What did Santa bring you?"<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My boss has two little boys the ages of 2 and 4, so naturally He had the privilege to play Santa Clause. He told me his oldest son has been asking for a toy garbage truck to go with his toy garbage cans and trash man all year...it was the only thing he put on his Christmas list to Santa. Being so excited to give it to him, I asked how his son liked the present on Christmas morning. Surprisingly the garbage truck disappeared in the mess of wrapping paper as it was quickly replaced with the Power Rangers he received. His son became enamored by his new obsession with his action figures, and is now asking for power ranger accessories.... it is already on his Christmas list for next year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heading back to my desk, I couldn't help but chuckle, as the 4-year-old story is nothing short of the daily battle in life. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Never Content. Always wanting more. Wondering, what will ever be sufficient? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ironically enough, in my study time today, I read Jeremiah 17:9, my "heart is deceitful above all things." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My Boss's story is so closely related to a life long journey of searching for the next "thing"...it is very evident that my heart has deceived me. I do not have enough fingers and toes to count the number of times I have said "If only I had this, I would be happy"... only to receive that "thing" and wind up more miserable than before I had received it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past few months has been a blessing of allowing the Lord to change this pattern in my heart... to allow him to be the only "thing" I long for... not to strive for anything else...not allowing my heart to be deceived one more time! In knowing that deception is far removed from a life that follows hard after the Lord... my goal has been </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"to seek and to find Him with all of my heart." (Jer. 29:13).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I cannot recall what Santa gave me yesterday, but I do know my heart was reminded of the best gift I received almost 13 years ago...the gift of Salvation from my Jesus. Celebrating the birth of my King reminded me that my heart is done searching. I am content and fully satisfied for eternity. My sins have been paid for and I am loved by my Marvelous Creator... NO earthy possession, relationship, or pleasure can top that truth! My gift is not just eternal, it is a gift I enjoy every moment, of every day... as I experience a real, on-going relationship with my King! I am humbled by the blessing my Lord has bestowed upon me!</span><br />
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"You can have the world, just give me Jesus!"- Jeremy Camp<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/lnfOMvYd1oE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div> verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-52446749916446975112011-12-22T23:40:00.000-08:002011-12-23T07:21:27.483-08:00Simply Genuine!<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks ago one of my dearest friends held a ceremony for her son who past away 6 months ago. The day of his ceremony was to be his one-year-old birthday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Personally, I did not want to attend the ceremony at all…the thought of re-visiting the tragedy taunted me. However, love for my friend out weighed my own personal animosity and I went. I will forever remember that blessed day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Cooper lived six months and one day, to God‘s design. Every one of those days, he lived out his purpose; his purpose being to bring his family joy. Everyone knew Cooper to be the happiest baby; his limitless supply of snuggles and smiles, made for very proud parents. Coopers love was genuine, as babies cannot fake emotion…all his smiles and laughs stemmed from the joyful character the Lord created in him. Cooper wasted no time in spreading love to his family; making sure his 6 months left a mark in this world.</span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Babies have no concept of time, therefore, Cooper had no comprehension that his days were short coming. But with that, babies are also void of busyness and distraction. Their purpose in life is not thwarted to burdens that we as adults struggle with. Babies are simple, genuine, and to the point. Their limited view helps them maintain an unclouded view of life.</blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxIrGN77TtAQ5uptxjereTYNvTj1dilojn9_NDtHY6kgjKxaJR-ImaLurWmfjgubz8pyO_DoZyKyOPkPlwlvs0gOIyYLb6MwQ3AGgsSyDfAIPAL8GmK8Wnt2RAj8ruKM-HUX5x7pfEA/s1600/270694_2240932384175_1274031040_2699180_5365154_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMxIrGN77TtAQ5uptxjereTYNvTj1dilojn9_NDtHY6kgjKxaJR-ImaLurWmfjgubz8pyO_DoZyKyOPkPlwlvs0gOIyYLb6MwQ3AGgsSyDfAIPAL8GmK8Wnt2RAj8ruKM-HUX5x7pfEA/s320/270694_2240932384175_1274031040_2699180_5365154_n.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the memorial, my friends spoke of their son Cooper, and the joy he was in their life. They spoke of the hardship the past six months have been without him…but in the midst of their devastating loss, they chose to remain obedient to the Lord, by trusting in God completely. They spoke of the peace they had in knowing their sons’ days were numbered, even before He was born.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“…all the days ordained…were written in your book, </div><div class="MsoNormal">before one of them came to be.”</div><div class="MsoNormal">-Psalm 139:16</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the memorial was ended in prayer, and balloons were released into the sky, I turned back for a glimpse of my friend. To my surprise she was beaming. Her smile radiated of peace…a joy flowed from her, that I know could have only come from the Lord.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I turned back to watch the balloons drift into the sky, as sun rays were beaming through the trees. Tears streamed down my face as I knew Cooper was celebrating true life with His Creator on the day of his birth. There was a celebration in Heaven that day, just as there were in the hearts that were blessed by Coopers short life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The image of my friends smile, and the balloons sent to Cooper is a snapshot that will always remain in my heart.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The image serves as a reminder to how short my life is, and that my days are numbered. My goal is to live a life of simplicity as a baby does…seeking dependency and joy from my Creator…not being consumed with busyness and distraction…keeping an unclouded view of life... and to love those in my life with genuine love. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> I hope at the end of my days, I too, can leave my loved ones behind with a beaming smile of peace.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-1446577825227293002011-12-09T10:03:00.000-08:002011-12-09T10:03:53.600-08:00Featured!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are people in life God uses to bless you imensly and for me her name (is now, newly edited) MRS. Diana Steffen!</span> "Never tell your nieghbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now"- Proverbs 3:27.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few months ago I emailed her asking for advise, and without hesitation she called and sceduled breakfast the very next morning. Since then, she has blessed and guided me through this journey...being such a faithful sister in Christ. Her amazing talents and confidence she exudes from the Lord has been my contiunal inspiration. She is a woman of her word and does not settle for mediocre. I admire her in every possible way! My prayer is to leave fingerprints in others lives the way she has imprinted hers in mine!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She was so kind to feature me in her blog today; I am honored, and left humbled! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you Diana, I love you very much!</span><br />
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<a href="http://dianaelizabethblog.com/2011/12/miss-ash-z-and-her-ministry/">http://dianaelizabethblog.com/2011/12/miss-ash-z-and-her-ministry/</a>verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-14642604757686765922011-12-07T22:10:00.000-08:002011-12-07T22:10:22.568-08:00years of lies, destroyed by one moment of truth!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>47</o:Words> <o:Characters>269</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>2</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>330</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">Insecurity is apart of every girls life in some way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did it start for you?</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, insecurity started when I was 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents have a VHS, home video as documented proof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dad was dishing out pizza when my little self told him I couldn’t eat it because I was FAT…and had to rock a leotard for my dance competition!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">What the heck???</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Try to convince me we do not live in a messed up world when a SIX year old is calorie counting!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Needless to say, the battle of my insecurity did not stop at the age of 6, but got progressively worse…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I created the definition of an awkward Jr. Higher.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Morning swim practice left me at school with wet hair,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and a slicked back ponytail. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had long, gangly legs that reeked of high waters…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sending a flash flood warning through the halls of an Arizona state school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If it wasn’t bad enough that I still wore a training bra…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"I got caught stuffing" as toilet paper fell out of my shirt in gym class. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was void of any knowledge that under no circumstances was bright blue eye shadow and electric pink blush flattering to my skin tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To top everything off, my face started to take on the reflection of a pepperoni pizza.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUhA54DiMC91GdPeBENlBT4jCndb1FKNUk5VSsu9bY7_B4UjmS5SJHrPtf7iYJmJJgBQrsKRLRdY7knJJrrm1rL8NyzNlcktpu03-l5UHmAQZU6pstKyUpQcdMI7kWl-ASDejXq3JgQ/s1600/IMG_0922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUhA54DiMC91GdPeBENlBT4jCndb1FKNUk5VSsu9bY7_B4UjmS5SJHrPtf7iYJmJJgBQrsKRLRdY7knJJrrm1rL8NyzNlcktpu03-l5UHmAQZU6pstKyUpQcdMI7kWl-ASDejXq3JgQ/s320/IMG_0922.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dowsed with insecurity and void of any self-confidence, it was no wonder I started on a path of self-destruction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I was ok, because my self-destruction could not be labeled as anorexia or bulimia, cutting, or any other form of physical self-harm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But what I later realized... I had mentally damaged myself.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was consumed with nutrition labels, scales, hour-long workouts, and negative self-talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would sit in front of the mirror and rip myself apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would yank and tug at the extra “love” on my hips, thighs, and butt…it disturbed me, even disgusted me. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I felt inadequate compared to the size 0 girls on TV and on the cover of Teen Magazines I subscribed to. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I envied their flawless skin, and long flowy hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I would practice for hours to get my hair and make-up to resemble theirs, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but when it wouldn’t cooperate, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Id pull my hair out and throw my brush at the mirror.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fortunately, I grew out of my awkward phase.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My practice of “brush throwing” paid off as I conquered my curling iron </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and I discovered the world of bleach and highlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I threw out my costume make-up and purchased stock in Clinique cosmetics.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went on acne medicine, shut the floodgates </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">after discovering “long” jeans sold at The Gap,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and over time, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I became eco friendly as my “swollen bee stings” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">turned into an actual bra size sold at Victoria’s Secret.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the world, I was considered “the pretty girl”…and never heard the words ugly or fat directed towards me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So why did I still tear myself apart?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One dangerous word.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Comparison.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My favorite hobby became comparing myself to every girl I saw in passing, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in magazines, and in the movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My thoughts became consumed, as I would re-construct the perfect me…by thinking…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If only</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had that girls hair</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">…and that girls perfect thighs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">….and that other girls flat stomach</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">…if only my skin could radiate like hers</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">….my eyes would be perfect if only I had that girls eye lashes…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The list went on, until I had mentally taken apart every other girls features and added it to how I envisioned my perfect self could look…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If only I had………</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I allowed myself to dwell on this “perfect self” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had mentally created….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so much so, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that when my reflection was not met with my perfect mental image, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I became devastated with what I saw in the mirror.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I truly believed I was worthless, ugly, fat, and undesirable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I allowed the lies of pop-culture to win.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am forever thankful, that my loving Savior did not allow me to stay in such an ugly place for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That He delivered His truths to rebuke the lies I had become immersed in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Psalm 139:14 rang through my brain over and over, reminding me that I am made exactly to my Creators design.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Creator of the universe looks at me, and smiles at the beauty He created.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the definition and the designer of beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What human can argue with their Maker?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“You turn things upside down,</div><div class="MsoNormal">as if the potter were thought to be like the clay!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Shall what is formed say to him who formed it</div><div class="MsoNormal">‘He did not make me’?</div><div class="MsoNormal">Can the pot say to the potter, </div><div class="MsoNormal">‘He knows nothing?’</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">(Isaiah 29:16)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was at my lowest of lows…with streams of tears flowing from my eyes…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I looked in the mirror…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I envisioned myself as Eve might have….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being transported back to the Garden of Eden before sin was present.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before TV’s, magazines, movies, billboards, and Internet images graffiti’d our world</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before mankind construed a corrupted worldly standard.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And back to a time when God was the only Being present…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Before any other woman was created…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hindering the ability to compare myself to anyone but me.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">… the only Being my image was meant to please, was my Maker’s.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">…God’s opinion was the only one I longed for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And when His voice was the only One I could hear,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">believing to the very core, the words He spoke…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“you are fearfully and wonderfully made, my works are wonderful”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace encompassed me at that moment, as I surrendered to the Lords standard of beauty, and fled the lies I had built my thinking upon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was determined to live with this new perspective, and set my mind on God’s truths.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I unsubscribed to my many magazines, stopped watching TV, and refused to compare myself to anyone but me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I turned from my old ways of thinking, and surrendered to obedience of faith to my Marvelous Maker…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He slowly healed me from years of mental self-destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have nowhere near arrived, but the leaps and bounds I have made in the past few years, are testimony to God’s grace in my life.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcsSRJnJ1ZwCfAXifDJ0S-U0H2ZWnUOwVuqFFytQ0ydtNQW2P3QE0Er2uDE62iehsc17gcjPTTj_QWqWUfrKXWXgb1HVkTYsNGfIBH-IPJaWUfjgytaJ-LJv2ZRFCui-5zvG4ull9TQ/s1600/IMG_1455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcsSRJnJ1ZwCfAXifDJ0S-U0H2ZWnUOwVuqFFytQ0ydtNQW2P3QE0Er2uDE62iehsc17gcjPTTj_QWqWUfrKXWXgb1HVkTYsNGfIBH-IPJaWUfjgytaJ-LJv2ZRFCui-5zvG4ull9TQ/s320/IMG_1455.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
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<!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-39001306564821472052011-12-04T23:35:00.000-08:002011-12-04T23:35:28.726-08:00BUT I asked for a sister...<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>101</o:Words> <o:Characters>579</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>4</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>711</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal">I was an only child for 5 years when my mom finally grew a baby bump, making me an older sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed every night during her pregnancy that she would have a girl…I ate all my vegetables,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>said my “please and thank-you’s”, and did everything I was told…hoping God would answer my prayers and reward my good behavior.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I was anything but thrilled when my grandparents drove me to the hospital to visit my new little brother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begged my parents to trade him in for one of the babies in a pink blanket.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My parents did not go along with my brilliant plan, but instead brought my brother home, along with a Ken doll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They assured me, that just as my Barbie would love Ken, I would love my brother.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHnoN_lVV4ynvfo8L8CES5OeqXT-SDiMDZFvyKaSVLQfgNmC_XG624DzwIaMbyy-q1D4Utj5w_9dzpdcLLTpFFQhtKLtrVVeirKwExfwxnfGkDrZoinfC2cHO_DhIGcIIR6CKbs9Thw/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOHnoN_lVV4ynvfo8L8CES5OeqXT-SDiMDZFvyKaSVLQfgNmC_XG624DzwIaMbyy-q1D4Utj5w_9dzpdcLLTpFFQhtKLtrVVeirKwExfwxnfGkDrZoinfC2cHO_DhIGcIIR6CKbs9Thw/s320/scan0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>62</o:Words> <o:Characters>359</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>2</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>440</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It took a few years for me to learn from Barbie…for me to actually love my little brother and accept the fact that I did not have a little sister.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately for my brother, it took the first two years of his life, of me trying to re-create him to perform like a sister .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dressed him up in my old tutu’s, put his blonde, curly hair into pig tails, convinced him pink was the new blue, and made him attend all of my tea parties.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SsFThYxMIzHERS0GUAj4nJB-Nq9-b88VlSJPpwf7WEMVIbd3Yfv6qspr3sCrMe6caoCHoc22SNABBGpTKOcdec_PuKk2Uwht_sV17V37ffV2G1OU_HuSR12MwHKKWBM5GWHj7aljFA/s1600/154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SsFThYxMIzHERS0GUAj4nJB-Nq9-b88VlSJPpwf7WEMVIbd3Yfv6qspr3sCrMe6caoCHoc22SNABBGpTKOcdec_PuKk2Uwht_sV17V37ffV2G1OU_HuSR12MwHKKWBM5GWHj7aljFA/s1600/154.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>132</o:Words> <o:Characters>755</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>6</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>927</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Those days lasted but a minute…until he learned the joy of ripping off Barbies head, was amused by bulldozing my doll house, got poop on my tutu, and laughed hysterically as he discovered the thrill of spiting “tea” at me during our so-called tea parties!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My brother is wired as a full-fledged boy, loving all things dirty, masculine, and sporty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He could never be transformed into the little sister I always wanted…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">BUT, what I came to learn was he is the BEST brother anyone could dream up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew to adore him, and today we are the best of buds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We share our own language, have more inside jokes than we can keep up with, and he is the one person who has made me pee my pants laughing over his ridiculous humor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His kind heart and love for Jesus make me an obnoxiously proud older sis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grow more thankful for him with each passing day, as he proves to be the most astonishing young man I have ever met.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4IdK3HI1H1KWG-8DnssBucz3Bq0aNY2CDGqesrvbPlFMBpiu90o-EdR69bblbXFWuWUjvnwDknGVKA94X5GFQk-X4JjOTRZyu_67gLNKNRNp5LZ_OrPJO1ucWKp6MPoxaMj5OteI9g/s1600/IMG_0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4IdK3HI1H1KWG-8DnssBucz3Bq0aNY2CDGqesrvbPlFMBpiu90o-EdR69bblbXFWuWUjvnwDknGVKA94X5GFQk-X4JjOTRZyu_67gLNKNRNp5LZ_OrPJO1ucWKp6MPoxaMj5OteI9g/s320/IMG_0829.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:DocumentProperties> <o:Template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:Revision>0</o:Revision> <o:TotalTime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:Pages>1</o:Pages> <o:Words>107</o:Words> <o:Characters>612</o:Characters> <o:Company>Aspen MLT</o:Company> <o:Lines>5</o:Lines> <o:Paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:CharactersWithSpaces>751</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:Version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:DontAutofitConstrainedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, having the best brother on the planet never took away my desire to have a sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing I would never have one after my mother tied the tubes…I became determined to create my own “little sisters”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“Sing O barren woman… for you have not been in labor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her who is married” –Isaiah 54:1</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The barren woman could not have children of her own, she had far more children in spirit…the children she ministered to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather than being tied to the tasks of motherhood, she was allotted free time to pour into the souls of children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She did not have to labor; except to serve the Lord by serving the many children He brought to her care.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <div class="MsoNormal">Although I am not a barren woman (at least not that I know of), I was a barren sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God never gave me a little sister with the same blood running through her veins, but He blessed me with sisters far beyond what my Mom could have ever reproduced.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If the Lord gives you a desire, He will fulfill it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IN HIS OWN WAY…which is far greater!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the Lord allowed me to have a sister, I might not have the heart for discipleship and the longing to create lasting, sister-like relationships with the young ladies He has graciously placed in my life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I may not have the normal sister-hood with each one of my “sisters”...</div><div class="MsoNormal">the satisfaction of knowing her for life…</div><div class="MsoNormal">But God is faithful to give me fruitful seasons with His impeccable timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal">Each “sister” will always have a place in my heart, and I will forever thank the Lord for the blessing she was to me!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment--><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.picnik.com/show/id/17646129439_Z5BN8/t/picnik-show">http://www.picnik.com/show/id/17646129439_Z5BN8/t/picnik-show</a></div><!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<!--EndFragment-->verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-2810239415713472592011-12-02T07:51:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:51:08.169-08:00BECAUSE I love her...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The poem below introduces the One who captivates my heart! Enter your name into this poem, and allow the Creator to captivate your heart as well! No one can compete with His perfect love!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn4IOx7k-aP7trH_1Zf1ahLyBwA9X33ZWI_-HOiRrIlRp3GuU0tUyr8FhIjRTkZiwA7bXal1Kr88doH5JTupA1wXxrBVd_4MHkRnCu0Ij_s9-2o7m8a0agJg-5zcgaWFWz0AP_LOVig/s1600/ashley-134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUn4IOx7k-aP7trH_1Zf1ahLyBwA9X33ZWI_-HOiRrIlRp3GuU0tUyr8FhIjRTkZiwA7bXal1Kr88doH5JTupA1wXxrBVd_4MHkRnCu0Ij_s9-2o7m8a0agJg-5zcgaWFWz0AP_LOVig/s320/ashley-134.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">BECAUSE.....</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I made her...She's different. She's Unique. With love I formed her in her mother's womb. I fashioned her with great joy. I remember with great pleasure the days I created her (Psalm 139:13-16). To me she's beautiful...I love her. I love her smile. I love her ways. I love to hear her laugh and the silly things she says and does (Psalms 139:17). She is herself, and no one else...this is how I made her. I made her pretty, but not beautiful, because I know her heart, and she would be vain....I want her to search out her heart, and learn that it would be Me in her that would make her beautiful...and it would be Me in her that would draw friends to her (1 Peter 3:3-5). I made her in such a way that she would need me. I made her a little more lonesome than she would like to be.... only because I want her to lean and depend on me. I know her heart. I know if I had not made her like this, she would go about her own chosen way and forget Me....her Creator (Psalm 62:5-8) I have given her many good and happy things...because I love her (Psalm 84:11, Romans 8:32). I have seen her broken heart, and the tears she has cried all alone. I have been with her and have had a broken heart too (Psalm 56:8). Many times she has stumbled and fallen alone only because she would not take My hand. So many lessons she has learned the hard way, because she would not listen to My voice (Isaiah 53:6). So many times I have sat back and sadly watched her take her own way alone, only to watch her return to My arms, sad and broken (Psalm 34:18). And now she is mine again! I made her and then I bought her. I paid a high price for her, because I love her (Romans 5:8). I have had to reshape and remold her....to renew her to what I had planned for her to be. It has not been easy for her...or for me (Jeremiah 29:11). I want her to be conformed to My image. This high goal I have set for her because, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: 11pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">I LOVE HER!!!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">-unknown</span></span></div>verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-69107104971640046472011-12-01T11:57:00.000-08:002011-12-01T11:57:00.397-08:00Blogging???<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">With such a big revelation from the Lord, I was left to ask, “Now what?” Where do I start?”<br />
<br />
Aside from seeking the Lord through prayer and quiet devotion, I sought out the people in my life for their wisdom and guidance. They all had many wonderful ideas…all being different from one another, EXCEPT they all told me to start with blogging.<br />
<br />
BLOGGING??? REALLY???<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #1d1d1d;">I have never considered myself to be writing savvy…. and never put it to practice outside of school walls. My big mouth never needed me to search out another outlet to communicate…seeping words as fluidly as a teapot…there could not possibly be much else to communicate! Not to mention the security, spoken words has over written words. Spoken words can soon be forgotten, while written words are glued to a page once written. I never thought my words were adequate enough to be put on a page…until I realized “THESE ARE NOT MY WORDS!”</span></span></blockquote><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d;"></span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;"> </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d;">I was afraid my thoughts and passions would be regarded as nuisance, and argot my excuse for not blogging. I have since realized the silliness in anxiety in fretting over what others will think…. If all count God’s words in me as nuisance, but one is left encouraged…I am dignified to boast!!! Savvy or not that is reason to write! No longer will I be burdened by the insecurity of writer's block, but will embrace what the Lord is teaching me to be used for.</span></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I wrote these words in preparation to publish my blog…backlogging blogs as to not become overwhelmed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I did not anticipate how overwhelmed I would be by Gods blessing and His faithfulness to allow me the opportunity to connect with as many people as I did in one day!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I was shocked by the countless messages that consumed my inbox yesterday…messages filled with inspirational, vulnerable, and personal stories!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Messages not only left by close-knit friends, but with acquaintances and distant friends alike!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why was I shocked, when the Lord simply answered my prayers?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I will admit, writing is not my favorite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But connecting with people is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one day I have connected with more people than I have in three months through the means of blogging!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so thankful to the people in my life that pointed me down this direction to utilize my keyboard, not just my mouth!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Many have asked me since publishing my blog…what now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What comes after blogging?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What will your ministry look like? What do you aspire to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you go back to school?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you jump into teaching and speaking at places?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want to council? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none;"><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">That’s the beauty of living by faith…As long as I’m faithful to follow the steps God has placed before me (blogging), he will be faithful to provide more steps in His perfect timing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take this journey with me…. as God not only writes my personal story…but as He establishes yours as well </span></div>verse14http://www.blogger.com/profile/02360028374362419849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8309771671217669314.post-4320950215162334202011-11-30T01:15:00.000-08:002011-11-30T02:28:38.565-08:00My Verse 14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQrTCakoEG79qyuzSUnb_Y5oiF2M4uvdLUE4ilyeOZJ9W_4B1IE6sdg8K1dGTW2Q9v68KHvTnZeBqMJK7GOCQphbt6K5H9nCFJx8gTjGZt_r9McI6_oRupQtLtVNnRsM19r2HQzf3Jg/s1600/ashley-136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQrTCakoEG79qyuzSUnb_Y5oiF2M4uvdLUE4ilyeOZJ9W_4B1IE6sdg8K1dGTW2Q9v68KHvTnZeBqMJK7GOCQphbt6K5H9nCFJx8gTjGZt_r9McI6_oRupQtLtVNnRsM19r2HQzf3Jg/s320/ashley-136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Beginning of the End</span></b><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Two months ago,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">if you had asked me what I wanted to do with my life I would have told you,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“I want to be a wife and a mom.”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I was the little girl growing up that would not play with Barbie</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">unless Ken was present. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The little girl who chased boys around the playground…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">who (now sadly admits) sang Disney love songs to the boy next door,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">hoping he’d join in like they did in the movies.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It got worse as I discovered Nicholas Sparks novels,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">the addiction of Chick Flicks and Prime Time Television.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My initial dream of romance was derived from pop-culture</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">but with God being my first love,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">my dream was quickly diverted to scripture’s definition of romance. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I discovered GOD is the Creator of love. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">HE showed me HIS written love story and truth.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">How love is supposed to look between a man and a woman…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">who are first in love with HIM.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I wanted it!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was the author of Song of Songs that gave me the desire to be adored by her betrothed. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Proverbs 31 that gave passion to a woman who lived a life of honor for her husband all the days of her life. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">1 Corinthians 13 that painted a picture of loving beyond yourself.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The list goes on.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I thought my worth and purpose for life would be found in a partnership of sanctification;</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">being united as one flesh to another…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">having the closest (human) relationship the world could offer this side of Heaven.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">To bring my King glory through being a wife and a mom,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">captivated my dreams.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Problem is…I am NOT a wife OR a mom!</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">About two months ago I was in a relationship with the most stunning man I have ever met. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">To me he was all I had hoped for…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A man who would make me an adoring bride</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and contribute to sanctifying me closer to Christ. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I was SO close..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">(or so I thought)</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">to my dream and life goal.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">We spent a strong investment of time and emotions…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Discussing our life dreams, and dreams of fulfilling them together. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">We opened our hearts to one another…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">confessing failures, fears, embarrassments…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">successes, hopes, dreams…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">our deepest thoughts and hearts desires.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">We trusted one another, and became best friends. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">There was a closeness that sometimes made on-lookers blush,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">my girlfriends say “aww” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and my brother perform puking gestures. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">There was a true sense of adoration between us, and a shared love.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A love I knew was taking me from my first love, Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I clung to this relationship because it was my dream since childhood,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and all I hoped for my whole life…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">(or so I thought)</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I would wince at the gentle whispers the Lord would give me…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“Dear child, he is not yours, and you are still mine…cling to me your Creator..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">find your deepest hopes and desires in ME!”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">His voice was a giant bubble that I popped with a needle,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">foolishly thinking,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">if I didn’t acknowledge Him,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">His voice would go away and I could get on with</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">MY plans.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">As time went on, the nudge became greater and not only on me,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">but I could sense it in him</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and our relationship as well.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“Lord, what are you doing? Please don’t take him”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Despite my desperate plea, God had other intended plans…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">trying to face God in battle =</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">God 1, me 0!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">So here I am, single, broken hearted, and dreamless.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“Lord, Why do you put desires in my heart, an incredible man in my life,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">then pull a rug out from under me?...</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A rug that You created?”</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Then came that gentle voice again…</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“Child, you knit that rug on your own and were too distracted to see I designed you a rug intricately woven to match the depths of your heart.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I AM your Creator, I know you better! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Trust ME, and let ME transport you to MY divine best!”</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was when I let go, and let God that I finally understood Psalm 139:14</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“I praise you Lord for I am fearfully and wonderfully made..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I praise HIM, for wonderful are HIS works…”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> …after 12 years of starring at that Bible verse painted in my bedroom,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I can FINALLY say,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“My soul knows it very well!!!”</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The relationship ending was the end to my limited view of romance</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and the discovery of the love story my heart has truly longed for!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">What I thought was the end of something great, was the embarkment on something marvelous.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Something Divine.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was on the day my heart broke, that my Savior gave me His.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The relationship was used as a tool to discover my true purpose and design from God…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">A gift the Lord created just for me.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">If it wasn’t this past relationship..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It would be the next one, and the next one, and so on…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Until my sights were fully fixed on my Beautiful Savior and HIS purpose for my life,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">God proved to be relentless until my heart and dreams were fully surrendered to HIM,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and all possible distractions were stripped away.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Past. Present. Future.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">All have been His works….</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The cornerstones that have brought me this far.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The lot I have been given for today.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The truths that will guide my tomorrow.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">God gave me a story.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">He gave me a revelation.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">He gave me a gift.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I must share it!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I am not hiding anything…its not mine to hide.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My story is the Lords story…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Read it.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My prayer is through HIS story in my life,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">the Creator reveals HIS unique story HE has designed just for</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">YOU!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">This Story marks the beginning of the end;</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">An end to thinking my way</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">And a start of listening to God</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">All of my past leading up to this moment,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">So that I might continue to move forward as I switch gears to the Revelation I was about to embark on…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><b>Somewhere in Between…</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Fourteen months ago, had anyone</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">foretold what the past year of my life was going to consist of…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I’d tell them to go smack their grandma…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">NO WAY!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I moved to England</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">(or tried)</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Spent 8 hours sitting in an enclosed room with two male porn-stars</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">with nothing to eat or drink</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Waiting for my Customs Officer to decide he would not allow my entry.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I was given an X on my passport</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and escorted onto the next flight back to JFK only to be picked up by people</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I had never met.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I spent the next three weeks in Delaware fighting for a visa</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">with a woman who hardly spoke English</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">(even though she represented Americans to the British Consulate)</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">BUT…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I finally made it to England!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I was only there long enough to become a local</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">get addicted to Candy King, cruise along the Thames River, discover my love for Top Shop,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and skip to France a few times….</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">…..that is until my visa situation went down the toilet</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">…SO…..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I jumped on the next plane headed to Arizona</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">at the risk of being deported</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My first day home, I landed a summer job as a Ministry Director in Canada,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">teaching children Gods word!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">In addition to sculpting young minds for Jesus,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I lived in a cabin on the lake,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Learned how to start a fire,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and BBQ 80-100 hotdogs on that fire I built.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I instructed kayaking,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">participated in weekly mud and clay pit runs,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">while utilizing the lake as a bath afterwards.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I learned how to pee in a bush…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">not to mention,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">to live without make-up and a curling iron.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I spent my weekend’s wakeboarding and tubing</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">with the coolest college kids I have ever met.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I had my ear pierced “Parent Trap” style,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and I didn’t scream to the sight of bugs</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">by the end of summer!!!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Somewhere in between England and Canada</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I met my first true love.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Turned down a great job opportunity in CT to return to Arizona after summer…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">to wind up single and jobless!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I spent two months rolling out resumes and applications,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">only to be hired with the only</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">company I did not apply to, or even interview with.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I showed up on day one thinking it was temporary,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">and now ten weeks later</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">am still employed with an extended amount of responsibility.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was in all this mumbo jumbo</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">God used key situations to guide me..</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">to prepare me</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">For what HE was about to do.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was HIS gentle whispers that spoke, guiding me through this years winding series of events…..<o:p></o:p></span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">leading me to His Revelation for my life!</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><b>Lets Tie it all together!!!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">So…. what do you do when you’re left with nothing?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;">PRAY. a lot</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Chalkboard;">SURRENDER. whatever is left.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">HUMBLE YOURSELF. face it, there’s no pride left anyways</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">RE-EVALUATE. all aspects of your life</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">STRIP AWAY EVERY LIMITATION. more than likely it’s false limitations you placed in your life that have led you to dig your own grave</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">ASK FOR HELP. its clearly needed!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I personally repeated this cycle enough to make your head spin.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I cried out to God; without withholding any frustrations, anger, emotional baggage I had with Him. I pleaded with Him to hear my every hearts cry. I remained in constant conversation with Him. Not allowing room for any “Amens”.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I surrendered all understanding I thought I had...it became apparent that I knew nothing about everything.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I humbled myself to Gods will. My will was clearly not getting a 5 star-rating.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I stripped all limitations from my life… I made a list of every limitation I had placed on my self. I replaced the “limited” list with a “limitless” list… all dreams, goals, and aspirations could be met on this new list without a hindrance in sight. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Then I called for help!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Miss Diana Elizabeth was that help <a href="http://www.blogger.com/(http://www.dianaelizabeth.com/#/page/bef2/gallery/)">(http://www.dianaelizabeth.com/#/page/bef2/gallery/)</a> My heart will be eternally grateful for the inspiration she was to me on that 6th day of October. All I had was my measly list in hand and a prayer that God might use this woman to speak a word of guidance to my life.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I cannot account for all that was said during our 2 </span><span style="font-family: Skia;">½</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> hour breakfast meeting… but I can attest to a newly found confidence I was given and the hope I left with, knowing that something big was on the horizon. With insights to blogs, websites, youtube dialog’s and contact information; Diana set me up to the road for success. I spent the rest of the day investigating, researching, discovering and entering this new season of life with an open mind. I made many to-do’s of potential interviews, school scouting, internship possibilities….and much more. But after 5 hours of the computer screen…it was time for a break.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> A long run to clear my head was in order…so I strapped on my trainers, set Britt Nicole on my playlist and hit the pavement!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> I prayed the Lord would use the run to clear up all the thoughts from the day, and use it to reveal the direction HE wanted me to pursue. With so many options at my fingertips, I wasn’t in the market for another deportation or failed love story.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"> It was the moment I finished my prayer that “Set the World on Fire” began to play on my ipod.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“I wanna set the world on fire,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">until its burning bright for You.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It’s everything that I desire,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Can I be the one You use?”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It quickly became my prayer, as I repeated those words in my head…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Nothing in this world has worth, unless I am living to the utmost glory for my Savior. I was created and designed for HIS good work, not my own. So what is it that HE designed me for? How could I set HIS world on fire?</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">So I asked HIM.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Lord,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">…YOU put full time ministry on my heart</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">….YOU have given me love and a burden for young girls</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">….YOU gave me a passion to teach and to mentor </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">BUT what am I so passionate about that I could teach them? </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Purity?</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Relationships?</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The trials of womanhood in a fallen world?</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">The lies of Pop Culture?</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Ummm, maybe Psalm 139 VERSE 14?!?!?!?!?!….The very message the Lord has instilled though out my entire journey of walking life with Him.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It all became crystal clear as my thoughts were interrupted by my sweet Savior….</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“Dear Child, take this message I have instilled in you of Psalm 139:14… Spread it to schools and church campus’, small groups, individuals, camps, retreats… anywhere/everywhere that I might place you. Reveal to them the marvelous creation they are, because of how marvelous I AM! I made you Ashley to be an inspiration…so go inspire them to seek ME, their creaTOR!</span></blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Most people spend their entire lives to find their purpose for living…and (HALELUJAH) mine just smacked me in the face!!!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">For years, preachers have taught, if you are a child of God then Jesus defines you. GREAT…what the heck does that mean???</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">All the disappointments, trials, failed relationships, heartbreaks…hopes, successes, dreams… implied social prejudices…everything I thought defined me really only pointed me back to my CREATOR. I had to fully grasp the truth that “ I am fearfully and wonderfully made”, and that GOD “knit me together, inside and out, in my mothers womb” to finally comprehend that…</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I am not defined by my past. My present. My future. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">No man, no job title, social net work, or Self Magazine Test has a hold on me. </span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">No longer am I in bondage to the lies, I allowed to define myself.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I FINALLY GET IT!!!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Yes, I am defined as a Jesus follower…BUT I, Ashley Zehring was created to be an inspiration. I was given a gift, a passion, desires, and life situations that were formed unique to the LORDS precious design for only me! A gift that no human or circumstance can take away… I was stamped with a seal by my Maker that is indestructible.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I now know in boldness the road my LORD has paved for me; He gave me a message to inspire every individual I encounter that they have been equally crafted as precious by our Marvelous Creator. I am to challenge them, as my Maker challenged me: To leave behind the defining holds this world places on them, in order to seek HIS divine definition to their entire being!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">It was in the moment of God’s revelation for my life that I was able to finish my run with the same song I started with and to pray it fully understanding how I was going to “Set the World on Fire”!!!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">“I am small,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">But YOU are big enough.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I am weak,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">But YOU are strong enough.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Take my dreams.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">Come and give them wings.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">LORD with you….</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">There is NOTHING I cannot do!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My hands, my feet, my everything.</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My life,</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">My Lord, please use me!</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;">I wanna set the world on fire!!!!”</span><span style="font-family: Chalkboard;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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