tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26116899977698646072024-03-28T05:27:07.021-04:00Finding Hope and JoyDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.comBlogger150125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-80309501694136904532019-01-18T20:16:00.000-05:002019-01-18T20:33:07.833-05:00Five Minute Friday Fun: INFLUENCE<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Hi friend!</div>
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What day is it?</div>
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<i>It's Friday!</i></div>
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And what does that mean?</div>
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<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="https://fiveminutefriday.com/"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>5 Minute Friday</b></span></a> fun! </i></div>
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The party is hosted by Kate. It's a <b><a href="https://fiveminutefriday.com/linkup/"><span style="color: #76a5af;">linky party</span></a> </b> or<b> </b>blogger flash mob or <b> </b>free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.</div>
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Everyone spends five minutes writing using the same one word prompt for that week. If they have a blog, they link up to the others over at Kate's place.</div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">This week's word prompt is: INFLUENCE</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b01400;"></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /></span></i></b>
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<b>and GO!</b><br />
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When my Kyle was about middle school age he took Karate classes for a year or so. His instructor, Buddy, was a great guy who had a saying he'd tell the students every now and then.<br />
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Buddy would say, in a thick southern drawl, "If you hang around a barber shop long enough you're gonna get a haircut." You see, h<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">e tried to teach more than just karate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He wanted them to know that who you hang out with and where you hang out can have an influence on what you do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And he was so right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I am around people that are critical or complain a lot I may find myself with the same mindset of finding fault. However, if I am with people who are joyful and optimistic it will rub off on me and it makes my heart happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just two days ago, during my morning devotions, I read my Bible verse of the day:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide (influence) your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." </i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Galatians 5:16 {Parenthesis mine}</span></span></div>
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<sup><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"></span></sup><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then in my devotional for that day there was this verse:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i> "... but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." </i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Romans 8:6b</span></span></span><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><b></b><i></i></div>
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><i></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><b></b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><b></b><b></b><b></b><b></b><i></i><i></i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So, no, I don't tend to hang around the "barber shop". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But, I do still need to be careful about what and who I allow to influence me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<b>and STOP!</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b></div>
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Whew! It is so hard to write for only five minutes. lol<br />
I'll keep trying though. I do love the challenge.<br />
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<i><b>Love ya, </b></i></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-3547302117855775372019-01-11T20:20:00.002-05:002019-01-12T19:00:33.440-05:00Five Minute Friday Fun: BETTER<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
Hi friend!</div>
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What day is it?</div>
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<i>It's Friday!</i></div>
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And what does that mean?</div>
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<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="https://fiveminutefriday.com/"><span style="color: #76a5af;"><b>5 Minute Friday</b></span></a> fun! </i></div>
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The party is hosted by Kate. It's a <span style="color: #76a5af;"><b><a href="https://fiveminutefriday.com/linkup/"><span style="color: #76a5af;">linky party</span></a> </b></span> or<b> </b>blogger flash mob or <b> </b>free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.</div>
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Everyone spends five minutes writing using the same one word prompt for that week. If they have a blog, they link up to the others over at Kate's place.</div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">This week's word prompt is: BETTER</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b01400;"></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"></span><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b>and GO!</b></div>
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How many times have I heard someone comment at the end of a year that they <i>"sure hope this next year is better"</i>? </div>
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I'm not sure why, but it makes me cringe and kinda sad. </div>
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Why do we do that? Was the whole year, all 365 days, so terrible? </div>
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Now, I understand there are some seasons we go through that are so very hard and of course we would want something better in our future.</div>
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But a whole year? </div>
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Were there no blessings?</div>
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No precious memories made? </div>
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And yet as I type these words and ponder this I can't help but think maybe we <b>should</b> hope the next year is better. </div>
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That we are better. </div>
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I don't mean it being out of regret for the past year's failures, heartbreak or disappointment. </div>
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But that this year I am better at remembering God's promises when the hard things happen. That I remember I am held by Him and He is forever faithful. </div>
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I want to be better at living intentionally and savoring each day as it comes. </div>
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And then at the end of the year I may just be one of those people that say "I sure hope next year is better." </div>
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And what I'll mean is that....</div>
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…. I will be more apt to rejoice than complain.</div>
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…. see the joy instead of the disappointment</div>
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…. be thankful for this beautiful life the Lord has given me to live. </div>
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I will live each day better. </div>
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<b>and STOP!</b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b></div>
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<i>Whew! It's been over a year since I joined in the fun at FMF. It's been nearly as long since I've blogged. It's not my best for sure and I may have tweaked it just a slight bit. [I promise to work on that perfectionist habit of mine} But it was fun! </i></div>
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<i></i><br /></div>
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<i><b>Love ya, </b></i></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-21809197663448456142018-12-24T17:54:00.000-05:002018-12-24T17:54:16.421-05:00Three Christmas Wishes From Me To You<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey there friend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My three Christmas wishes<span style="line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> and<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">my prayer </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">for each of you this Christmas and for the New Year:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygjoDti0o1FDe47Zb9O34wXGZMYgytUlFfLpuV8sBG13LMztF_vBZrfgGGU6R_I_V5WmaCfRxOm_AKgW97WN8t4eESrLPfVh6UISIfnmdgtV-zg_8nUaFugdNHKxtPPSXQ8mDpsV87bZn/s1600/20181213_205039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygjoDti0o1FDe47Zb9O34wXGZMYgytUlFfLpuV8sBG13LMztF_vBZrfgGGU6R_I_V5WmaCfRxOm_AKgW97WN8t4eESrLPfVh6UISIfnmdgtV-zg_8nUaFugdNHKxtPPSXQ8mDpsV87bZn/s320/20181213_205039.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><sup><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">“</span></sup><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">I pray that God, the source of </span></i><span style="color: red; margin: 0px;">hope</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">,</span></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">will fill you completely with </span></i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: orange;">joy</span></span></b></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">and </span></i><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #38761d;">peace</span></span></b></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="margin: 0px;"></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>because you trust in Him.</b></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><i>Then you will overflow with confident</i><span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><i> </i>hope</span></b></span></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>through the power of the Holy Spirit.”</b></span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Romans 15:13</span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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Love ya! and Merry Christmas my friend!</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-12966671571751609462018-11-20T09:17:00.000-05:002018-11-20T09:17:06.949-05:0025,6,1 & 11Hey there friend!<br />
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Kinda a weird "title"? All numbers.<br />
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And noooo, it's not numbers for a winning lottery ticket.<br />
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It's how long I got to be Kyle's mom … <b>25</b> years, <b>6</b> months and <b>1</b> day.<br />
Before he went home to live with Jesus in heaven <b>11</b> years ago.<br />
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I'm still "Kyle's mom". Always will be.<br />
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Here is a favorite picture:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBqSh_QGVm4kC0EGuEIDulyXzsAuW8UiJ8IvJ1ijjCfxjkSGH6VWqCXOHqYFahubwqrWRKZNQKrcq1L0pqoVTF8K1Z7Fc4HtSh1kMzj4wCLkF-vfpBpWAke9g4oMSE-f_Pe-F3TGjP8Qe/s1600/kyle+with+hammer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBqSh_QGVm4kC0EGuEIDulyXzsAuW8UiJ8IvJ1ijjCfxjkSGH6VWqCXOHqYFahubwqrWRKZNQKrcq1L0pqoVTF8K1Z7Fc4HtSh1kMzj4wCLkF-vfpBpWAke9g4oMSE-f_Pe-F3TGjP8Qe/s1600/kyle+with+hammer.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think he was helping a friend work on his car. A hammer wouldn't be my tool of choice, but oh well, <i>boys</i>!</div>
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When I see my Kyle Matthew in this photo I smile back. </div>
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I mean how can you not?! </div>
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See..... </div>
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… the joy?</div>
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… the love for life?</div>
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… the being always ready to help a friend?</div>
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… and always wanting to be doing something? </div>
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Today, with the Lord's help, I will focus on this picture and the things that brought joy to my life by being "Kyle's mom" for <b>25</b>,<b>6</b>,<b>1</b>. </div>
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And that <b>11</b>? Well, yea, I've missed him and thought of him - every. single. day. </div>
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But once again, as another year has gone by, it means I am one year closer to seeing that wonderful smile of his again. </div>
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God is forever faithful! </div>
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Love ya!</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-15786912661640041382018-11-20T08:38:00.002-05:002018-11-20T08:38:53.095-05:00Hello again!Hey there friends!<br />
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Hope all is well. Ummmm…… it's been quite awhile since I've stopped in. Are you still there?<br />
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I've truly missed writing and sharing life with you. I'm praying for a fresh vision for my place here.... nothing drastic. Still love my layout. It still feels like home.<br />
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It's been almost a year since I last stopped in. The windows need to be opened wide to let some fresh air in. And hopefully some fresh inspiration to write.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxsQ3vMVsYWEsfxmfCHrVJkK7R_elRGzASMcPVrsW2hTK7SX8dsA92lCtKqcsiK8GGN9gLTUHs2vHhdqIW1lW56WakeSFBPc5KrP3lnwIU7p5DlQCBH__vsFyNn54If14HpYzM4H2Narx/s1600/open-window-with-a-spring-landscape-image_csp8323767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxsQ3vMVsYWEsfxmfCHrVJkK7R_elRGzASMcPVrsW2hTK7SX8dsA92lCtKqcsiK8GGN9gLTUHs2vHhdqIW1lW56WakeSFBPc5KrP3lnwIU7p5DlQCBH__vsFyNn54If14HpYzM4H2Narx/s1600/open-window-with-a-spring-landscape-image_csp8323767.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm dusting off things and clearing out the cobwebs here at<i> Finding Hope & Joy</i>.<br />
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I've got to get back to this place of processing life {writing has a way of doing that for me}, the joy of sharing what the Lord is doing in my life and hopefully encouraging you along the way.<br />
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So "Hello again". Looking forward to meeting again real soon!<br />
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<i>Love ya!</i>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-80831551030794840472018-01-08T07:25:00.000-05:002018-01-08T07:25:23.370-05:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Who You Can Count On<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning! </i></b></span><br />
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I thought this would be a great way to start our week and this second Monday of the New Year. <br />
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Yes my friend, it's a crazy and sometimes scary world we live in.</div>
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So thankful that I know Who I can <b>always</b> count on......<br />
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.... for help<br />
.... to never forsake me<br />
.... is forever faithful<br />
.... who's love for me is never ending<br />
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I sure hope you know it, too.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Love ya, </span></i></b></span></div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-17467566155276659472017-12-31T16:18:00.000-05:002018-01-07T18:51:53.114-05:00What a Loooonnngggg Pause It's Been!<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Hey there friend!</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><i></i><b></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been so very long since I was here. I never got to share one single thing with you in 2017.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The funny thing is that my One Word for 2017 was PAUSE. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">No, I never thought it would be a year long pause from sharing life with you all here in blog land. </span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep, I succeeded this year with truly focusing on my One Word. And in more ways than one. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Actually, I didn't really have a choice. I </span><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">had</b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> to learn to </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">pause</i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">.</span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2016 ended with a <i>BANG!</i> Like literally!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> The day after Thanksgiving I tripped at work and my face hit the tile floor. Broken nose, loose teeth, sprained wrist and various bruising were the least of it. It was the<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> cognitive and memory issues <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I experienced from a concussion that forced me to learn to pause</span>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It took a few months to recover. And at one point, after weeks of slowly but surely feeling like the post concussion symptoms were almost gone they came back. Scary stuff! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again, through it all God was faithful, hubby was patient and encouraging and I'm thankful to now only have a "concussion brain" moment once in a while. </span></span><br />
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So let's get <span style="font-family: inherit;">you caught up with a few things that happened while I was learning to <i>pause. </i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here are some things from 2017 (still can't believe a year's gone by) and leading into the New Year -</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>* </b>In February I celebrated my 60th birthday. <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">{so maybe some of my "concussion moments" should now be considered "senior moments"} </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*</b> Hubby and I celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary in October. {after all this time I refer to him as my "hunk-a-munk-a" and he calls me his "hot tamale"} </span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*</b>In November it was 10 years since Kyle went to live with Jesus in heaven {still miss him every day but am ten years closer to seeing him again}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>*</b> On 1/10/18 it will be eight years since I posted for the first time here at <b><i>Finding Hope & Joy</i></b>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have my One Word for 2018 already chosen and <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I hope to get back here much more often in the coming year. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">So friend - Happy New Year!! I sure hope you'll drop by often in 2018. Lord willing I'll be here -<i>sharing life to encourage you</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<b><i>Love ya,</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-14722194244434676752016-09-27T21:06:00.000-04:002016-09-27T21:10:40.554-04:00Doing a Little Happy Dance<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Hey there friend!!</i></span><br />
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Who's doing a little happy dance??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK5Mmg4r5h7ysh3lPF8Uc_ba2whQpP4NkMy5ealmk_y475H7bB9R3UuIKwxWeMAWYf2Uqp6tAsEAQ8DB6pXntnQzEp-OjXPRPW6xq35B9RJ-oRSNndirjvwqgtsRSCDCgu0zm8GsVGQqr/s1600/blonde-dancer-hi.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK5Mmg4r5h7ysh3lPF8Uc_ba2whQpP4NkMy5ealmk_y475H7bB9R3UuIKwxWeMAWYf2Uqp6tAsEAQ8DB6pXntnQzEp-OjXPRPW6xq35B9RJ-oRSNndirjvwqgtsRSCDCgu0zm8GsVGQqr/s200/blonde-dancer-hi.png" width="102" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This gal right here!</span> <br />
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So wanna guess why? Sure you do. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeg25f1gzvx1tLN_5Pm_kMPloALaO-jxqwttd4husGb4w3GsU2nvR0krklIDCGINnTv0ypBMd8Ec1lXTbQn7HBwXea-0dJJyBhrhxXnQFDvD8Gln69etDZDHLjVjyVEKN4UNWJGsX_cDn/s1600/PPP_CARRO_LT3_Arrow_Rt_Teal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSeg25f1gzvx1tLN_5Pm_kMPloALaO-jxqwttd4husGb4w3GsU2nvR0krklIDCGINnTv0ypBMd8Ec1lXTbQn7HBwXea-0dJJyBhrhxXnQFDvD8Gln69etDZDHLjVjyVEKN4UNWJGsX_cDn/s200/PPP_CARRO_LT3_Arrow_Rt_Teal.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Hint: </span></i></b><span style="font-size: large;">something is new on my sidebar</span> <br />
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<i>No, not that</i>... Silly! I still believe! <br />
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<i>Nooooo</i>... I haven't had another birthday. I'm still <i>Ahem</i> "50-something".</div>
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Guess again! Go ahead guess! {<i>jumping up and down now</i>}</div>
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<i>Nope</i>..... still been married 40 years to my wonderful hubby. Although in one week I will have to change that to 41 years. Yay!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep looking...</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSLHTccYSYDGfPl3VXf0kTKXIgddpANHN0bReZnfY6fBUYwVaFZJo7J-DPxO_wTwTrnOsagTBDAZIpg0U6EEVDvlQRYvYXfNlVdC16ZLfOrUXli3tkwrWkUkZFyBm9zBxZPoOGC4BvAZ/s1600/eyeglasses-clip-art-eyeglasses_005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSLHTccYSYDGfPl3VXf0kTKXIgddpANHN0bReZnfY6fBUYwVaFZJo7J-DPxO_wTwTrnOsagTBDAZIpg0U6EEVDvlQRYvYXfNlVdC16ZLfOrUXli3tkwrWkUkZFyBm9zBxZPoOGC4BvAZ/s1600/eyeglasses-clip-art-eyeglasses_005.jpg" /></a></div>
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Oh I can't stand it! Tell me you see it!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Yep! I'm a contributor to the <span style="color: #134f5c;"><i>Five Minute Friday</i></span> book </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">that just launched yesterday.</span></b> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbfFG8JD0jbCNTzLMKNu3lRCCQokOYnklNa_4xaj-4KswLMRM7A9q9fJqttsbfTXADAhEYlKtPkuRU-HGTHU2X4862Ijgun6n03GKTd8qVhRuuyxQ0pPM_d_TgzAUgJ6CJWHW3GBvi786/s1600/Its-a-Five-Minute-FridayBOOK2-600x503.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtbfFG8JD0jbCNTzLMKNu3lRCCQokOYnklNa_4xaj-4KswLMRM7A9q9fJqttsbfTXADAhEYlKtPkuRU-HGTHU2X4862Ijgun6n03GKTd8qVhRuuyxQ0pPM_d_TgzAUgJ6CJWHW3GBvi786/s320/Its-a-Five-Minute-FridayBOOK2-600x503.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://amzn.to/2d3Tp5Y"></a><br />
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<b>Want your own copy? <a href="http://amzn.to/2d3Tp5Y"><span style="color: #351c75;">Grab your copy here!</span></a></b></div>
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<b>All profits from the book will be divided equally between two ministries in South Africa: </b><a href="http://thevineschool.org.za/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Vine School</span></b></a><b> in Cape Town, and </b><a href="https://www.purecharity.com/south-africa-tendollartribe?aff=25r3l" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The Ten Dollar Tribe</span></b></a><b>!</b><br />
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A <b>HUGE</b> <i>Thank You</i> to <a href="http://hopehearthome.com/"><span style="color: #351c75;">Susan Shipe</span></a> who came up with this great idea and worked so hard to make the dream come true. </div>
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And another <b>BIG</b> <i>Thank You</i> to <span style="color: #351c75;">Kate Motaung</span> who hosts our Five Minute Friday Fun Nights each week in bloggy land. </div>
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I ordered my book tonight and can't wait to get it in my happy little hands. Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-17027301638113349572016-09-16T20:27:00.002-04:002016-09-16T20:27:46.669-04:00Five Minute Friday Fun: ListenHi friend!<br />
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What day is it?<br />
<i>It's Friday!</i><br />
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And what does that mean?<br />
<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">5 Minute Friday</a> fun! </i><br />
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The party is at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/"><b>Kate's</b></a> place in blog land. It's a linky party<b> /</b> blogger flash mob <b>/ </b>free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.<br />
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Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. The truly fun part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free <i>{yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}</i>. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. <br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
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LISTEN<br />
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How does she do it?<br />
How does she hear when I don't say the words?<br />
How does she just know that there's something "up with me" as she puts it?<br />
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I guess it must be because she knows me in a way no other person on this earth does. Our hearts beat together for 9 months or so <i>{not sure when a baby's heart starts to beat and hey I only have five minutes to write this out so no time to look it up}</i> before I even came into this world. <br />
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Moms have a way of "hearing" their children even when there are no words said. <br />
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And that's the thing that is so amazing to me - she somehow just seems to know. <br />
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I've come to the conclusion that it must be because she doesn't just listen with her ears. <br />
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She listens with her heart.<br />
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And she knows.... <br />
... when I'm stressed<br />
... when I'm sad<br />
... when I've had a great day<br />
... when I'm thoughtful or pensive<br />
... when I'm content.<br />
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And when I'm finally ready to share? That's when she listens with her ears. <br />
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Then it's my turn to listen. <br />
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And she speaks....<br />
... hope and love <br />
... of faith in the great and good God we both love<br />
... encouragement and wisdom<br />
... joy and more love.<br />
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And today I'm thankful for a mom who not only listens with her ears, but also her heart. <br />
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<b>and STOP!</b><br />
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<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
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<i><b>Love ya, </b></i><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-19967352778390157832016-09-03T20:34:00.001-04:002016-09-03T20:34:33.183-04:00Five Minute Friday Fun: PATHHey there friend!<br />
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It's been a while since I've been here. After taking the summer off and hitting the <a href="http://debgab.blogspot.com/2016/06/hitting-button.html"><i><b>Pause Button</b></i></a> I'm ready to start back visiting with you here at my place in bloggy land. <br />
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I truly hope you'll stop by often. <br />
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Especially since I have some very exciting news to share in the next few weeks. <br />
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But for now I'm linking up with the Five Minute Friday gang. Thankfully they won't mind me being a day late (again). <br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
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PATH<br />
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Recently I've begun using Bible verses and praying them. Usually out loud. <br />
Psalm 25:4-5 is one of my favorite verses and a great one to pray.<br />
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Oh how I want the Lord to lead me down the path He desires for me.<br />
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The path He chooses for me is a path of ...<br />
... joy, <br />
... hope, <br />
... safety, <br />
... contentment, <br />
... and peace. <br />
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It is a good path. <br />
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It may be a bit rocky at times. <br />
I might even stub my toe on a big old rock. <br />
But, I know He holds my hand and won't let me slip. <br />
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It may get pretty steep. <br />
Sometimes things in life can be hard and I become weary. <br />
But, I know He will lead me to places of peace and safety. <br />
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It may be hard to see where I'm going. <br />
Not knowing where to take that next step can be pretty scary. <br />
But, I know He already knows the way and has a perfect plan for me. <br />
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It's where I want to be. Following His leading, wherever He leads. <br />
And that's the right path. <br />
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<b>and STOP!</b><br />
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<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
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<span style="color: black;">I'm so thankful that God has a plan for each of our lives. Go ahead and pray Psalm 25:4-5 for yourself. Then put your trust and hope in Him. His ways are always best. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> </span><i><b>Love ya, </b></i>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-19093195544235512192016-06-06T11:20:00.000-04:002016-06-06T11:20:05.748-04:00Hitting the Button Hey there friend!!<br />
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Does life ever seem to get too busy? And you start to feel stressed and overwhelmed by all there is to do? <br />
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Yea, me too. I'm tired of feeling like I've crossed one thing off my ToDo list only to have two more things added. <br />
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While praying last week about this and asking the Lord to help me know what to do and how to prioritize or what to give up or put off...... well, I had an <em>A-ha</em> moment. <br />
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<strong>It's not a question of how. </strong><br />
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How do I work full time, take care of a home and some of the yard work, blog, quilt, be involved in our church and have time for family stuff? How do I do all the things that need to be done and some of the things I enjoy doing??<br />
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A-ha! Guess what? I realized that I can't get it all done. <br />
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Ha! I just. Can. Not. It's that simple. <br />
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<strong>So now what??</strong> <br />
<br />
I mean sometimes I'm at the point where I want to hit the button....<br />
<br />
..... the reject button - and reject anything else anyone asks me to do<br />
..... the panic button - and cry, pull out my hair and eat a whole box of chocolates<br />
..... the eject button - and bail out and hide in my closet<br />
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Now that's a pretty sight - crying, half bald, screaming <em>NO!,</em> with chocolate smeared on my face.<br />
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Oh my!<br />
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<strong>What to do??</strong> <br />
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I'm thinking maybe the best button for me to hit would be the pause button. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfB0rAnru4vjJ2-VxhLevMzNkU1iK1C7qkUfyowO7fcsVpylYLoIHAQ2HhmViz5ifrVa7-foAiD2Uwia7H8J0iVIsw63SJ_nSfEsZ8zE5Lu2y7EHHkeTGi-AMMaP-X6luMPByV8DWU7ca/s1600/th+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfB0rAnru4vjJ2-VxhLevMzNkU1iK1C7qkUfyowO7fcsVpylYLoIHAQ2HhmViz5ifrVa7-foAiD2Uwia7H8J0iVIsw63SJ_nSfEsZ8zE5Lu2y7EHHkeTGi-AMMaP-X6luMPByV8DWU7ca/s320/th+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next six to eight weeks my calendar and ToDo list are full and I'll be super busy. {<em>Yes, I do have a calendar <strong>and</strong> a ToDo list. This gal right here is a bit of an overachiever in the planning dept.</em>}</div>
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Honestly, I had thought about closing up my little place in bloggy land. Maybe this whole S<em>haring Life to Encourage You</em> here at Finding Hope & Joy was only meant to be open for friends to visit for a short time and not forever. </div>
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Was it time to pull up the <em>Welcome </em>mat, shut the blinds and hang up a <em>CLOSED</em> sign? </div>
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Even though so far this year I've only been able to post something once a month, it would be one less thing on my list. And I don't know about other bloggers, but it usually takes me quite a bit of time and effort to get my thoughts out and typed. Then proof, retype and repeat. And there's always the task of finding or making a graphic to add for your viewing pleasure. </div>
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As I took a look around FH&J, I saw the posts I've started still sitting in "draft" status. Some are a bit dusty from sitting there for over a year. Yikes! </div>
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But, something was stirred in me and I know that I still have things to say and share and hopefully encourage you with. </div>
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So, I've taken a deep breath and made a decision. I know there are some things in my life right now that must be a priority over blogging. I've prayed and asked the Lord to help me live each day with joy and peace as I keep my focus on Him and His plans for my life. </div>
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And yea, that whole idea of sitting on my closet floor, crying and half bald from the stress I feel? That's kinda scary. Though not the chocolate part. Chocolate is <u>never</u> scary. </div>
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I think I've figured out what to do when you're stressed to the max and want to hit a button. </div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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<strong>Yes, go ahead and hit the button. </strong></div>
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That is, the pause button.</div>
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..... pause and take a deep breath</div>
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..... pause and pray</div>
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..... pause and ask for help</div>
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..... pause and reevaluate </div>
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For now I'm hitting the pause button on blogging. I hope that some day in the not too distant future I'll find more time to write. Now is not that time. </div>
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My home in bloggy land is not going anywhere. </div>
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The <em>Welcome</em> mat is still out. </div>
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I've left the blinds open so you can always stop by, peek in and read some of my past posts. </div>
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<strong>And I've hung a sign on the front door -</strong> </div>
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<em>Love ya,</em> </div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-7121538032901858992016-05-02T07:54:00.000-04:002016-05-02T07:54:27.990-04:00Happy Monday Morning ~ I said Wow!<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning! </i></b></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JHyMMnuRioy_YDXUIXH850wXoLVdnUwAlmFf0gSsw12bnstZuFsyZkCYdZ3OWEalgU4dV6M_MooULBzYzlVTBuPJBE_LnV94P5Tf-Hrn7h5WNFLV9y_D9NQ-fvwsfsqjsWhaSMNbHavY/s1600/starry+sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JHyMMnuRioy_YDXUIXH850wXoLVdnUwAlmFf0gSsw12bnstZuFsyZkCYdZ3OWEalgU4dV6M_MooULBzYzlVTBuPJBE_LnV94P5Tf-Hrn7h5WNFLV9y_D9NQ-fvwsfsqjsWhaSMNbHavY/s400/starry+sky.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Stars" posted on Photobucket by Karie N. Damon</td></tr>
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<em><strong><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">"Look at the sky and see.</span></strong></em></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-26">Who created these things?</span></span></span></span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-26">Who brings out the stars one by one?</span></span></span></span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="indent-2"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-26">He calls them all by name.</span></span></span></span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-26" style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>Because of the greatness of His might </strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Isa-40-26" style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>and the strength of his power,</strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><em><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-26">not one of them is missing."</span></span></span></span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-40-26" style="color: #134f5c;"><em><strong>Isaiah 40:26</strong></em></span></span></div>
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Sometimes, when I read a Bible verse all I can think to say is - <br />
<strong><em>Wow! God that is so awesome!</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
After reading Isaiah 40:26 that is what I said. Out loud. And with a smile on my face. <br />
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How cool is the thought that in our night time sky the stars are brought out one by one?!<br />
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I mean really! It does look that way, doesn't it? <br />
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As the sun sets and sunlight starts to fade, the brightest stars begin to show. As the night moves from dusk to darkness we can see more and more stars twinkling high above. <br />
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On a clear night I do love to look up and see the stars. Oh so pretty! <br />
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So many.... too many to count. But God knows each one by name. <em><strong>Wow!</strong></em><br />
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Some of us have a hard time remembering the name of the kiddo we're <strike>yelling at</strike> calling to - <em>"_______ come here!".</em> You know what I mean. You call each of their names (maybe even the dog's) until you get to the right one. Ha! <br />
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Yep, God is so powerful and great that He keeps track of each and every star. He marches them out each night and then when the roll call is complete not one is missing. <br />
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So friend, if He does that for the stars, surely we can believe that He is more than able to keep track of us. <br />
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And that may just be the biggest <em><strong>Wow!</strong></em> of all. <br />
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That God, Who created each and every star, Who knows them by name and never, ever looses track of even one, knows You, too. <br />
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Don't think so? <br />
<br />
Well, then let me share what David says in <span class="passage-display-bcv">Psalm 139:1-6 </span><br />
<span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><br />
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<span class="passage-display-bcv"></span><em><strong><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, investigate my life;</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">get all the facts firsthand.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">I’m an open book to you;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">You know when I leave and when I get back;</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">I’m never out of your sight.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">You know everything I’m going to say</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">before I start the first sentence.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">I look behind me and you’re there,</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">then up ahead and you’re there, too—</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">your reassuring presence, coming and going.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">This is too much, too wonderful—</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6">I can’t take it all in!</span></span></span></span></span></strong></em></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-139-1-Ps-139-6"></span></span> </div>
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You may want to go ahead and read the rest of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+139&version=MSG"><strong><em>Psalm 139</em></strong></a>.<br />
And I bet you'll be saying <strong><em>Wow!</em></strong>, too. Maybe even out loud. And with a smile on your face. <br />
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He knows you and loves you friend!<br />
Believe it! <br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-27472511261983631182016-04-18T08:31:00.000-04:002016-05-01T14:54:51.440-04:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Keep Singing<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning! </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>"Hope" is the thing with feathers---</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>that perches in the soul--</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>and sings the tune without the words---</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>and never stops--</strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>at all." </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em><strong>~ Emily Dickinson</strong></em></span><br />
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So is this just a cute quote or is there some real truth in it? <br />
{<em>the little purple birdie is definitely cute</em>}<br />
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As I thought about this I had to giggle that feathers in my soul might just tickle. Ha!<br />
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But than I thought a bit more about it and got serious. <br />
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I feel it's more than a great quote or thought and we can find some encouraging stuff in it.<br />
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You see friend, when your source of hope is found in God - in His promises and His character (loving, caring, faithful, good, true, just, etc) - than we are able to have a hope deep in our soul that doesn't stop singing. <br />
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Having a hope like that in life's difficult and hard time could be like singing a tune without knowing the words. But, that hope inside us? It's there. And it's still real.<br />
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I admit I don't know a lot about birds, or there habits {<em>except they love leaving me "presents" on my car's roof and windshield when I park under the tree at work</em>}. But, I have seen birds perched in a tree or on top of our backyard fence. They can hang on tight even when the branch sways and a breeze blows. And they just keep singing their song. <br />
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If that hope inside us is real, then I believe that even if it feels like we're perched high up in a tree and there's a wind blowing .....<br />
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<strong><em>.... We can still sing -</em></strong> <br />
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<strong><em> <span style="font-size: large;"> "It is well with my soul."</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"> "I still believe."</span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"> "Yet will I rejoice in You."</span></em></strong> <br />
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And even if you can't find the words - don't you still feel that hope?<br />
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<em><strong>Dear Jesus, </strong></em><br />
<strong><em>Please help us recognize the truth in your Word and know that You are able to give us hope and bring us peace. Help us to never give up and never loose hope. And if at times we feel we can't hear the tune any more or we've forgotten the words or our life feels like a bird has pooped on it, please restore the joy of our salvation* </em><em>and sing over us with gladness** </em><em>until we again can hear Your song of hope deep in our soul. May that song of hope never end. </em></strong><br />
<em><strong>Amen</strong></em><br />
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<div class="bible-item-text">
*Nehemiah 8:10 </div>
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"...for the joy of the <span class="small-caps">Lord</span> is your strength."</div>
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<em></em> </div>
<span class="passage-display-bcv">**Zephaniah 3:17</span><br />
<span class="text Zeph-3-17">"The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> will take delight in you, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17">and in his love he will give you new life. </span></span><span class="text Zeph-3-17">He will sing and be joyful over you."</span><br />
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<span class="text Zeph-3-17"><strong><em>Will you sing with me friend?</em></strong> {<em>it's ok to just hum along until you remember the words again</em>}</span><br />
<span class="text Zeph-3-17"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Love ya, </span></i></b></span></div>
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-10926083587260857962016-03-06T16:33:00.000-05:002016-09-01T19:34:02.487-04:00Evie the Evergreen<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hey there friend! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I'm posting something totally different. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's a short story and.......</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><em>TaDa!</em></strong> It was written by me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yea <em>me</em>! My high school English teacher would be quite surprised. Me and creative writing did not click way back then. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then how did I come up with this story?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I guess to start with I was inspired by a picture of an evergreen tree. Add to that the lessons learned as I spent six Monday nights in a ladies Bible study called <strong><em><a href="http://www.jenniferrothschild.com/missingpieces/">Missing Pieces</a></em></strong> by Jennifer Rothschild. <em>{by the way it was an <strong>awesome</strong> study!} </em>And then there was a Bible verse in Habakkuk that was the theme of our study. Put it all together with writing, rewriting and prayer and this is what I got. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not sure how good my little story is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cute? - yes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes sense? - I think so. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ever be published? - nah. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But hopefully, it gives a message of encouragement to the reader. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And hey! That's what my little place in bloggy land is all about. </span><br />
<br />
So friend, I hope you enjoy it - <br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: large;"><em><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The Story of Evie the Evergreen:an Encourager<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em> </em></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-size: medium;"><em><span style="font-size: small;">~by Debbie Gabelman<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Up on the mountain top where Evie lived in her home tree sometimes the wind was wild and crazy and sometimes gentle and soothing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Ever since Evie was just a seed-wingling in her pinecone she could hear the wind sing through the branches of the tall and majestic evergreens. It would sometimes shout the praises of Almighty God and His greatness. And sometimes it would whisper and seem to speak her name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than once she heard it say her name and tell her that there was a special purpose for her and the tree she would one day become. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo found on Photobucket</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So when launch day came Evie squeezed out of her pinecone and leapt joyfully and expectantly onto a gentle breeze. She was followed by quite a few other of her seed-wingling friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">From the tippy top branches in the home tree they twirled and drifted down, down to the soft and rich soil below. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">But then something unexpected happened. A single gust of wind blew Evie – and only Evie - right over the mountain top’s side. She started spinning wildly. When she finally made an abrupt and rather hard landing she found herself part way down the mountain on a small shelf of rock that jutted out from the side of the mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">When she peeked over the ledge’s side she could see she was still very high up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she had continued down to the bottom she most likely would not have survived. There was a road that ran around a lake that sat at the bottom of the mountain. If the cars on the road hadn’t squished her, than the lake’s water certainly would have drowned her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She looked around at her little landing place and found it to be small, but comfortable enough. It even had some soft and fertile soil on it. Just enough for her to wiggle down into and start the process of becoming a tree. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Over the years she did grow. Oh but she often felt so alone. It was bad enough that all her friends from her seed-wingling days were up on the mountain top becoming beautiful and majestic trees. But she rarely heard the wind speak to her any more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She started to think how it just wasn’t fair. And she started to doubt. Maybe what she thought she had heard as a seed-wingling had only been her imagination. Or maybe she didn’t understand. Or maybe God had changed His mind. Made a mistake? Didn’t care? And if He did care was He even aware of her and what had become of her? <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Evie continued to grow into a very tall evergreen. She wasn’t as beautiful as she had imagined she’d be. She certainly would never be considered majestic. It had been rough trying to grow on that mountain’s side. She had a few bare spots where branches had snapped from a heavy snow one year. A few other branches just never seemed to stretch out very strong and straight. What with them always being whipped by the strong winds that came around the side of the mountain in the spring. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Every now and then she thought she heard the wind whisper her name and even speak words to encourage her. That she was still significant. That God did see her and did have a plan and purpose for her. That she would be an encouragement to many. She wanted to believe … to have faith… but the missing pieces in her branches seemed to match the missing pieces in her faith. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Until one day when a piece of paper came drifting down on the wind and landed in her branches. “Oh that’s just great”, Evie thought. “Now on top of everything else I’m a garbage collector. I can’t even get any birds to nest in my branches, but I can catch garbage.” And with that her branches seemed to droop a little bit more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Just as she finished that thought - the wind suddenly blew from a different direction than usual for that time of year. It was a mighty and strong gust of wind. And she heard it as clear as she did back when she was just a seed-wingling. It told her that God had a purpose for her. That her sparse and bare places are the things that make her truly beautiful. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Evie began to weep. She bowed her head and asked for Him to show her. </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She waited and soon a soft breeze came and lifted the paper out of her branches. The piece of paper blew up and around. It seemed to dance on the wind. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">That's when Evie saw that it was actually a photo. What?! It was a photo of Evie! </span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">There were words written on it. They said - <strong><em>Yet I Will REJOICE in You!</em></strong></span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone had seen her. Someone had seen beauty in spite of her imperfections. Or maybe because of them.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiko-CtnUB-X3MfHcZxOt-p6z38QQZOtMfv-H0xWI_i0jmYAgInPfN7kSEiUCYJ8uawUm4FXS4jJ8pA5LP9A1H06-0zJHzhglAa4oxzJh3jl42cR2RUTGaQiYbhrqx1_8uMDWCJCuAP5Ns/s1600/minitree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiko-CtnUB-X3MfHcZxOt-p6z38QQZOtMfv-H0xWI_i0jmYAgInPfN7kSEiUCYJ8uawUm4FXS4jJ8pA5LP9A1H06-0zJHzhglAa4oxzJh3jl42cR2RUTGaQiYbhrqx1_8uMDWCJCuAP5Ns/s320/minitree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Jessi / Design by Debbie</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">From that day on Evie stood as tall as she could and hoped others would see the beauty in what God had done in her life. She truly had become an encourager. She now knew that God is true to His word and promises. And she rejoiced with the wind that blew and sang that truth all around her.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The End</em></strong></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><em><strong>Love ya,</strong></em></span>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-2775802340836940812016-02-07T14:59:00.000-05:002016-02-11T19:53:45.485-05:00Five Minute Friday Fun: FocusHey there friends! <br />
<br />
A little confused by the title of this post? Oh! It's not Friday is it? <br />
<br />
Oops! I kinda missed Friday's blog land party at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/"><strong>Kate's</strong></a> place. <br />
But thankfully, she allows us to link up after Friday and doesn't mind if we come to her party late. <br />
<br />
I just couldn't pass this Friday's one word prompt by - FOCUS. It's been on my heart all weekend. <br />
<br />
The truth is that I have quite a few posts still in draft stage waiting for me to figure out what and how to say what's on my heart. And then sometimes I just.... have. to. write. This is one of those times. <br />
<br />
Let me explain why and then I'll start my five minutes.<br />
<br />
On Wednesday night there was an urgent prayer request on Facebook from a friend. It's for a seven year old boy's dad..... a motorcycle accident.... in surgery..... mom passed away a few months ago.... he has a baby brother. <br />
<br />
<strong>And so I pray and ask hubby to pray.</strong> <br />
<br />
The next day, Thursday, I see the update that the dad made it through surgery and is in very critical condition in ICU. <br />
<br />
<strong>And I continue to pray.</strong> <strong>Update hubby and he continues to pray, too.</strong> <br />
<br />
Surely God will be merciful and allow this dad to heal and recover and live. And my heart breaks for the seven year old who has already experienced enough grief .... more than a seven year old should ever have to.<br />
<br />
And that evening I ask if there is any update. And I read my friend's reply. The dad passed away earlier that day. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>No!</em></strong> <br />
<em><strong>Why?</strong></em> <br />
<br />
I am angry that this is the end of this life and the beginning of unimaginable grief for the families. That this is the way prayers are sometimes answered. And it seems so unfair for the two boys left without a mom and now their dad.<br />
<br />
<strong>And what do I say?</strong><br />
<br />
How do I respond? What should my comment be?<br />
<br />
You see I'm leading a ladies Bible study {<em>Missing Pieces</em> by Jennifer Rothschild} and we're talking and learning about things like - <br />
is God fair?<br />
does God care?<br />
is God there?<br />
does God ere?<br />
<br />
That Facebook prayer request on Wednesday? <br />
It was posted on our Bible study group's FB page.<br />
<br />
I sat there for the longest time trying to figure out what to write. How to encourage. And it was really hard. There are no answers that will satisfy when an event like this happens and makes us ask "why".<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><strong>So I wrote -</strong></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"><em>"I too feel heartbroken for the children and the other family members. Yes, it is things like this that make us ask all those hard questions we're learning about each week in our Missing Pieces study. Hubby and I will be praying. And like you, trusting God and His perfect will."</em></span></span><br />
<br />
And than this one word prompt on Friday. Yes! That's the answer we need in times like this. <br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
<br />
FOCUS<br />
<br />
When life lands a hard blow and knocks you off balance - don't loose focus. <br />
<br />
And when the answers don't come easy... or at all - don't give up. <br />
<br />
What should you do? How do you regain your balance?<br />
<br />
The answer is where our focus lies. It does not need to be on the <strong><em>"Why?"</em></strong> or the <em><strong>"What if?"</strong></em><br />
<br />
Our focus needs to be on <em><strong>Who</strong></em>. <br />
<br />
On the One who knows what we're going through. <em>Hebrews 4:15</em><br />
On the One who counts our tears. <em>Psalm 56:8</em><br />
On the One who will never leave us or forsake us. <em>Deuteronomy 31:8</em><br />
On the One who is forever faithful. <em>Psalm 100:5</em><br />
On the One who is close to the broken hearted. <em>Psalm 34:17-18a</em><br />
<br />
In order to stand back up and find peace when life knocks us down, our focus needs to be on our faith and on the facts.<br />
<br />
<u>Faith</u> - choose to believe and stand on the promises of God that are found throughout His word.<br />
<u>Facts</u> - God's character is: faithful, just, loving, gracious, merciful, good, righteous, all-knowing.<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Faith + Facts = Peace</span></strong><br />
<br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">"You will keep in perfect peace </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">those whose minds are steadfast, </span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-size: large;">because they trust in You."</span></em><br />
<em>Isaiah 26:3</em><br />
<br />
<b>and STOP!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><em> "</em></span></span><em>Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: </em></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><em>The faithful love of the Lord never ends! </em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><em>His mercies never cease. </em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Great is His faithfulness; </em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><em>His mercies begin afresh each morning."</em> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Lamentations 3:21-23</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<i><b>Love ya, </b></i><br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-91707611257734301412016-01-25T09:40:00.001-05:002016-01-25T09:57:48.939-05:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Let's Make Some Ripples<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning!</i></b></span></div>
<br />
I have a question for you on this cold Monday morning in January 2016. <br />
<br />
And yes, even here in sunny Florida. It's cold people! It was 25 degrees on my porch thermometer at 6:30 am. And if it was colder on your back porch this morning, well, yay for you. Let's just all agree it's brrrrrrr cold. {sorry, I guess being cold makes me grumpy} <br />
<br />
Gonna go get me a hot cup of coffee now..........<br />
<br />
Okay I'm back. Yum! Peppermint mocha coffee in hand. I already feel not so <strike>grumpy</strike> cold. <br />
<br />
So anyways on to my question:<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you made any ripples yet this year?</strong><br />
<br />
Now before you think the cold has given me some weird kind of brain freeze and I better hurry and down this mug of hot coffee, let me explain.<br />
<br />
As we go through our day, from the time we wake up until the time we close our eyes at night we make "life ripples". <br />
<br />
A life ripple is the result of something you do that makes an impact (hopefully of the positive sort) in another person's life that day. It's only a small thing. <br />
<br />
A splash? <br />
Nope. Not what we're looking for here. <br />
That would be like when your brother would do a cannon ball into the pool. He would always feel this need to splash while you're laying next to the pool minding your own business, reading a magazine and catching some rays as a teenager. Cold water, wet magazine and the surprise of it all. This kind of huge ripple or splash results in yelling (by me) and laughing (by said brother). <br />
<br />
A wave?<br />
That isn't it either. Even though I love the rhythm and sound of the ocean's waves that is a bit too much for what I'm talking about today. And waves can be destructive and cause erosion. <br />
<br />
A tsunami?<br />
Not a tsunami. Oh my no! NO!<br />
<br />
<strong>Just a gentle ripple.</strong> <br />
<br />
Think of throwing a stone in a lake and how it makes small, almost delicate ripples. And you throw a second stone in and you get more ripples and these now overlap with the first set. The lake is no longer calm. It's changed. There's a special beauty to the design and playfulness of the water now. <br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>I alone cannot change the world, </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>but I can cast a stone across the waters </strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><em><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>to create many ripples.</strong> </span></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><em><strong>~ Mother Teresa</strong></em></span></div>
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I think we create ripples every day and don't even realize it. The thing is that life ripples can be a positive and beautiful thing or a negative and destructive thing. </div>
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Small positive life ripples are things like .... </div>
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.... pray with a friend who has just shared the struggles in her marriage</div>
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.... a quick word of encouragement to the cashier who just got yelled at by the previous customer</div>
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.... write down a Bible verse to share with your co-worker</div>
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.... invite someone to go for lunch or a cup of coffee</div>
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.... volunteer at a soup kitchen</div>
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.... invite someone to church</div>
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.... a quick phone call to check on that person who hasn't been in church in a few weeks</div>
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.... send a note of encouragement to whoever, whenever God put's it on your heart</div>
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<strong>These small acts of kindness can start a ripple effect in that person's life for beauty.</strong></div>
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However, the opposite of each of these would be .....</div>
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.... tell your friend you don't want to hear it again for the hundredth time</div>
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.... be the person yelling at the cashier</div>
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.... share an inappropriate joke with your co-worker</div>
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.... leave someone out when you're inviting others in the group for lunch or coffee</div>
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.... never, ever volunteer to help those less fortunate</div>
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.... don't invite anyone to church</div>
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.... don't call and do ignore the one you haven't seen in awhile</div>
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.... don't listen to the prompting's of the Holy Spirit to reach out to someone</div>
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<strong>These small acts of unkindness can start a ripple effect in that person's life for hurt. </strong></div>
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My last few sips of my coffee are cold now and hubby just announced it's warmed up to a balmy 40 degrees on the porch. Guess I better get on with my day. </div>
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I'll leave you with this challenge:</div>
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Let's get started together. One life ripple at a time. </div>
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Our ripples will overlap and together we'll make a difference. It's only 25 days into the new year so we have plenty of days left. </div>
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<strong>2016 - the year of the life ripples!</strong> </div>
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Yay!! Who's with me? </div>
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{<em><strong>disclaimer:</strong> I made up the phrase "life ripples". Remember, you heard it here first.}</em></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Love ya, </span></i></b></span></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-10322478693956297742015-12-11T22:07:00.002-05:002015-12-11T22:18:46.385-05:00Five Minute Friday Fun: ReflectHi friend!<br />
<br />
What day is it?<br />
<i>It's Friday!</i><br />
<br />
And what does that mean?<br />
<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">5 Minute Friday</a> fun! </i><br />
<br />
The party is at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/"><b>Kate's</b></a> place in blog land. It's a linky party<b> /</b> blogger flash mob <b>/ </b>free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.<br />
<br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
<br />
REFLECT<br />
<br />
I'm sitting here wondering what I want my life's story to reflect. <br />
<br />
And hands down, every time, in all my ways - I want to be a light for Jesus. <br />
<br />
As a child I remember singing a sweet little song in Sunday school while I ate my animal crackers and drank apple juice from a little paper cup {<em>funny how some memories stick with you</em>} that went something like:<br />
<br />
<em>"A sunbeam, a sunbeam, </em><br />
<em>Jesus wants me for a sunbeam. </em><br />
<em>A sunbeam, a sunbeam, </em><br />
<em>I'll be a sunbeam for Him."</em><br />
<em></em><br />
I haven't eaten animal crackers in many years and for some reason apple juice gives me a stomach ache.<br />
<br />
<br />
But, the meaning of that Sunday School song still rings true in my spirit. As an adult it's become an often whispered prayer:<br />
<br />
<em>Dear Jesus, </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Help me each day to reflect your love and grace to every person I come in contact with. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>May I have an attitude that honors you.</em><br />
<em>Help me to see others as you see them. </em><br />
<em>And help me, Lord, to reflect your love to them. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>As I read my Bible each morning and am reminded of your love, grace, mercy and faithfulness help me to reflect those things through out my day.... to the unloved, the lonely, the hopeless, the misunderstood and the hurting. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I want my words to speak truth and life. Help me to encourage others. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I want to reflect Jesus ... to be like a mirror reflecting His love and grace to those around me. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>I want to be a sunbeam for Him.</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>and STOP!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong><br />
So friend. What do you want your life's story to reflect?<br />
<br />
<em>{<strong>* Five Minute Friday Fun disclaimer</strong>- this took longer than five minutes, but was still fun and written on Friday night. I'd say that two out of three is not so bad.}</em><br />
<br />
<i><b>Love ya, </b></i>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-26137994349386160942015-11-20T12:04:00.001-05:002015-11-20T12:04:08.991-05:00time for sadness...time for joy<strong>Hey there friend!</strong><br />
<br />
So here I am marking {not celebrating, never celebrating} another anniversary that I wish didn't exist. I didn't think there'd be anything new this year to share with you. I mean this is the eighth time since the worst day of my life 8 years ago. <br />
<br />
<strong>What else is there to say?</strong> <br />
<br />
But as the day progresses and I look back on the previous years, I'm finding that each year is different.....<br />
.... in how the pain hits, <br />
.... when the tears come, <br />
.... and even if/when joy breaks through the clouds of grief. <br />
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<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPzxLtwiKDMFuTqIfvTi04Mx0KPueA_bjOj3xg3HWsMtIawjHodkwgx5QHPYwYHI1mQoaqYC0bvsEkkYq9WEk6KOWKnohKzi9MgaTE00Zwek7KKycJtDue35ocDQem8lxTTmugnmNvuIl/s1600/sunsetwithbirdsandverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPzxLtwiKDMFuTqIfvTi04Mx0KPueA_bjOj3xg3HWsMtIawjHodkwgx5QHPYwYHI1mQoaqYC0bvsEkkYq9WEk6KOWKnohKzi9MgaTE00Zwek7KKycJtDue35ocDQem8lxTTmugnmNvuIl/s400/sunsetwithbirdsandverse.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>This year is such a mix-up of my emotions.</strong> <br />
<br />
<em><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>...... a time to cry and a time to mourn</strong></span></em><br />
<br />
Today I feel the weight of grief. I move slower, smile less and don't give a hoot about much. And there's this anger that is just under the surface. Kinda like - "<em>Go ahead! Make my day! I'll be happy to punch you in the face!"</em> Now those of you that know me, know I am not a violent person. But, I am honest and will always keep it real here at my place in bloggy land. So yea, watch out today, you've been warned. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Yet, there is joy coming. In fact it's coming tomorrow!</strong> <br />
<br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">...... a time to laugh and a time to dance</span></strong></em><br />
<br />
I haven't seen my T.J. and Amber in 19 months. But, tomorrow they will be arriving here in sunny Florida. For a whole blessed week!<br />
<br />
I've already warned T.J. to get out of the car quickly and brace himself because I'll be running out of the house at full speed and will tackle him with the biggest hug he's ever gotten. And then I'll turn and embrace Amber like I'll never let her go back to TX. And then, for the first time ever, I'll meet "C" {<em>the 12 year old they are in process of adopting</em>}. Don't want to scare him. Well, that may be too late after the hugging attacks on the other two. Ha! So I'll sweetly and politely ask him for a hug. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Celebrate? No. Look for joy in the tomorrows? Yes.</strong> <br />
<br />
Yep! I may not be able to <em>celebrate</em> this anniversary day {<em>what mom could?</em>}, but I can have joy knowing I'll see my Kyle Matthew again one day. And tomorrow I'll see those other three that make this momma's heart dance with joy. <br />
<br />
There are so many other things in this life to find joy in. I know that. But, today is a hard one. <br />
<br />
Life goes on. <br />
God is forever faithful. <br />
I'll be ok. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong> Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-36431158548343484752015-09-21T07:02:00.002-04:002015-09-21T07:02:16.195-04:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Surf the Waves<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 138%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span></span></div>
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 138%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Monday Morning!</span> </i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 138%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><em></em></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqggBjIrsp-B5t0rQm3rmoKAfRzVQa5xCpJNzBhyxqTvRSXXfYlHVwTBZCzoylDIpX0XRqFRSAo03tzIiA7HjBu8gy_8LvOHFkeqoB8yaRt-FV9Tz1V3FwnMj7VgsXsomXGtDo7TlGCaWc/s1600/surfergirls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqggBjIrsp-B5t0rQm3rmoKAfRzVQa5xCpJNzBhyxqTvRSXXfYlHVwTBZCzoylDIpX0XRqFRSAo03tzIiA7HjBu8gy_8LvOHFkeqoB8yaRt-FV9Tz1V3FwnMj7VgsXsomXGtDo7TlGCaWc/s400/surfergirls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfer girls photo found on Photobucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">"I will not let the waves of life just roll over me. </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;">I will learn to ride them."</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>~ </strong></span><a href="http://sarahmae.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Sarah Mae</strong></span></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Yep! That is the brave way I want to live my life. </div>
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And nope, I've never surfed. But, I bet it would be fun. <br />
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{<em>maybe I should add it to my bucket list</em>} </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Even though I've never attempted to surf, I know it must take lots and lots of practice. Add to that some fearlessness. And I would think that a good sense of balance would be a plus. </div>
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I imagine catching a wave and riding it to shore would be scary, exciting and exhilarating all wrapped up in one awesome and wild ride. Unless you wipe out and than it's just scary. </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now I may have never tried surfing, but I've been to the Jersey shore plenty of times and know that the ocean is powerful. The scary part is that the ocean's waves don't only roll over you, but can toss you around, knock you down and even drag you under the surface. <br />
<br />
{<em>and</em> <em>just erased it off my bucket list</em>}<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Wisdom for facing the ocean's waves -</strong><br />
~ Be prepared and know your swimming ability, as well as, how deep the water is. <br />
~ Watch out or one you didn't even see coming will knock you from behind. You'll find yourself on your bum and spitting out salt water. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
~ Keep an eye on the shore line or you will unknowingly be moved down the beach by the tide and motion of the water. <br />
~ Playing in the surf is much more fun (and safer) with friends. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Wisdom concerning the waves of life - </strong><br />
~ Be prepared and know the promises God gives us in His word. Remember His ability to rescue and save is unlimited. <br />
~ You might not even see it coming. You'll find yourself on your knees and sputtering a prayer for help. <br />
~ Keep an eye on your faith or little by little you can find that you've moved away from your convictions and what grounds you. <br />
~ Life is so much harder if you try to do it all alone. <br />
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<br />
So friend, I think when attempting to not get rolled over by waves - in the ocean or in life- it comes down to these three things: focus, determination and attitude. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>For me this means that -</strong><br />
<br />
My focus is on Jesus. <br />
<br />
I'm determined to finish well. <br />
<br />
My attitude is never quit. <br />
<br />
So when the waves of life come I can hang on and ride them. No rolling over this girl. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Cowabunga friend!<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-68455328337608366902015-09-18T20:01:00.000-04:002015-09-18T20:01:35.493-04:00Five Minute Friday Fun: CelebrateHi friend!<br />
<br />
What day is it?<br />
<i>It's Friday!</i><br />
<br />
And what does that mean?<br />
<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">5 Minute Friday</a> fun! </i><br />
<br />
The party is at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/"><b>Kate's</b></a> place in blog land. <br />
It's a linky party<strong>/</strong>blogger flash mob/free writing exercise.<br />
Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.<br />
<br />
Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. If they have a blog, they link up to Kate's post.<br />
<br />
No blog? No problem! Just leave your five minutes of writing in the comments section.<br />
<br />
The truly great part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free <i>{yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}</i>. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
<br />
CELEBRATE<br />
<br />
Celebrate .... YOU<br />
<br />
Yes, that's right celebrate all that you are and all that you hope to be. <br />
<br />
Does that sound strange? and really hard to do? and maybe crazy? (hopefully not dumb)<br />
<br />
I think we should take some time every now and then to celebrate ourselves. <br />
<br />
We are each a one of a kind creation made in the image of God. <br />
<br />
We are each wonderfully made!<br />
<br />
We, as women, spend so much time thinking of and taking care of others that we get lost. <br />
<br />
We cheer hubby.<br />
We cheer the kiddos.<br />
We cheer friends.<br />
<br />
And that's all great and good. <br />
<br />
Just don't forget to cheer for yourself. <br />
<br />
You, dear friend, are special and unique. You are dearly loved by God. <br />
You have a purpose in this world that you and only you can fill. <br />
And it's a God given purpose. <br />
<br />
Never forget it. Don't doubt it. And be sure to celebrate it. <br />
<br />
Celebrate you! <br />
<br />
<b>and STOP!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em>"and I praise You </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em>because of the wonderful way You created me. </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em>Everything You do is marvelous! </em></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><em>Of this I have no doubt." </em></span><br />
<span class="bible-item-title-wrap"><em><span style="color: #351c75;">Psalm 139:14</span></em></span><br />
<span class="bible-item-title-wrap"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Love ya, </b></i>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-29039706887343609572015-08-24T08:21:00.003-04:002015-08-24T08:21:21.075-04:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Don't Just Step.... JUMP!<span style="font-size: large;">Hey there friend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong>Happy Monday Morning!</strong></em></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbMNOnUzAc_RdsXj-rTD50cs8VKUyDGgg4TPvlUHNSkqFoui5OXU76MGlResEOiJePSNLFwJVdPdyQiFmspUGSA8tDFk7EAqlIlWN0-ALsuviipGTo_eepBIecAtUOVLXUCeQdVT1aDpR/s1600/jummppp.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbMNOnUzAc_RdsXj-rTD50cs8VKUyDGgg4TPvlUHNSkqFoui5OXU76MGlResEOiJePSNLFwJVdPdyQiFmspUGSA8tDFk7EAqlIlWN0-ALsuviipGTo_eepBIecAtUOVLXUCeQdVT1aDpR/s400/jummppp.JPG" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jummppp found on Photobucket<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Sometimes, to step toward your destiny, </span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">you have to step away from your security."</span></strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">~ Craig Groeschel</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm taking this quote right out of yesterday morning's sermon notes. And I'm taking it to heart.<br />
<br />
Have you ever thought what your purpose in life is? Are you fulfilling your destiny?<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
A few years ago I did a 21 day challenge led by <a href="http://holleygerth.com/"><em><strong>Holley Gerth</strong></em></a> via her place in blogland. At the end of those three weeks we had to put together a statement using a formula to define our life story and purpose. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Here's what I came up with:</strong><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">To help restore hope and joy, </span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">to those who are hurting and discouraged, </span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="font-size: large;">by encouraging them with acts and words of kindness.</span></strong></em> <br />
<br />
{ When I was first blogging back in 2010 I even wrote a post about this. You can read about <em>Finishing the Challenge</em> <a href="http://debgab.blogspot.com/2010/02/finishing-challenge.html">HERE</a> }<br />
<br />
<br />
Some tried & true, and easy ways I'm comfortable with encouraging others are.....<br />
... a card in the mail<br />
... a comment on Facebook<br />
... a {HUG} <br />
... a smile<br />
... a promise to pray<br />
... a blog post.<br />
<br />
<br />
However, in a few short week I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone and leading a ladies' Christian Life Development Class at our church in an effort to encourage other ladies in their walk with Jesus. <br />
<br />
This is the biggest (and scariest) way that I'm applying my <em>One Word for 2015 -</em> <a href="http://debgab.blogspot.com/2015/02/my-one-word-for-2015-brave.html"><strong><em>BRAVE</em></strong></a><strong><em> </em></strong>in my life this year. <br />
<br />
It sure feels like a <strike>big step</strike> giant jump. Yikes!<br />
<br />
But, oh how I want to encourage other women. It's such a strong desire, and I know it's from the Lord. It's what I'm to do at this season in my life - use my love for teaching and heart for encouraging to help others.<br />
<br />
And how about you friend? Is there some step you need to take? or maybe a giant leap toward your God designed destiny? <br />
<br />
Well, I'm taking the hand of Jesus and taking that jump. <br />
Hold my other hand and jump with me?<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-88940329895520922002015-08-03T08:01:00.000-04:002015-08-03T08:01:19.794-04:00Happy Monday Morning ~ Steps<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning! </i></b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNniodwaPH4l0_u_UrXj99DGYeajgegePluCA4rY1QNQVlH5m1nvzrcSvOqn5ntV1rHV1aKuau5G_MbjAdrva9DKuMTMt535v9eeS_xJcXVztvQmXdVJeGO_c5Y6A38pDxPh_uXx3YuKk/s1600/historic99steps.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNniodwaPH4l0_u_UrXj99DGYeajgegePluCA4rY1QNQVlH5m1nvzrcSvOqn5ntV1rHV1aKuau5G_MbjAdrva9DKuMTMt535v9eeS_xJcXVztvQmXdVJeGO_c5Y6A38pDxPh_uXx3YuKk/s400/historic99steps.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo found on Photobucket</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><em>Psalm 37:23-24</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>If you do what the Lord wants, He will make certain</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong>each </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> step </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> you</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> take </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> is </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> sure. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Lord will hold your hand, </span><span style="font-size: large;">and if you </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> s</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> t</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> u</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> m</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> b</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> l</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong> e, </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;">you still won't fall.</span> </strong><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGdBW3dcnUhfPAF6XcESeFd53My-zziCpmjF67oEoJHigxwY0vYko9fDGozr8AenVrKejsFXkGoVkpKh8xozPR1gz9OYUWzGrIdA8oMu2a6RmKQh9634V3DY-2Q5qCWTxZsPMnKkBWjJK/s1600/hands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGdBW3dcnUhfPAF6XcESeFd53My-zziCpmjF67oEoJHigxwY0vYko9fDGozr8AenVrKejsFXkGoVkpKh8xozPR1gz9OYUWzGrIdA8oMu2a6RmKQh9634V3DY-2Q5qCWTxZsPMnKkBWjJK/s400/hands.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo found on Photobucket</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<br />
<em>Dear Jesus, </em><br />
<em>Please be with me as I go throughout my day. Help me to stay in step with your plans for me today. </em><br />
<em>Lord, I put my hand in yours. Thank you that you don't ever let go. Thank you that if I stumble you are right there to steady me so I don't fall. </em><br />
<em>I love you!</em><br />
<em>Me</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong><br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-74840335359634660762015-07-31T20:21:00.000-04:002015-07-31T21:18:41.267-04:00Five Minute Friday Fun: TryHi friend!<br />
<br />
What day is it?<br />
<i>It's Friday!</i><br />
<br />
And what does that mean?<br />
<i>It's time to party and have us some <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/">5 Minute Friday</a> fun! </i><br />
<br />
The party is at <a href="http://katemotaung.com/"><b>Kate's</b></a> place in blog land. It's a linky party<b> /</b> blogger flash mob <b>/ </b>free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.<br />
<br />
Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. If they have a blog, they link up to Kate's post.<br />
<br />
No blog? No problem! Just leave your five minutes of writing in the comments section.<br />
<br />
The truly fun part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free <i>{yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}</i>. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<b>and GO!</b><br />
<br />
TRY<br />
<br />
Hubby and I have been watching a show called American Ninja Warrior. Love it! How have we missed the previous seasons?<br />
<br />
Many times I've thought that it's crazy that the competitors have only one try to finish the course. If they miss an obstacle they are out. <br />
<br />
That's it. Done.<br />
<br />
Their run for this year is over. <br />
<br />
These men and women train. I mean seriously train. Like for some of them every single day. <br />
<br />
I don't know why. Honestly I don't. Such hard work for one try. <br />
<br />
Just to get to the end of the course and move on from city qualifying to city finals to nationals. <br />
<br />
Most of them fail. <br />
<br />
They don't reach the end and get to push the buzzer to stop the clock, get their name on the leaders board and move on to the next level.<br />
<br />
As they walk away they say things like - <br />
"I'll try again next year. "<br />
"That was fun."<br />
"I'm glad I made it this far."<br />
<br />
Sure they're disappointed that they didn't get to finish every obstacle, but they all seem thrilled for the opportunity to have tried. <br />
<br />
When we first started watching this show I just didn't get why they put all the time, energy and expense (some train in a gym and some make their own obstacle course in their basement or garage) into training for one try at the prize. <br />
<br />
And it didn't seem fair that there were no do-overs or second chances. Man all that work for nothing. <br />
<br />
Maybe I don't get it because I don't like to try something competitive unless I'm pretty sure I'll succeed. <br />
<br />
<em>Get an "A+"</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Make 10 out of 10 correct. </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>Win!</em> <br />
<br />
However, the longer we watch the Ninja Warriors compete the more I think I'm getting it. <br />
<br />
It's not the winning. Well, yea it is. <br />
<br />
But, I think for them they do it as much for the experience and fun as for the win.<br />
<br />
And if they fail? Well, there's always next year. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>and STOP!</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~</span></i></b><br />
<em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"></span></em><br />
<strong>Here's to trying new things. Not to win, but for the experience.</strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Love ya, </b></i>Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-20342054089692387912015-04-13T06:44:00.000-04:002015-04-13T06:44:52.216-04:00You Were Created For.....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi friend!!!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Happy Monday Morning!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Have you ever wondered what you were created for? <br />
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Are you living the life God intends for you to live? <br />
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Or are you playing things safe and never taking risks or trying something new?<br />
<br />
Following God's purpose may not feel safe and may seem like it's too big, or hard, or not you {<em>or whatever excuse you want to use</em>}, but it's when we live the way God planned for us that we truly <strong><em>live</em></strong>.<br />
<em></em><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>"A ship in harbor is safe, </strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><em><strong>but that is not what ships are built for."</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>John A. Shedd</strong></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa3UYQ1YWhqFZ6iV4PonnD-e7DG16Vt2rOIdFVWAT14g4qy0c_RyVbXmqMAFRXzAjJzEJBkq9VqVpkPSbhtCUheR973ls-VDR_NwF5pgQXoyCGxSBy5HNV8wQBo6Sw-2MKDqC5DAuITWQ/s1600/boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa3UYQ1YWhqFZ6iV4PonnD-e7DG16Vt2rOIdFVWAT14g4qy0c_RyVbXmqMAFRXzAjJzEJBkq9VqVpkPSbhtCUheR973ls-VDR_NwF5pgQXoyCGxSBy5HNV8wQBo6Sw-2MKDqC5DAuITWQ/s1600/boat.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo courtesy of Photobucket</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: black;">When I create a quilt I expect it to be used for warmth and comfort. If it were to be kept safe on a closet shelf it would not be fulfilling the purpose I created it for. And that would make me sad. </span><span style="color: black;">There's a lot of planning, time and love that goes into the making of each one of my quilts. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">I wonder if it makes God sad when we play things safe and don't live each day fully? When we refuse to try new things.... especially things He is placing on our hearts to do or talents He's given us to use. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
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<span style="color: black;">Starting today, let's choose to live brave and fulfill our God given purpose. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><strong>Because you see, friend.......</strong></span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>"We weren't made to just survive the day.</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>We were made to thrive."</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><strong><em>Casting Crowns</em> </strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Love ya, </span></i></b></span></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2611689997769864607.post-41882945995118856112015-04-05T09:24:00.001-04:002015-04-06T15:11:56.955-04:00Easter Sunrise ~ when the sun doesn't shineHi friend!<br />
<br />
Happy Easter!<br />
<br />
This year hubby and I decided to do things a little bit different for our Easter celebration. It's been pretty low key the last few years for a variety of reasons. This year we wanted to start a few new traditions. <br />
<br />
We changed things up by going to our church's Saturday evening Easter service. (Yes, I'm pretty sure Jesus is ok with us celebrating Easter on Saturday. So now, don't judge) <br />
<br />
Due to our different church's schedules we haven't gotten together with family on Easter in quite a few years. Since we went to church last night, I'm now able to cook dinner (turkey is in the oven) and have mom over for Easter dinner early this afternoon. <br />
<br />
Also, it allows us to do something I've wanted to do for years - go to an Easter sunrise service. So, we decided that this year we'd to go to Kyle's bench (the cemetery) to watch the sunrise, read the account of the empty tomb on that first Easter morning and thank Jesus for the hope we have of one day seeing our son again. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6eaxT5noMQZmeA6FQr1_u5vJVR6NLV4Ruf2lXHYx9-0LEH0ru9btgR5Px_BCvc009ZV9qidVkdTxqtwqFJIN30yOHBmLCzaBUoLppOXs9UYPTdtIIp0HaGk9NLgBrKjLxfLtljaD3PHF/s1600/benchandflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6eaxT5noMQZmeA6FQr1_u5vJVR6NLV4Ruf2lXHYx9-0LEH0ru9btgR5Px_BCvc009ZV9qidVkdTxqtwqFJIN30yOHBmLCzaBUoLppOXs9UYPTdtIIp0HaGk9NLgBrKjLxfLtljaD3PHF/s1600/benchandflowers.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yesterday, on my way to work there was a beautiful sunrise. A big bright orange ball of sunshine rising in the eastern sky and making the line of clouds that hung above the horizon and over the tree tops glow with yellow, orange and a bit of pink. I couldn't wait for today to see this from the tranquil and open view we'd have at Kyle's bench. </div>
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This morning we got up early, fed the dog, got dressed, grabbed the camera and Bible and walked outside to a cool morning and .....</div>
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.... a sky full of clouds. Huh?! Didn't see that coming. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwry3Gl7g0GCHKTagTcSJ_4FluxxsypWOUFLPcoxMExqPTCS-eFhaz_TAQcTzLP9dajo_8SEVnXXNNhmRu052f7oUUL58dcULlPe6R7Q_MMRZHyCV1Yh0-cvAt_nCBqmsEYhIpQFf0t1Xy/s1600/cloudysky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwry3Gl7g0GCHKTagTcSJ_4FluxxsypWOUFLPcoxMExqPTCS-eFhaz_TAQcTzLP9dajo_8SEVnXXNNhmRu052f7oUUL58dcULlPe6R7Q_MMRZHyCV1Yh0-cvAt_nCBqmsEYhIpQFf0t1Xy/s1600/cloudysky.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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As we made the short drive to the cemetery, I couldn't help but watch the sky for any sign of the clouds breaking. I also sent up a silent prayer for the Lord to <em><strong>please</strong></em> push the clouds away so I could have my special Easter sunrise. </div>
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I also began thinking about Jesus' followers. How were they feeling on that first Sunday morning after that horrible day when Jesus died? </div>
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Did they see only dark and cloudy skies ahead? </div>
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Did they wonder if the sun would ever shine again? </div>
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Grief can do that to you. It can make even the sunniest day with zero percent of rain feel dark and like storm clouds are gathering and the threat of rain is imminent. </div>
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<strong>But there is hope.... there is always hope when you know Jesus.</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8k6W-BRP59wCeu8_yMBmb8RyX1vqXSRCt6WKfky9n5-UiPG0jSdTlKj0l_cBeEJoAI3266sPVUWbg6R-I2J_PJBFv6iA23EH3sKs5wrkynnItg4EWRWvjioPvL4vj2ymcPthhKpWn6Zf/s1600/longview2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP8k6W-BRP59wCeu8_yMBmb8RyX1vqXSRCt6WKfky9n5-UiPG0jSdTlKj0l_cBeEJoAI3266sPVUWbg6R-I2J_PJBFv6iA23EH3sKs5wrkynnItg4EWRWvjioPvL4vj2ymcPthhKpWn6Zf/s1600/longview2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even in the midst of death and grief you can still believe.......</div>
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.... the sun (and the Son) is there....</div>
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.... yes, it is (He is), even if you can't see it.</div>
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This morning I read the Easter story, hubby prayed and thanked Jesus for His sacrifice. And we waited for the sun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1qLtVxOdATmlINmTc8PwkL9zDKVP7qk1e-GuOY0bRuUmwAsGOqtK6BPZR96gqVmyVrz_39Bt1YRnZFsiSg9h72rE0Nltli-bAW6MnZX1ccFKu6ZLMBA0XN4cWPSi9rh0wIqywL800ijL/s1600/opening+in+the+sky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb1qLtVxOdATmlINmTc8PwkL9zDKVP7qk1e-GuOY0bRuUmwAsGOqtK6BPZR96gqVmyVrz_39Bt1YRnZFsiSg9h72rE0Nltli-bAW6MnZX1ccFKu6ZLMBA0XN4cWPSi9rh0wIqywL800ijL/s1600/opening+in+the+sky.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, the clouds parted a bit. There was even a touch of gold around their edges. </div>
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Definitely not as glorious as yesterday's sunrise. And that's really ok. </div>
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It was still a very special time...... </div>
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.... to think about the sacrifice God made by sending His Son to die on the cross</div>
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.... to ponder Jesus' great love for each of us</div>
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.... to praise Him for making a way for us to one day live with Him in heaven</div>
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.... to rejoice in the knowledge that we will be reunited with our son again one day</div>
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<em><span style="color: #134f5c;"><strong>"At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus. <span class="text Luke-24-4-Luke-24-8" id="en-MSG-11150">They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words." </span><span class="text Luke-24-12" id="en-MSG-11152">Luke 24:1-8(MSG)</span></strong></span></em></div>
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<strong><em>Love ya,</em></strong></div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15497970363627213329noreply@blogger.com6