tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38824883525145197322024-03-05T18:06:56.996-08:00The Heart SpeaksFor out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. Luke 6:45Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-28051859326110096382019-04-08T08:47:00.002-07:002019-04-08T08:49:20.936-07:00The Glory in The Aftermath<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="b4f8m" data-offset-key="7lvv8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span data-offset-key="7lvv8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We had quite a storm blow through here yesterday afternoon. However, once it passed, except for the downed tree limbs and other debris cluttering the streets, you would never know we had anything more than a little rain. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5rnr-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">We know a little something about storms </span>here on the Gulf Coast<span style="font-family: inherit;">. This one was mild in comparison, but driving through wind blowing horizontally, as I found myself doing after church yesterday, is scary. No doubt! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7bojs-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Yet storms, for all the damage they produce, also bring a cleansing we sometimes didn't know we needed. Take for instance, pollen. It's been bad around here. Yesterday's storm aided in clearing some of that up and washed away a nuisance that cause so many all kinds of respiratory difficulties.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="d1pp6-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I was thrilled to see the storm blow in. I have new fruit trees and flowering plants I placed in the ground this year, and a storm brings with it nutrients a watering hose cannot supply. Everything seems to grow more prolifically after a good rain shower, something we often forget.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7idq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Last year seemed full of storms for me, personally. From May to October storms were brewing in my world, but then the rains came. August, December and 2019 have brought cleansing rains to my soul.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cuprm-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">You know, there's only one place I want to be when a storm comes, and it's home where I feel safe. I can hunker down with the best of them with Beau by my side, come what may, and after the initial shock of the unexpected storms of 2018, that's exactly what I did. I hunkered down and sheltered in place.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8c9l9-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock." Psalm 27:5</i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="dvp3h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This is where I ended up seeking shelter from the storm raging around and inside me. I sought shelter in God Most High. I confess, I waited much longer than I should have to seek his protection, but when I did, I couldn't get enough. Hiddenness became my closest friend. My circle grew tighter in that season. It had to in order to weather the storm in a way that was both productive and restorative to places in me that had been battered and tossed by the winds of the previous months. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="aqddv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Storms can be deceptive. What we experience in the midst of them is often what we're left with in the aftermath - fear, destruction, carnage... But friend, sometimes it takes a storm for new life to emerge. Talk to anyone who has been through a storm that caused immense damage to their property. They would never want to relive that experience, but from it, they were able to make some changes, sometimes much needed changes, and had the joy of choosing something new and different that they would not have done before the storm occurred. This, too, has been my experience.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="nqqf-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">There are relationships now much deeper and richer because of those storms. I see many things differently, less critically, with more faith than before the storms came my way. I am more content and vigilant about what I've been called to do, and more determined than ever to let nothing stand in my way. I have an urgency to live my life to the fullest, increasing space and time for those who weathered the storm with me and provided the shelter of their friendship, prayers and counsel. </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8o4bl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am especially grateful, hope-filled and humbled by this life I get to live. Not that it took a storm for any of this to unfold, but maybe it took the storm to wash away the haze that kept me from seeing what I couldn't see before. Maybe that's the real power of the storm, not the damage it produces, but the glory in the aftermath.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8it6b-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>You came near when I called on you; you said, "Do not fear!" You have taken up my cause, O Lord; you have redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:57-58</i></span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-56004117659806083032018-11-11T17:07:00.001-08:002018-11-11T17:14:31.403-08:00The Cost of A Grateful Heart<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="94kgl" data-offset-key="9pmpu-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I was unloading some groceries into my car and had to refill a bucket that had turned over while I was driving. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9pmpu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">What can I say? Me and corners! I often channel Mario Andretti while I'm driving.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9pmpu-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Anywho, that bucket has been in my car for a while. It's full of items I need to return to my event stash at work. I borrowed some things a while back to help a friend with an event. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8hfuh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">In the bucket was a baggie full of snacks someone was passing out at that event. I had forgotten about it, but today I decided I would give them to the next homeless person I saw. It was packed full of pre-packaged snacks and would be a welcomed gift for someone who had nothing to eat. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8hfuh-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I had barely driven two blocks when I found someone and gave them the snacks.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="14k5h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have so much to be grateful for in my brief 50 years of walking on this earth. My life is an unending story of the Lord's miraculously gracious favor and His faithfulness. Many stories would amaze you!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e2bpq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">This time of year many are taking the time to write a daily post on social media of thanksgiving. I have done that in years past and I believe that expressing gratitude is a good practice in this often cynical and entitled world in which we live. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="9t2uc-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">However, this year I decided to be more practical and hands on with my gratitude. Time is harder to give than words - much harder and more costly in my world. Because of what I do, I am often responsible for hosting/orchestrating different events. Over the next month, I will have nine, two of which were self-inflicted because I'm crazy and I love Christmas and I love hosting gatherings in my home. The others are all for work. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e684h-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am also writing a book, as many of you well know, and I am taking that task very seriously. Finally! </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, my time is PRECIOUS. I guard it relentlessly! However, it's not so precious that I cannot spare some of it to make a significant impact on someone else. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="8vdu3-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">That is why I, after making a point to find that homeless person, I decided to do one thing each week this holiday season to bless someone else - something they either physically, financially or emotionally cannot do themselves. While I won't share with you what I'm doing, I will share why I am doing it.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="b8998-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Many years ago I was struggling with sharing a gift that had been given to me, with a friend. I was so poor and had so very little to give that Christmas, but I knew my friend would love this gift. I struggled greatly and told the Lord, "I just can't give them something which costs me nothing."</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="3jpep-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord gave me such grace for myself and I got over it for that instance, but that has become somewhat of an unspoken guiding principle in my life. I most often give gifts that cost me time because I covet mine so.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cgftv-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I am seeing across the board how much so many of us covet our time, often needlessly so. We don't like giving it up even to help others. (Spoken from the standpoint of a volunteer recruiter.) We will lend our moral support and money, but our time? We love it way too much.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="13chd-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">So, this year I am graciously giving mine away to those who, I believe, need it most. It is the one gift I can give which will truly cost me something. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7miv2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It is easy for me to lose sight of what is important when I have so much on my plate and so many people looking to me to for so many different things.Yet this season is about so much more than gorgeously set tables, managing family drama and finding the perfect gift. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7miv2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">It is a time to focus our hearts towards others. It is a time to remember God's goodness to us and to remember His ultimate gift, His son, Jesus, who so graciously gave everything for us to be with Him forever. That is why we celebrate. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7miv2-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">I have been given so much and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I want to tangibly live out the overflow and not just share it in words. Words are good, but they will soon be forgotten. Yet when you touch someone's heart it leaves an indelible mark. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2t6bp-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Consider how you will focus your heart this holiday season. What can you give that will cost you?</span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-16489856444156629072016-10-20T13:53:00.003-07:002016-10-20T14:17:20.571-07:00A Few of My Favorite Things - October 2016 Edition<div style="text-align: justify;">
This has been a year of favorites for me - discovering some new ones, enjoying a few classic ones, and of course, spending time with a handful of breathing ones!</div>
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Therefore, I thought I'd start a new ongoing series sharing some of my current loves with you. I always love it when friends share theirs with me. I inevitably find a new product I can't believe I never knew about. Whether it's a helpful timesaver, or something that's just fun, anything that makes my world easier, less hectic, and brings me joy, is a very good thing. </div>
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This summer I was part of a Favorite Things Summer Swap. It's a FTL Launch Team (<a href="http://forthelovebook.com/" target="_blank">For The Love</a>) thing where each participant sent a box of their favorite summer products, treats, etc., to another FTL sister participating in the Swap. One day a box shows up at your house and it instantly makes your day! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75;">This is what my Swapple, Carrie, sent! Don't even get me started on the Wonder Woman glass in the background. IN LOVE!</span></td></tr>
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My "Swapple" (yes, we've taken this FTL thing a bit too far, but it's wonderfully fun and we love each other) included this lovely tonic in my box, <a href="http://www.drinkbai.com/cocofusions/andes-coconut-lime" target="_blank">Bai Antioxidant Cocofusion</a>. I was a skeptic at first because I've tried to like coconut water. I really have, but every brand I tried tasted gross. Not this one!</div>
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However, I cannot seem to find this particular version (with lime) anywhere near me. So I simply squeeze in half a lime (which I always have limes on hand). However, my favorite way to drink this tasty concoction is in my morning smoothies. I chock them full of healthy stuff you really don't want to hear about, but please ask me if you do. I'm happy to share. I'm working hard at getting more healthy things inside of me. So drinking <a href="http://www.drinkbai.com/cocofusions/andes-coconut-lime" target="_blank">Bai Antioxidant Cocofusion</a> makes me feel like I've accomplished that.</div>
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At the beginning of the summer, I started losing weight. I wasn't trying. You could say it was a mixture of stress from a recent venture, the onset of <a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd#1" target="_blank">TMJ</a> which kept me from eating most anything which had to be chewed thoroughly, and a bit of a waning appetite from the two combined. </div>
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On a side note, I no longer have TMJ! The Lord healed it in one day and I've been pain free for two whole months! Friends, keep praying, keep asking, keep knocking. We have a God who heals!</div>
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Please hear me. I could care less about my weight. I am truly happy. I love who I am, and I have never been insecure about my weight. Someone needs to hear that it's okay to be who you are, whether you have a few extra pounds or you're as skinny as a rail! If I ever begin to obsess about my weight, Lord, please make me fat! I think obsessing about being fat is worse than being fat because it's a mindset that says, "I'm not good enough," or, "There's something wrong with me." </div>
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Good grief! Just be healthy. Take care of you the best you can, and that's been my goal this year - to take care of me and to get healthy. It was a personal mandate the Lord impressed upon me early on this year. So I've been working on that, not on losing weight. </div>
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By September, some of my favorite tops were swallowing me up alive, and a couple of my pants/jeans that I wore all the time weren't fitting at all. We're talking a belt would be pointless! I mean who wants to look like an orphan wearing hand-me-downs tied up to look like a sack of potatoes? Not me. That's when I found this awesome online resale clothing site called <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/PJKZIV" target="_blank">ThredUp</a>.</div>
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I am <i>very</i> particular about resale. I am personally not a fan of resale shops unless I'm looking for furniture. (I found the PERFECT piece for my bedroom a couple of years ago at a resale shop - exactly what was I was looking to purchase retail, but for probably a third of what it would've cost me in a furniture store.) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGtPhAwyoW7T10LNi26uHr1quR2H1B6McBmImlnJkCWrMTznRCs-_8Y-Ge8r-xKgDPtrJzqyRoBTdSD1u60FRLJQZr_Qrb0H6Ll3P2zD8CDcf06mUTb9nzXDmm0Fjixfuwj1-zRy9i2s/s1600/ThredUp-box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeGtPhAwyoW7T10LNi26uHr1quR2H1B6McBmImlnJkCWrMTznRCs-_8Y-Ge8r-xKgDPtrJzqyRoBTdSD1u60FRLJQZr_Qrb0H6Ll3P2zD8CDcf06mUTb9nzXDmm0Fjixfuwj1-zRy9i2s/s320/ThredUp-box.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/PJKZIV" target="_blank">ThredUp</a> isn't your average resale clothing site. You can choose to shop by brand names, sizes, clothing specifics, and my favorite - condition of the item. I only look for things in "excellent condition. Could mistake for new," and "New with tags." This way I can shop my favorite brands and only view the items that I am willing to consider. I have found some AMAZING deals this way, many with the tags still attached and in excellent condition. With my limited budget, I've been able to get what I need as my body is transitioning and continuing to lose weight, and pay far less than I would in any store. <a href="http://www.thredup.com/r/PJKZIV" target="_blank">ThredUp</a> is perfect for me and my budget!</div>
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Another way I started investing in my health and taking better care of me was through using essential </div>
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oils. I just purchased this gem for my office after a recent health diagnosis. I was already diffusing <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US" target="_blank">Young Living</a><span id="goog_1317694227"></span><span id="goog_1317694228"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> essential oils at home, and using them daily. This little <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/usb-orb-diffuser" target="_blank">Orb™ Diffuser</a> sits under my desk, (on top was in too close proximity) and the fragrance fills my office. I've had people come in and ask, "What is that smell? I really like that!" Well it's Lavender and Stress Away essential oils, a heavenly blended scent which keeps me calm and happy. </div>
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I don't sell the oils or have a web site, but I am a Distributor because I use them every day and I get greats deals and discounts as a Distributor. It's worth it if you're going to invest in yourself in this way. If you decide to become a Distributor to either sell them or simply to benefit from the discounts for you and your family, please feel free to sign up under my <a href="https://www.youngliving.com/vo/#/signup/new-start" target="_blank">Young Living ID#: 3758835.</a> These oils have helped me tremendously in my effort to become a healthier me. I've been using a few of them for over a year and the difference is significant. So worth it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh1Mv4yr5oohgsf-04LEQRTlstCDrnlicf_4ATWqJDxPDa0s83NDOP1SavjMJwriy1aVw9mgeQW0pvvNv37RfXGzLwk7gn7JDdDb1uIPJbwD-9n-VpAr8uokNuV0YCPOEhARPs4ifmsI/s1600/mary-kay-true-dimensions-lipstick-rosette.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQh1Mv4yr5oohgsf-04LEQRTlstCDrnlicf_4ATWqJDxPDa0s83NDOP1SavjMJwriy1aVw9mgeQW0pvvNv37RfXGzLwk7gn7JDdDb1uIPJbwD-9n-VpAr8uokNuV0YCPOEhARPs4ifmsI/s320/mary-kay-true-dimensions-lipstick-rosette.png" width="240" /></a>Last but certainly not least is a fun one. I am all girl, and I love getting gussied up! I know. I'm showing my age with that term. </div>
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I discovered this new (to me) shade of lipstick at a <a href="https://www.marykay.com/aruata/en-US/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/True-Dimensions-Lipstick-Rosette-140707" target="_blank">Mary Kay</a> Relaunch Party for my friend, <a href="https://www.marykay.com/aruata/en-us/" target="_blank">Angie</a>. I was looking to replace a color I loved in another line, but could no longer find. Once I put it on I instantly feel in love with it! I can wear it with just about anything, and I do! It's called <i><a href="https://www.marykay.com/aruata/en-US/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/True-Dimensions-Lipstick-Rosette-140707" target="_blank">Rosette</a></i>, and it's a satin finish. Super creamy and it lasts for hours. I typically only have to reapply once throughout my day, if that. I'm currently wearing another color in this same finish called, <i><a href="https://www.marykay.com/aruata/en-US/products/makeup/lips/lipstick/True-Dimensions-Lipstick-Spice-n-Nice-140709" target="_blank">Spice 'N Nice</a>, </i>and I haven't had to reapply at all today. Effortless makeup is my fav!</div>
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I hope you find some new favorite things from my list. Please share yours with me. I love hearing about products that make life easier, and are good for you. Also, in case you missed it, be sure to check out <a href="http://cheryl-just-thinking.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-best-christian-fiction-book-ive.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> about one of my new favorite books! I almost included it on this list, bit since I'd already devoted an entire blog post to it, I thought that might be overkill. </div>
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Until next time, blessings, and please take good care of you! </div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><b>Cheryl</b></i></span> </div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-14260093334707659692016-10-18T19:26:00.002-07:002016-10-18T19:26:58.141-07:00The Best (Christian Fiction) Book I've Read All Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This summer I was invited to join a friend at the relaunch of her Mary Kay business. I know. I'm such a sucker for supporting other women that I said, yes, just to honor my friend and to lend my support. Plus I use some MK products and was looking for a way to get what I needed much faster. My friend carries most all MK products in stock. Yes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was there with a room full of ladies I didn't know except for my friend, the consultant, but in a crowd of strangers I could do what I like most - observe. So I didn't mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I started to leave, one other guest followed me out the door. She wasn't leaving, but was trying to catch me as I walked out the door. The conversation went a little like this... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other Guest: "Do you like to read?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me: "Why yes, I love to read. I'm usually reading three or four books at a time. Why do you ask?"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Other Guest: "Well I felt like I was supposed to give you a copy of my book. I never do this, but I felt like the Lord wanted you to have one." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My new friend's name was <a href="http://strengthforthejourneyministry.com/aboutus/" target="_blank">Cindy Schroppel</a>. We chatted briefly about the book (<a href="http://strengthforthejourneyministry.com/skandalon/" target="_blank">Skandalon</a>) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">and then I promised to follow up and left, realizing this was most likely a God-ordained meeting. I drove home wondering to myself, "Just what was in that book?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll tell you what was in it - 1) a story of redemption that almost rivals the Biblical story of Hosea, 2) a drama so well crafted that you forget that this is the author's first novel, 3) and probably the best fictional depiction I can imagine of the battle being waged in the heavenlies for our very lives. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I read all kinds of works: historical fiction/drama, biographies, books on leadership and ministry, and books on Christian growth, probably what I read the most. But when I want to read for sheer pleasure, my go to genre is Christian fiction. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To each his own! </span></span>I have a stash of <a href="https://www.fantasticfiction.com/o/janette-oke/" target="_blank">Janette Oake's</a> earlier works I'd love to give away to some sweet young reader (teens-20's). It would be my honor to pass those onto someone who'd love them as much as I did. They are treasured works which helped fuel my love for reading after I left college. (I didn't like to read before then. Thanks, for ruining that for me, high school required reading lists!) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://strengthforthejourneyministry.com/skandalon/" target="_blank">Skandalon</a> is that sort of book. It's not dark. It's not heavy. It's simply a very well crafted story that will have you turning page, after page non-stop, until like me, you suddenly realize you've read the first 154 pages all in one sitting! I could hardly put it down. So I always made sure I had large blocks of time to devote to reading it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was Cindy's first novel. The Lord told her to write a book, and so with much trepidation and uncertainty in her own ability, she trusted God and wrote <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skandalon-Cindy-Schroppel/dp/1633678687/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1476842672&sr=8-2-spell" target="_blank">Skandalon</a> in nine months time. The result was this gem that had me riveted! There were times when I had to stop and pray because the details surrounding the things happening in the spirit realm, were so realistic that I could not go on. The Lord was doing things in me and reminding me that I don't wrestle against flesh and blood (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A12&version=NIV" target="_blank">Ephesians 6:12</a>). I was convicted at times, and encouraged at others. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skandalon-Cindy-Schroppel-ebook/dp/B00Y452CHG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1476840537&sr=8-2&keywords=Skandalon" target="_blank">Skandalon</a> took me on the wildest roller coaster ride the whole way through! It was awesome!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now if you've read any of <a href="http://www.frankperetti.com/" target="_blank">Frank Peretti's</a> works with a similar theme, do not think for one second that <a href="http://strengthforthejourneyministry.com/skandalon/" target="_blank">Skandalon</a> is like his books. I've read a few and while good and revealing for the reader about what's going on in the spirit realm, both for and against us, I find his writings a bit darker than Cindy's work. <a href="http://strengthforthejourneyministry.com/skandalon/" target="_blank">Skandalon</a> is a true love story, from start to finish, that theme remains true all throughout. It's practical, laden with scripture used as a tool in intercession, spiritual warfare and worship, and it's a drama in every sense of the word. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few weeks after meeting Cindy at my friend's house, we met up for a lunch with another friend of hers. There are moments when you just know this is about more than just a book. God is doing something here. Neither of us is exactly sure of the magnitude of that meeting at the MK gathering just yet, but after reading her book I am most definitely a fan!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cindy is writing a Bible study to go along with the book. It should be available sometime in January. Bible studies, teaching, and leading worship are where Cindy feels most comfortable. That's just crazy to me after reading <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Skandalon-Cindy-Schroppel/dp/1633678687/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1476842672&sr=8-2-spell" target="_blank">Skandalon</a>. I can't wait to see what words she puts to paper next, because if writing novels is among her least comfortable gifting, then good grief! Where do I pre-order her next work?</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-85480930337621975232016-08-19T08:41:00.007-07:002016-08-19T09:50:46.005-07:00The Best Stress Reliever<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a stressful summer. Or so I thought until just this week.</div>
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Back in May I developed<span style="color: #351c75;"> <a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #20124d;">TMJ</span></b></a><b style="color: #351c75;">.</b></span> I didn't realize that's what it was until the pain became more frequent and someone mentioned <a href="http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/temporomandibular-disorders-tmd" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">TMJ</span></b></a> as possibly the cause. So I did some research and without a doctor's visit (because there is little to nothing a doctor can do for TMJ), determined my friend might be right.</div>
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I had been under quite a bit of stress because of an upcoming event. I'd also been waking up in the morning, often with my jaw clenched. Two very distinct signs of TMJ. As a result of this new found discovery, I began to take action and implemented some changes in my diet, and I added some nutritional supplements that had been suggested by most online sites.</div>
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As the summer wore on, my stress level lessened, as did my TMJ issues. It was still a somewhat stressful season for me, more than most summers. Then this week happened. </div>
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I've become expressly aware of just how much stress we carry in our bodies on a regular basis. Thanks to this awful TMJ, it's become difficult for me to ignore. </div>
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Yesterday was one of the most excruciating pain-filled days I think I've had, ever. Very little I did early on brought any relief. I couldn't think straight. I was completely distracted. </div>
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I was so grateful for the quietness of the day. Hardly anyone was in the office and the phones were down. So, gratefully, I didn't have to interact with anyone which is something I don't know that I could've done given how debilitating my pain level was for most of the afternoon. I looked forward to going home so that I could rest, but that's when things became much worse.</div>
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Once I was home, the pain increased and became consistent. No temporary reprieve, Just pain. Non-stop. </div>
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Then I remembered something - <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wednesday-s-Washing--Cease-Striving---a-lesson-I-learned-from-my-dog-.html?soid=1011259014435&aid=KexAUNpwYls" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">this little post</span></b></a> I wrote just the day before. It was for my weekly <a href="https://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=0011ZF-NU4nD5gFr_pBBeKpuH4avS-lr3TSjV23O28uMZk0WradCRhUi5WAwcByyI-UV6pSGv8qt0OczO4EEVIXejZBnstIbQXIzyoJqaUnKm0-XZpC3GbxazWXtc8-ghGZyllXsf5WNhtXsBi_qFZPia_lmu3TzSKL" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Wednesday's Washing</span></b></a> devotional.</div>
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As I was literally writhing in pain trying to find the most comfortable spot, I began to try to relax. I know! I can barely keep a straight face and I just wrote those words! How can you relax while in pain so great you can't sit still? But I tried, and I did, for a bit.</div>
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The only thing I could think to do to help me relax was to quote scripture - scriptures about peace, stillness, and about pain and disease. I tried to be as still as possible and envision myself resting in the Father's arms, free from pain. Um, it worked! Okay, I was still in pain, but sitting still took the edge off and I was able to start thinking more clearly. </div>
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I eventually had the good sense to go grab the cold compress out of my freezer and toss it in the microwave. Heat helps to relax the jaw muscles. DUH! Why didn't I think of that sooner?</div>
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Why? Because pain does weird things to our bodies, including how we think, and<span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><b><span style="color: #351c75;"><a href="http://business.time.com/2007/08/06/stress_makes_you_stupid/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75;">stress makes you</span><span style="color: #20124d;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75;">stupid</span></a></span>.</b> It's true. <a href="http://bebrainfit.com/effects-chronic-stress-brain/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #351c75;">Something happens in our bodies</span></b></a> chemically that makes us forget, unable to think clearly, and otherwise, a different person than if we were stress free. Don't believe me? Click on those links in this paragraph and read for yourself. </div>
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So when I stopped and did the excruciating work of trying to relax my mind, I got different results. When I focused on the Lord, and not on my pain, things began to change, however slight that change might have been. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Regardless, I received enough clarity in that moment that it helped me find a solution that worked immediately to relieve my pain. As a result, the rest of my evening was completely pain free. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My point is this. We are often too worked up in the midst of a crisis to see our way clearly through it. Therefore, we panic. We don't respond rightly. We do all the wrongs things to get out of the trouble we're in because we fail to step back and just breath. Relax in the midst of the chaos. Still our mind.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder how many relationships would be saved by simply taking a breath before responding in a heated conversation? I wonder how many accidents could be avoided by relaxing our grip on the wheel and not allowing others haste to affect our pace? I wonder how over anxious individuals could find peace by simply choosing to still their mind? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's face it. Stress is inevitable. In fact, some stress is actually good for us. It's how we handle that stress that determines who we choose to become. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In truth, I am a mess most days. A beautiful mess, but a mess none the less! I want to become a person of peace and one who can easily be at rest whether in pain or pain-free, stressed or not. I don't want to be controlled by my emotions. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Isa-26-3" id="en-NKJV-18134" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">You will keep <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">him</span> in perfect peace, </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Isa-26-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">whose</span> mind <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">is</span> stayed <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">on You,</span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Isa-26-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">because he trusts in You. </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Isa-26-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Isaiah 26:3</span></span></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text Isa-26-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">(...one of the verses I meditated one while I was in pain.)</span></span></span></span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-84409630674964744762016-07-29T16:41:00.002-07:002016-07-29T17:15:09.069-07:00My Brave Face<div style="text-align: justify;">
This summer I have officially proclaimed Fridays, No Makeup Day! It's true. I haven't worn makeup not one Friday in July, except for a little mascara and some lip gloss, because let's be honest. I am a girly girl, and some things are simply non-negotiable!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's hot here where I live. I walk outside and all that effort simply goes to waste. So in a sense, I'm saving time and money by not wearing any makeup. At least that's my rational.<br />
<br />
I won't lie. I've been blessed with good genetics when it comes to skin. However, it's taken me years to see that even though I've heard it all my life. So going without hasn't been that big of a deal for anyone else but me. In truth, I'm not sure anyone has noticed, but then no one is hardly in our office on Fridays. So maybe I'm not as brave as you may think.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Never-the-less, it's been a little liberating sleeping in just a tad bit longer on Friday mornings (all 1 - 2 minutes of it), knowing I could skip a step in my morning routine. There's been days when I've even felt slightly mischievous, like if caught, the makeup police might give me a warning or a slap on the wrist. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's all rather silly. I know. But it's made me think.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We all put on some kind of face. We want to show our best self, the one we want everyone else to believe about us. We hide the truth about our lives behind a pasted smile or a cheery greeting, when really we're a mess inside. We're not as put together as we'd like for everyone to believe.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So instead of baring our true face, the one we look at every morning in the mirror, the one full of pain, heartache, disappointment, shame, and regret, we cover it all up for fear of being exposed. We don't know what might come with such exposure. Rejection? Judgment? Blank stares? Therefore, we keep it all in.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This week I didn't just bare my true face - the one I see in the mirror every morning. I also bared the one I've been keeping under wraps - the truth about my pain. It was one of the scariest things I've ever done, and once I did it, I felt so exposed! There was nothing I could do except wait for the response, if any. I anticipated rejection, judgment, and blank stares. There's probably been some of all of that happening in the privacy of the homes of those who read my story. That's okay. It's the response of those who reached out that has made putting on my brave face worth it. I've had some powerfully life-giving conversations this week, and I feel a bit closer to those individuals than I did before.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't know what face you might be keeping under wraps, or how unpresentable you might think it is to reveal. Let me encourage you to put your brave face forward. Dig deep down to that place which longs to be known. It's inside of each of us. We all want that - to be truly known, pain and all. It's gonna take some chutzpah (audacity)! But I believe it's in you. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More than that, I believe you are worthy of being truly known. Yes, you with all your flaws, insecurities, and imperfections. Yet the face you put forth is the one people will come to know. I guess it all comes down to how tired you are of covering it up. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I've learned it takes more effort to hide the truth, when just an ounce of courage can bring it to light.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here's my Friday brave face. That smile is the real deal. Playful. Grateful. Amazed.</div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-36199579317581299042016-07-27T13:33:00.006-07:002016-07-27T13:59:20.161-07:00I Asked the Question, by Angela Petry<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzfAN9HM1oqQZIirgBzK_d850St38SK2Wq9Q_UHDJcXJfydcRXafQ_QCv2ZTIQ1cf5uL5_z1gqDyduAK0ImLRapL2vCg1BSdCyYch3Snl2l-MmE4tAN0E40s0tz_TLiDi3g0Ihsh2Iqo/s1600/378692_10150672101414377_538811560_n.jpg" 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/AVvXsEidzfAN9HM1oqQZIirgBzK_d850St38SK2Wq9Q_UHDJcXJfydcRXafQ_QCv2ZTIQ1cf5uL5_z1gqDyduAK0ImLRapL2vCg1BSdCyYch3Snl2l-MmE4tAN0E40s0tz_TLiDi3g0Ihsh2Iqo/s200/378692_10150672101414377_538811560_n.jpg" width="131" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hey, friends! Cheryl here for just a bit to introduce you to my friend and fellow writer, Angela Petry. Angela is a frequent guest writer on my weekly <span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75;"><i><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wednesday-s-Washing--Guest-Post.html?soid=1011259014435&aid=3xM0PoHsL9Y" target="_blank"><b>Wednesday's Washing</b></a> </i></span>devotional blog, and she grew up in the church I attend. I love her heart and how she chooses to see the world. So when she told me about this post she wrote around the same time I wrote my last post, I knew I HAD to read it! I cannot think of a better follow up to the words I penned over the weekend, and a better person to say them. For some of you, I think what she shares may help to answer those nagging questions and thoughts you may have about what to do. Angela is doing it so effortlessly, and I believe her example might shed some light for those of you wanting to help bring healing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I did it. I knew it might not be a happy or an easy thing, but
it was time. In light of recent national events, I’ve been realizing that life
cannot go back to normal; so, as my small group sat down to dinner, I opened
with the share question, “How have you been affected by racial tensions in your
life?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seven sets of eyes slowly turned away from mine, suddenly
wide open, to stare at hands, at feet, at windows, at the ceiling – at any part
of the room that wouldn’t cause a chance encounter with another set of eyes.
Seven sets of eyes, divided suddenly into four ethnicities. To be honest, I
expected this. I ignored the squirming in my belly, and let the silence
stretch. Gently, I added, “If you don’t feel comfortable sharing, that is
perfectly okay. This is a sensitive issue. But if you would like to share, it
would be good to hear your heart.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was not my first time to ask this question recently. In
the last two weeks, I’ve sat down with my black friends and asked or been asked
this question – at a work meeting, at church, over tacos, and over spaghetti
and meatballs. And each time, a somberness settled even more deeply over me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That night, as the girls sat around my table and the silence
stretched almost to the point of breaking, the girls slowly began to share. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stories of a family splitting only a few years ago over a
white/black marriage – with the pastor on the side of the racists…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… of a Korean girl being ignored for years at a business
meeting – a CHURCH’s business meeting – and still not having one friend from
that group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… a Hispanic girl, still unable to speak publicly of the
hurt in her heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… a white girl, so ignorant of current racial tensions, that
she didn’t even know her friends were regularly insulted, pulled over by cops,
and stalked in shopping malls.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… of a black girl, treated as “less than” (insulted or
yelled at even by people VISITING A PLACE OF WORSHIP as she sits in the seats
to join in), and always having to ask herself, “is the way I was treated
because of my race?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… of a girl, terrified for the safety of her black brothers,
even though they are good men, living good lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">… of a girl saying, “I’m just not sure how much longer I can
last.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These are some of the stories of the eight women sitting at
my table, who have been meeting regularly for over 6 months, and who had no
idea of the deeply personal and nightmare-ish struggles that some in our midst face
daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’m coming awake to the startling idea that, when it comes
to race, we can live in the same place but still not live in the same world. I’m
ashamed I didn’t know this. I have been one of the clueless ones, thinking
racism was a thing of the past except in random, tiny pockets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That night, most of us cried. There were good tears –
healing tears of girls who realized they were not alone, and that girls of
multiple race experienced similar pains; there were compassionate tears – tears
of girls whose hearts began to break, grieving with those who grieve; and there
were also reluctant tears – unexpected and forceful, eeking out through
stammered explanations of, “I didn’t expect to cry.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Honestly, it wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t fun. It hurt a lot –
both for the people sharing, and the people listening. But we did it. We didn’t
fix national issues, and we didn’t even talk about solutions – but we did <i>see</i> each other, and as our eyes locked
over the table in the aftermath of our stories, the kindness and gentleness and
connection was nearly palpable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the church, we are to mourn with those who mourn. We are
to be known by our love. There are huge groups of our friends in deep mourning,
deep pain – do we even know it? How many relationships do we each have with
people of different races? Are we reaching beyond ourselves and what is
familiar at all? Are we even positioned to hear about the lives of those who
are different from us? Are we setting lunch dates with our friends of different
races, just so we can ask them how their hearts and their families are doing in
the midst of the violence and fear that is filling this nation right now? These
are the questions I am asking myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t have any pretty words to close this story. I just
know it’s time to speak. It’s time to listen. It’s time to pursue connection with
people of different races as a lifestyle – to do more than just have nice
intentions. It’s time to mourn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our stories, our vulnerability, tie us together; silence and
distance keeps us apart. Perhaps maybe, just maybe, one person at a time, our
love and our tears can even be a part of the healing.</span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-24748409076291823782016-07-23T03:08:00.000-07:002016-07-23T08:38:02.258-07:00My struggle with the shock and awe over recent racial tension...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a post I've wanted to pen for quite a long time now - years in fact. Yes, years. Here recently, the desire to do so has been so strong that tonight, or should I say very early this morning, I got up to tend to my dog and I started thinking about it again at a little after 2:00 am. This time I stopped to put my thoughts down - a risky business for sure, but I can't help but think that taking risks is what might begin to change this mess we're in. So let's start there.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was saying, this is a post I've wanted to write for a very long time. Just like with most things in my life, I've wanted to do so under very <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">specific</span> terms.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've been waiting for the dust to settle. You know, waiting for the shock and awe of recent events to die down and for everyone to go back to living life as they were before. I've been waiting for the lull in the news cycle that would give a reprieve from spotlighting and emphasizing racially charged events. That hasn't happened. There's been no lull.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's been rather important for me to wait for that lull because that's when the dullness sets in. Danders aren't so raised and opinions not so outspoken when it's not being pushed down our throats through the incessant news stream that seems to surround such events. It's as though everyone forgets there's a problem - a BIG problem, and so we go back to living our naive and secluded lives, or at least those of us who are not people of color. We have no idea that even though it may not be the current media storm, black America is still living the nightmare. And so our outrage gets tucked back in until the "problem" surfaces again in the next news cycle. This is my existence.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is why I preferred to wait, because it's in the lull that we forget that racism is an ongoing issue. For most of you this is news. You had no idea there was a problem until it started bombarding you at every turn, thanks to the ever increasing reach of social media. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I personally don't watch the news. I don't even own a working TV. Don't feel sorry for me. I like life this way. I catch what I really need to know online, and everyone is talking about it anyway.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I've not watched any of the controversial videos which have been slathered all over social media. Why should I? What need do I have to witness such heart wrenching events? Sometimes it's just best to protect your heart from things that could harden, and possibly taint it. So no, I'm not a news watcher or obsessive, top rated video viewer. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The truth is, with every new episode I become just a bit more jaded. We rage against injustice when it's staring us in the face, and then we go back to life as usual, making no change that would justify our indignancy. I confess I am guilty of this myself in some areas, and that it's easier to see in others when it's your injustice being put on display.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We speak our minds so openly and stagger over the most unoffensive use of words, but then things settle down. The problem gets swept under the carpet and we feel justified in having "done our part" to make the world a better place because we said what we needed to say.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I must confess, and I'm trying so hard to be gentle, but I find this utterly insulting.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To speak your mind on an issue you really didn't know existed to such a degree as is being presented, to apologize in such a public forum to just whomever might happen upon your post, to say your heart is wrecked by such obvious injustice and then to move on and make no personal change, gets me more than just a little riled up. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Living in today has been difficult for me. Managing a right spirit and loving well in the midst of what I have deemed as such a personal offense has not been easy, and I've not done it all right.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Through all of this I've only had two connection points - just two people who've reached out to me with regards to what I'm feeling, thinking, and processing. Only two.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of those was on a very public forum with people who only know my public self. A small handful have been able to see me on a slightly more personal level, but for the most part, the one asking the question was not in that group. I was able to share openly and honestly some of what I'm sharing here. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The other was a more personal acquaintance - a friend and coworker who's known me for over 20 years. I was able to share more deeply my personal struggle and the fact that eventually, I would put all those thoughts down. He encouraged me in that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">That was it. Among my many friends of privilege (and by privilege I mean those not born of color) that posted about the racial tensions, only those two reached out to me personally. Take just a moment to think about that, but don't you dare run to me out of guilt and try to start that conversation. Remember, I'm still a little jaded by all of this and working diligently to guard my heart against offense. Some days are better than others, but this season has been difficult.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You see I knew there was a problem. In fact, I've known for almost 48 years that, America, we have a problem. I just had my 48th birthday, if that tells you anything. I knew it when I was seven. A car sped up next to me as I was walking home from school and a white man leaned out the window, yelled something at me and then threw his not quite empty beer can at me. I didn't understand his words then, but I knew something was wrong.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just out of college, I knew there was a problem whe<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">n at the church where I was working and also where I grew up, a parishioner made the comment TO ME that we must be paying our (black) cleaning <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">lady</span> </span>too m<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">uch if she could afford a car like the one she drove.</span></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For years, when I've walked into certain stores I've known there<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was</span> a problem. Just a few short years ago, I went into a little gift shop close to where I work. It wasn't my first visit, and certainly not the first time I felt as though I was being treated slightly different from the way other customers were treated because their skin color was much lighter. This was just the first time it was outwardly expressed. I have never been back and have re-gifted every item I've received from there since that day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sadly, on more than one occasion I've been shown that there's a deep seeded problem as friends I've dearly loved and trusted suddenly forgot I was their "black friend." In those moments, their choice of words exposed what was really in their hearts. I no longer hang out with those people or share as much of my life with them as I once did. Racism goes deeper than we think.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is why I cannot "like" your posts filled with outrage at the state our country is in with regards to racial tension. This is why your apology and most sincere and distraught social media pleas have no affect on me. This is why I scroll right past almost every single one of them, at times rolling my eyes and guarding my heart against believing that most people of lighter skin really are that clueless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The truth is, for most of black America, we don't want your apology unless you have intentionally wronged us. Words are meaningless. Actions on the other hand, speak volumes<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">!</span> Look at your social circles. How many of your closest friends are people of color? Don't proudly declare that you have a black friend. We are not your "get out of jail free" card! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where I'm coming from right now is not from the stance of black lives matter. I don't care what word you use to express a life that matters. They all matter! In my opinion, Jesus died for all. So they ALL matter. However, right now my heart and the hearts of so many who walk this road, they matter. And my heart is feeling pretty sick. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hear your words of exasperation but my question is, what are you doing about what you're feeling? How are you helping to bridge the gap of unity between the races? If you're not making new friends, or striking up more conversations, or graciously tipping your black server, or getting to know people of color on a more personal level, then please, for my sake and all of us dealing with racism almost every day, say nothing at all. Keep your fear and your outrage solely to yourself. It's not helping. It may make you feel better about being privileged but, it's not soothing the tension in our world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you're white, it is your privilege every day to walk into a more upscale store and not be judged or followed from the moment you enter until the time you leave. (This happened to me just this week.) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is your privilege to hold a higher position in your company without the stigma of the underlying sense that perhaps you were chosen simply to meet a quota, no matter how hard you worked for it or how many degrees you've <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">acquired</span>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is your privilege to interview for a job and not get passed over or second guessed because of the color of your skin. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is your privilege to drive a nicer vehicle and live in an <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">affluent</span> neighborhood without getting pulled over, or having suspicions surround you as to what you could possibly do for a living to be able to afford those luxuries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is your child's privilege to attend a private school and to easily make friends because the majority of the students look like them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It is your child's privilege to walk down the street with a group of same color friends and not automatically be deemed up to no good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So what's the answer? I can sense your exasperation even now, at least those of you who really do care. The answer is you. You can make a difference. You really, really can!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is probably a cashier you see almost every time you frequent a certain store. Make it your aim to make her your favorite. I have three - one at my regular drug store and two at a couple of different grocery stores I frequent. Talk to them. Let them tell you about their day. </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bless them with an encouraging word. Laugh with them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my girls is a much younger woman. Her life is so broken and filled with choices that will most certainly serve to harm her future. Yet, I seek her out and try to share a bit of joy whenever I'm shopping. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look for those serving at your job, your gym, or your salon. You have no idea the life they lead day in and day out. A little bit of heartfelt attention directed their way could go a long way to healing old wounds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sit down with your friends of color and let them tell you their story. Listen. I mean really listen and don't judge their frustration, their anger, or their distrust. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you really care, I mean REALLY care, make new friends with people of color. Invite them to lunch. Have them over for dinner or coffee. Arrange a play date with your kids. Expand your social borders and help break down the barrier that exists, because it's real. I'm here to tell you, it's very real.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Or you can wait for the next story to break and then do what you've always done - allow your feelings of outrage to surface through your social media presence, and then go back living life as usual once the dust settles. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">God help us should we make that choice, and God help me not to live so jaded. </span></span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-85270975156855512442016-04-19T18:11:00.002-07:002016-04-19T18:42:28.085-07:00My Azusa Now Experience, Part 1<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hey friends, I'm pretty sure that most of you who follow me know me well, but for those of you who don't, this next paragraph is for you.</div>
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Just so you know, my personal blog is not like my weekly ministry blog where I post a devotional one day a week. Both are sincerely me in that I have an earnest desire to see the people of God rise up and be who they were called to be - unashamedly, boldly and without excuses. I have been called to pull, push, and drop kick people out of their comfort zones so that they can go deeper in God, venturing further than they've ever dared. That's me! I love people! I truly do. So if anything I write here comes across to you as other than that, then I'm asking you to please read it again keeping in mind what I just shared about myself and filter my words through those.</div>
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In this blog I am gut honest, but I will never dishonor the Lord in what I say (at least not intentionally). I will tell it like it is, but never to harm or criticize anyone. I don't beat around the bush because I just don't have the time, but you will hear my heart and the passion within it. So with all of the out of the way, I'm ready to begin sharing with you my <i><a href="http://www.thecall.com/" target="_blank">Azusa</a></i> journey!</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/AVvXsEiuSDc7LjnjOw-qk81eQoy5HfX0tuC0UTk9gKwsMQ7J96yrWWGt_IYeNq5WV1qLppi0LsUVzdiyff9ajr6TNROesNPAhO4c8FY7vRnfYA3Gvy15Vn3KEiHMweB4WTeft3Nw_GWBW5pJ9qw/s1600/Azusa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSDc7LjnjOw-qk81eQoy5HfX0tuC0UTk9gKwsMQ7J96yrWWGt_IYeNq5WV1qLppi0LsUVzdiyff9ajr6TNROesNPAhO4c8FY7vRnfYA3Gvy15Vn3KEiHMweB4WTeft3Nw_GWBW5pJ9qw/s400/Azusa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...from The Call <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/azusamoments?source=feed_text&story_id=10154228385593578" target="_blank">Azusa Moments</a>.</td></tr>
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I posted on my Facebook page a few days ago that I would soon be writing about my time at <i><a href="http://www.thecall.com/" target="_blank">Azusa Now</a></i> in L.A, on April 9. However, first I needed some time to process all that was churning in my spirit from the weekend. I'm ready now to start sharing tidbits from my personal experience with you all, and I plan to begin where they started on that Saturday morning - preparation.</div>
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Before things really got underway, before introductions and all the stuff you'd expect to happen at the beginning of a 15+ hour event like this one, we were charged with this one thing - to lay aside any judgements or critical opinions on what we might see, who we might hear or what could possibly happen throughout the day. I thought that was brilliant!</div>
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Just imagine over 60,000 people from many different denominations and life experiences, all coming together for a day of prayer, not knowing who'd speak or lead worship and whether or not it's people we "follow," like, or even trust! You know that had to mess some people up internally as they were being asked to lay all that down for the sake of unity under one banner, one Lord, and one purpose - to bombard heaven with prayers for revival for our nation. That's it! No personal agendas allowed. No pouting because your favorites didn't make it on stage, or perhaps weren't even invited. No taking up offenses because no one from your stream was on the platform. No grumbling because worship wasn't what you're used to. None of that stuff allowed that we Christians sometimes get caught doing because we like things a certain way, we believe a certain way or we're just plain stuck in our ways. None of that!</div>
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I loved how the day began! I loved that this was the first mandate of the day. I love that we were charged to examine our own hearts so that we could push that mess aside at the get go, so that the Holy Spirit would have room in and through us to move.</div>
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What if we started every day that way? What if we each prepared ourselves like this before entering into church on Sunday morning? What if when someone we're not particularly fond of is given a platform to speak, we took some internal inventory and got our judgments out of the way? What if we actually lived judgement free?</div>
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Some of us cannot even imagine such a life because our minds are so critical and full of judgements on ourselves as well as others. We know the right way, which of course is the ONLY WAY to do things. We know who should be doing it and if not them, then us. We have an opinion about everything and everyone and we wish people would just listen to us. I know this because I'm sometimes that woman, but you can bet I'm not alone! Before you shake your head, know this. I know many of you, too. We're just flawed human beings, and this is why the charge was issued. Those in charge know we leak. We are far from perfect and it's so easy to fall into that trap of passing judgement. Yet if we desperately want a move from God in our lives and in our nation (which begins with a move in our lives) then we've got to let go of what gets in the way - our critical spirit.</div>
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If you've ever been on the receiving end of a critical tongue passing judgment on you, then your heart is probably softer and more tender in this area. If you know my own personal story, then you realize I get this. Yet, I confess I struggle. I didn't struggle on that day with what I might see or experience because I LOVE when nations, and ethnic groups, races, denominations, and different streams come together to stand under one banner. This thing of unity is inbred in me! It tears my heart out at times and keeps me on my face before God. It breaks my heart how much disunity there is in the church - factions here and pockets there. This group for that person, and this one for this other person. It should not be that way yet we are hindering the message of <i><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A20-21&version=NIV" target="_blank">the Gospel</a></i> by holding onto our judgments of one another. It's our love and affection for one another that will turn the lost to Jesus.</div>
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So, yes. Though I was ready and excited about whomever was going to be up on that stage, I too, had to do some business with God in that moment. There were others, not having anything to do with <i><a href="http://www.thecall.com/" target="_blank">Azusa Now</a></i>, but everything to do with my heart and what I would receive that day, that needed to be released from my judgements. Even now, I am still actively releasing. I don't want anything to hinder the flow of God in and through my life. I could care less what others say or think regarding who I should be, or what I should be doing, or even how far off I may seem from their ideal whatever! Therefore, I don't care to choose this side or that, or this person over that one by passing judgement on their life. My goal is to honor the Lord. Nothing else matters. I must be faithful to that call above all others, and my judgements don't quite fit into that category.</div>
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Hear more about <i><a href="http://www.thecall.com/azusa" target="_blank">The Call Azusa...</a></i>Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-53559165772713560352016-03-29T13:14:00.001-07:002016-03-29T16:46:22.061-07:00The Ones You Can't Forget<div style="text-align: justify;">
I recently had the honor of hosting one of my lifelong mentors and big sisters in the faith, Esther Flores, at our annual Ladies' Retreat. She was my Youth Pastor's wife from the end of my junior year, to my senior year in high school. From the very moment she said yes to my invitation, I could hardly stand it! There were times, via texts and phone calls, when we were both so doggone giddy that you could've sworn we were a couple of junior high girls! It'd been 11 years since we'd seen one another, and boy did we have some catching up to do!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFTi_qWuxPcgPptqWbn9IW77mHR9el3-JaCuUcjtLzZx8ZHdPHrcifV1pnSftHwz412vICbDfLPAX_iL4gNr9ONH1Us1ENJCPm_Q3cbv0fAB6xRiyhzTaQWR7UoyN65hvmOvq7hczVkI/s1600/12805966_10208704711958940_5912969610520243432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFTi_qWuxPcgPptqWbn9IW77mHR9el3-JaCuUcjtLzZx8ZHdPHrcifV1pnSftHwz412vICbDfLPAX_iL4gNr9ONH1Us1ENJCPm_Q3cbv0fAB6xRiyhzTaQWR7UoyN65hvmOvq7hczVkI/s400/12805966_10208704711958940_5912969610520243432_n.jpg" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther and I at her eldest daughter's wedding. Her daughter, Melanie, was six months old when we first met.</td></tr>
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Just before one of the sessions where Esther was speaking, I told our ladies about how dear she was to me. I was talking about honoring others and how important that is in our relationships, especially within the church. We'd just spent some time during the weekend honoring our pastor's wife in a special way. So it seemed appropriate for us to remain there for a bit. </div>
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Here's the story I shared...</div>
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My plan to attend a particular college fell through at the end of my senior year. It just didn't feel right. So I stayed home and attended the local junior college while working full-time at a TV studio just a block away from my house. Somewhere during the course of that year, I became interested in attending another college, but my parents just couldn't see it. Never having more than an eighth grade education - either one of them, they did not understand why I couldn't be like my sister and stay home, get a job right out of school and be happy. Bottom line - that just wasn't me. So if going off to school was going to happen, it would be all on me - every single bit of the process.</div>
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Not able to drive just yet, and with no one to take me for a visit, I asked Esther if she would drive me up to see the campus. A week or two later, she and I, with her one year old in tow, drove up to Houston to see the place that would forever change the course of my life, for it was there that I met friends who introduced me to this little church in NW Houston, where I've since been a member for over 20 years, and now am on staff.</div>
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I will never forget walking that campus with my friend who thought my future important enough to make this trek happen. What a gift! And here we are today - full circle with her as my guest for an event I oversaw, at a church I never knew existed until I met a friend at the school she drove me to over 30 years ago. Only God could orchestrate something so intricate!</div>
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There are people like that who make a deep impression in our lives, who you simply can't forget. Esther is just one of those for me. I cried while telling my ladies that story. It's not that my parents didn't want me to become more than I could where I was. It's just that their limited education couldn't see possibilities beyond where I was. I don't fault them for it, but I thank God for placing people in my life who could see possibilities, and who were willing to help make them happen.</div>
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Have you ever looked back on your life and traced a success or an accomplishment back to the efforts, no matter how small, of maybe one or two people? Now I realize my friend wasn't the only one who had a hand in making this story possible. Her part, at the time, may have seemed small. It didn't to me, not then or now, but it might've to others. She drove me to the big city for a tour. That's it, but that was the start, and without her part I'm not sure how any of this would've played out. </div>
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I think we often take for granted the people in our lives who've helped to make us who we are today. They deserve to be remembered whether in our prayers, with our thanks, and sometimes with an invitation to show them how significant their little part was in our story, and even more so, in God's bigger story. </div>
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Esther had no idea the course God placed me on and how He used her to help bring it about. My story isn't over yet! We have no clue the greater impact which neither of us can see. She was surprised to hear me tell my story because she didn't remember our little trip until I shared about it, even then, vaguely so. But I remembered. Always have. Always will. And I'm forever grateful.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm56aSbMANCREaLMG2XDveIjJVKxYxKQQpSUfY1qOSZedqjsoy12EFyzo1mfwNZ9GSjgvfGf6X472S9uY-RORbeX7xFvJS2AXB7DdBViJydsyxWKkEnoS7SQICyg4kUWZL1jJhxQmXeI/s1600/Me+and+Es.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVm56aSbMANCREaLMG2XDveIjJVKxYxKQQpSUfY1qOSZedqjsoy12EFyzo1mfwNZ9GSjgvfGf6X472S9uY-RORbeX7xFvJS2AXB7DdBViJydsyxWKkEnoS7SQICyg4kUWZL1jJhxQmXeI/s400/Me+and+Es.jpg" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esther and I at the retreat...</td></tr>
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<br />Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-24388281218728429552016-02-22T08:29:00.002-08:002016-02-22T08:33:11.997-08:00A Word of Encouragement<div style="text-align: justify;">
February is almost over and I haven't posted! I made myself a promise to post on this blog once a month this year. (That fits my lifestyle best.) I just barely made the cut! However, I must confess something. In thinking about what to share, only two words came to mind.</div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>ENCOURAGE THEM.</b></span></div>
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So I will, but in truth, I am cheating just a bit.</div>
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I wrote this a few weeks ago on the weekly devotional post I write for our Ladies' Ministry. I post there more often. So please follow me there if you're looking for more regular encouragement, challenging or inspiration.</div>
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I received so many, "I needed that," responses after this post went out, that I've decided to recycle it here. I hope it blesses you today!</div>
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<a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wednesday-s-Washing--In-all-things---.html?soid=1011259014435&aid=g84EutA1rOU" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: purple;">In All Things...</span></i></a>Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-92119002880576517272016-01-01T08:16:00.003-08:002016-01-02T07:44:44.897-08:00The Year of The People<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's a new year! Can you feel it? Even the air just feels cleaner, newer, fresher.</div>
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Whatever you left behind in 2015 - leave it there! Don't pick back up debilitating habits, tumultuous relationships, destructive thinking. Leave all that junk right where it is!</div>
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Think on these things...</div>
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How would you like to be different in this new year? Who do you want to become? Where do you want to end up? What would you like to accomplish?</div>
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Every new year, I take a couple of days to ask myself these questions and to seek the Lord for guidance for the next 365 days. I find that during that time, I catch a small glimpse of what's ahead.</div>
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It may just be a word that will signify my year. The Lord may give me a scripture to live into, or he may give me an idea to bring to reality. Every year is different, but that time spent seeking has never been a waste.</div>
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I started thinking about 2016 in 2015. (Actually, I do this every year.) It's hard for an organizer not to start looking ahead!</div>
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As I was seeing things playing out in my life, and watching others desperately grasp for meaning and significance from the last fleeting days of the year, I realized something. We all want to BE better. At least, I think that's so.</div>
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We want our businesses to prosper. We want our kids to excel. We want our relationships to blossom. We want our churches to flourish. We want our lives to mean something. But do you understand what each and every one of these desires will require? They each require some investment in people.</div>
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<span style="line-height: 38.5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Let each of you look not only to </i></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 38.5px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>his own interests, but also to the interests of others." </i></span></span><i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 38.5px; text-align: justify;">Philippians 2:4</i></div>
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If you want your business to prosper, invest in people. If you want your kids to excel, invest in them. If you want your relationships to blossom, invest in them. If you want your church, ministry or organization to flourish, invest in people. If you want your life to matter, invest in people. Same answer, for each desire.<br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto-Regular, HelveticaNeue, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 25px; line-height: 35px; text-align: left;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 35px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." </span></span></i><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 35px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">1 Thessalonians 5:11</span></span></i></div>
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We can't do life without people. God designed us that way. When I find myself promoting my own agenda more than I'm investing in people, I begin to feel as though I'm spinning in circles getting nowhere. Yet when I'm pouring into people in the midst of being intentional about pursuing my goals, I find that God uses people to help me get there. Go figure!</div>
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I don't know what the Lord has in store for you over the next year, but I hope you'll take some time over the next few days to catch just a glimpse (Psalm 32:8).</div>
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What goals and dreams would you like to see come true? What do you want to work on? Be intentional in your asking and sharing with the Lord. He knows it all anyway, but he'd sure love for you to share it with him yourself (Psalm 3:4-5).</div>
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Get his perspective on the year ahead for your life, and then ask him how you can invest more in others. That will thrill him to no end! He loves it when our focus is not just on ourselves. I think it's because he really likes this community thing (Psalm 133:1).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhyphenhyphen66pYq70rZbQUDxKN2Bwo6EEWhS88pAXWEfZRXFlEYTbxb8ep6wDlsHw1bNC7vXVmiGMLkxDQbGLsa042ph878zzpXt4HOQi-mrhbF-OBvgO5sNNj0ul7e0tfFbRmtmdgiKpEDjOIk/s1600/images-24.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHhyphenhyphen66pYq70rZbQUDxKN2Bwo6EEWhS88pAXWEfZRXFlEYTbxb8ep6wDlsHw1bNC7vXVmiGMLkxDQbGLsa042ph878zzpXt4HOQi-mrhbF-OBvgO5sNNj0ul7e0tfFbRmtmdgiKpEDjOIk/s1600/images-24.jpeg" /></a></div>
As you are living your 2016 and working on your dreams, make this year about people, strengthening the relationships around you. Invest yourself, no holds barred, in the lives of others. It's a messy business at times. I know. Boy, do I know! But if we want to become who we were created to be, we cannot avoid rubbing shoulders with people - all kinds of people.</div>
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So in the dawn of this new year bursting with promise and outrageous potential, take note of where you'll be as 2017 begins to make it's appearance. Perhaps you'll see it was people that helped you along the way, who held your arms up when they were weary and who prayed you through the sketchy moments of 2016. Yes, those very same people you faithfully poured into as you were simply living your life.</div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-57370938070538380942015-12-28T09:30:00.000-08:002015-12-28T17:15:49.973-08:00Christmas with The Prickly People<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Mathew 1:18-25</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Matt-1-19" id="en-NKJV-23164" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">"Then Joseph her husband, being a just <span style="box-sizing: border-box;">man,</span> and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.</span></i></span><span class="text Matt-1-20" id="en-NKJV-23165" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit."'</i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Mathew 1:19-20</i></span></span><span class="text Matt-1-21" id="en-NKJV-23166" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-1-20" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-5e9d86c8-e9a7-d5d3-d043-9d7e5d596fe8" style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">And you thought Christmas with your family </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">was stressful! How do you think the First Family's holidays went?</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I was was just reading a few posts and remarks on some social </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38;">media sites from people about how relieved they were to get home, and how terribly some were treated at Christmas by their family. It's sad, isn't it? However, I think every family has a little </span><span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 1.38;">crazy in it. At least, I've not met one that didn't. It may have been well hidden, but eventually, it came out into the light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Can you imagine the pressure on Joseph and Mary? They were engaged, and being pregnant out of wedlock back then was punishable by STONING! This wasn't some grace-filled incident where everyone congratulated them on the new life Mary was carrying, and they all sort of went </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">along with it. The Bible doesn't go into detail, but we do know the times and the customs. It just wasn't done.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">What do you think family gatherings were like for them as Mary began to show? I bet she sat alone in a corner shunned by onlookers, or she remained in the kitchen out of sight. She probably overheard others whispering about her, although my guess is they weren't trying to keep it quiet. Keep in mind Mary was just a teenager, as well. Do you remember YOUR teenage years, ladies? How crushing!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Now that your family gathering is over and you feel as though you can breathe, please let me remind you, there will be a next year if you live long enough. (You're welcome!) How will you face your prickly people then? Will it be with the same dread and anxiety or will YOU be different? </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">I know how difficult it can be to be around some family members - the constant nagging and complaining, the belittling that can occur or the flat out ugliness you may </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">have to endure. You simply can't change people. You can only change how you respond and how it affects you. There my friend, is where true victory lies - not in winning arguments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">I imagine Mary was different in the midst of all this. I mean after all, she was chosen by God to carry his Son, the Savior of the world. I bet she was made of tougher stuff. I bet she was also very gracious and forgiving to a fault. She probably chose to see the best in others, seeing past their brokenness. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">Again, I can't prove any of this, but I'm just guessing that for her to be chosen as the mother of Jesus, she had a little more umph in her.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">What's in you? You've got almost 362 days </span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">to find out before the next family Christmas, maybe less if your family lives closer. Stop dreading being with them and what they will say or do to make you feel uncomfortable. Who will you be in a year? Determine to be more like the you God created you to be - full of grace, forgiving to a fault and more sure of who you are in Christ, than you are today. Call forth your umph!</span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;"><br class="kix-line-break" /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; vertical-align: baseline;">I bet you'll find your visit a little less anxious and your spirit a lot less movable when you're with your prickly people.</span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-46306807001085843772015-12-24T06:37:00.000-08:002015-12-24T06:53:09.343-08:00The Gift of Pondering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Read Luke2:15-20</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"But Mary kept all these things and </span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">pondered </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">them</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"> in her heart." Luke 2:19</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever experienced something and been so deeply impacted by it that you pondered that experience for days after? I bet that's how Mary felt after all of the traffic in and out of her little family's lives after Jesus was born. He might have been God-incarnate and the Savior of the world, but to this teenage mother, he was stil</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">l her baby. Let's not lose sight of that for a moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">The birth of Jesus, our King, changed the course of the world. No doubt! But for one seemingly <i>unseen</i> young woman, he changed her life, and that took some mulling over.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">I know friends who've suffered grave tragedies this year - the passing of children and parents, loss of income, extended hospital stays, life-changing diagnosis... I've seen it all happen to people I love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">In my lifetime, I've walked through my own tragedies. We all have. You can't help but ponder life when you're living it and it's not going as you'd prefer. But tragedy is not the only cause for reflection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">A friend once told me about a Christmas at her in-laws' home. On Christmas morning all the grandkids/cousins were playing together and having fun, when she just happened to look over to her mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law was sitting in the midst of it all she had </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">tears in her eyes. This woman was so blessed by the scene unfolding in front of her, surrounded by her children and their kids, that her eyes could no longer restrict the emotion welling up in her heart. My guess is, her mother-in-law was in the midst of pondering that moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">Years ago I was asked to do something that both caught me off guard and thrilled me to no end. As I drove home from that meeting, I was wondering what had just happened and these are the words that kept replaying in my mind. "I can't believe they chose me." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">It was at that moment when the Lord interrupted my time of reflection and spoke these words to my spirit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">"They didn't choose you. I did." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">I couldn't stop the tears. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 1.38;">I imagine my sheer awe in the midst of that interaction with the Lord, was akin, somewhat, to what Mary must've felt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">How could this be? Why me? How did this happen? These are questions we ask in both moments of joy and sorrow, and both experiences lead us into seasons of reflection.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">Maybe you're pondering a difficult season in your life. It may be fresh or perhaps it has occurred over time or within the past year. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 1.38;">It could be your pondering just the opposite - a season of joy and overwhelming goodness in your life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">Friend walking through tragedy, this too shall pass. Your heart will not always hurt. Your pain, though raw and real right now, will eventually subside. You may still feel the ache of loss for years to come, but you will not always hurt like you do. It's okay to feel your feelings. Keep pressing into Jesus. Do not lament where you are, for he can use even this to strengthen you and make you into his image.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">Dear one floating on cloud nine, embrace it to the fullest! You've had tough times, though they may seem distant. So you realize how quickly thin</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">gs can change from one season to the next. Enjoy the blessings and goodness surrounding you today, and never ever, ever, ever stop giving thanks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">My pastor always says...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: large;">"We live halfway between heaven and hell. We're going to experience a little bit of both." </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: large; line-height: 1.38;">~Steve Meeks</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">How true are those words. What's also true is that pondering occurs in bot</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">h. Reflection is meant to draw us closer to the Lord. It's a gift, even in pain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;">Lean into Jesus in the head in the cloud moments of life and also in the neck deep water seasons. He's in both. He is after all, Emmanuel - God with us. He is so near.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><b>Jesus, may our pondering lead us back to you when we're hurting or rejoicing. Be near to my friends today whose hearts are broken. May they become increasingly aware of your presence this Christmas. And for my loves who are rejoicing over your goodness to them, let them feel your pleasure and delight as you rejoice with them.</b></i></span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-23512048235433866042015-12-21T11:15:00.003-08:002015-12-21T13:10:01.448-08:00Grace that is greater than all our sin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="verse-14" style="background-color: #fafafa; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; line-height: 28px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:4</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 28px;">I love this scripture in James which says, <i>"But he gives more grace." (</i>James 4:6) I don't know about you but I could use more grace day, after day, after live long day. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 28px;">Grace is the </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6px;">free and unmerited favor of God</span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 28px;">. More beautifully put, my friend Eddie said it this way.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Grace appeared in a stable. It was revealed on a tree.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b> ~Eddie Smith</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">How perfectly put! What began at Christmas, came full circle on the cross. Grace was extended to a broken world, with no strings attached. After all, isn't that how a true gift is given - with no strings attached?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">The Father freely gave extravagant, unmerited favor to you and to me when he gave us Jesus. That babe we adore in the manger at Christmas, is also the King we worship and honor all throughout the year. Yet how many of us are lacking in grace? How difficult is it for us to extend that free gift to others? What we've been freely given, we must also freely give.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">This week, with just days leading up to Christmas, let's allow our hearts and homes to be full of grace. Extend it lavishly wherever you go - to that person who just cut in front of you in line, or to the anxious driver who can't seem to make up their mind where it is they would like to turn... Pour it out on your waitress when she makes a mistake, because she noticeably looks as though she's had a rough day. Let it pour out in your conversation with the customer sales rep who really is just doing what they're told. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;">This week let's abound in giving more grace as though we were made of the stuff! For we have been showered and immersed in great grace - grace that is greater than all our sin. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 19.32px;"><i><b>Thank you, Father, for showering our lives with grace. May it ooze from our very being this week as we give it away lavishly, just as you have done for us.</b></i></span></span></span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-69623758197876275952015-12-20T08:47:00.003-08:002015-12-22T07:32:05.240-08:00Chosen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Romans 8:12-39</div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">to be</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"> conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." </span></span></i><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 21px; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">Romans 8:29</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus came to give us sonship. There was
no familial relationship with the Father until the Son arrived on the scene,
lived a holy and blameless life and then </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">laid</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> down that life for us all,
making all who would </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">believe</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">, co-heirs with him (Romans 8:17), sons and daughters of the Most High God (2 Corinthians 6:18)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">"For
he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in
his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through
Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of
his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In
him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in
accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all
wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will
according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put
into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things
in heaven and on earth under Christ." </span></i><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Ephesians<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>1:4-10</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">B</span></i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">ecause
Christ came to earth, when we believe, we are grafted into his family and we
are granted every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). Child of God, if your
celebration meter is broken this Christmas, that right there should fix it. You
were chosen by the God of the universe to live as part of his family, not under
a curse (Galatians 3:13), but as joint heirs with his Son. So smile. Rejoice!
And celebrate your family heritage this Christmas. Jesus came to give us
sonship. There was no familial relationship with the Father until the Son
arrived on the scene.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Are you living in
sonship? We have this honor and a right as children of God, to boldly live as
ones who know who their Father is. We are all sons of God through faith in
Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26), and we should live as such, bringing honor to
him and not shrinking back as though in fear. We've been adopted into his family as sons and daughters, which means we
have been chosen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-32076534899694868722015-12-17T12:53:00.000-08:002015-12-17T12:56:35.489-08:00Special Guest Post<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Corbel, Geneva, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino lt std" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: black;">Oops! Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro’ the house, not a creature was stirring!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndGyz9JxPIhNbmd0VZnnSZcEZEKprgoYNxr6K1E9jNbuI59aNs6APnlF6LCp00O-uaXbAN0LGgPevWt475zy54DuSkf3v9a8U9wbRbP24CjydyWCAN2cuxfigGJfmWRbi0viPAeJ7xwE/s1600/download.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndGyz9JxPIhNbmd0VZnnSZcEZEKprgoYNxr6K1E9jNbuI59aNs6APnlF6LCp00O-uaXbAN0LGgPevWt475zy54DuSkf3v9a8U9wbRbP24CjydyWCAN2cuxfigGJfmWRbi0viPAeJ7xwE/s1600/download.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino lt std" , "georgia" , serif; font-weight: normal;">(How NOT to drive your kids away at the holidays!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino lt std" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "book antiqua" , "palatino" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino lt std" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="color: black;">by Denise Mira</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas</span></span>, indeed, but smoldering beneath the festive twinkle lights, there seems to be a pervasive sense of unhappiness associated with family holiday gatherings. <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do You Hear What I Hear?</span></span> Scores of adult kids don’t want to go home for the holidays. Is <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Christmas Without YOU</span></span>, your adult child’s wish this year? Sadly, this is a common circumstance, and far too many parents are none the wiser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">As a recently inducted ‘empty nester’ with five grown sons, three daughters-in-law, two granddaughters, and a grandson on the way, being surrounded by my brood is truly </span><i><b>A</b><b>ll I Want for Christmas</b><b style="font-weight: normal;">,</b> </i><span style="font-weight: normal;">and I intentionally employ a few principles to ensure I don’t have a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Blue Christmas</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> without them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Here are some precious gifts I’ve purchased over time during my personal journey as a mom. Please unwrap them with care, take them to heart and I guarantee you and the fam will be </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree!</i></b></span> </div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Expectations -</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Make it a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Holly Jolly Christmas</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> by erasing all expectations from everyone involved this year. Now folks, I could stop right there, but for some of you dyed-in-the-wool, traditional types, I will elaborate… </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Gifts -</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Take it from me, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>‘every kiss does not begin with Kay</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">®</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>’,</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and as Americans, we don’t </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>need</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> any additional material possessions, so </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Santa Baby</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, why not eliminate this habitual pain in the Christmas arse from your </span><b>[1]</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">adult family festivities and see what results? No debt, no ‘perfect gift search’ anxiety, no miserable lines at the mall, no competition, no wrapping, no returns, no stress, no shame. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">A healthy relationship to my children and their presence in my life is the ‘present’ I most long for and the gift I’m willing to pay the price to realize. Without a drum roll or an attitude, let the kids know you’re not </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>expecting</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (there’s that word again!) a thing, would prefer no gifts for Christmas, and you’d rather they spend their hard-earned dough on something they need! And if you still want to bless them with a few crisp greenbacks or that perfect item you’ve had your eye on for them, feel free! Just don’t drop any hints beforehand. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Freedom -</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Controlling mothers, take note. You are likely </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>not</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> in touch with your obsessive nature to ensure perfection by micro-managing every detail and smothering your brood. (emoticon: nervous group laughter) Bottom line, we must address our tendency to control if we want to leave room for our kids to function in freedom. If there isn’t freedom in our presence, they will run and hide, not just at the holidays, but every single day of the year. When </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and the family was rejoicing, me thinks she was of a domineering sort! </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Moods -</b></span> <span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Baby, It’s Cold Outside</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> all across the U.S. this time of year, but let’s make sure it’s not cold inside, too! Mama, your mood and attitude will set the tone whether it’s a warm glow of love emanating from the heart of your home, or a cold chill driving the kids away. There’s a troll living under the bridge of every woman’s soul. We have to work hard at resisting her desire to manifest. Be a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>‘wise woman who builds her home, not a foolish one who tears it down with her own hands’ </i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">(Pro. 14:1). Don’t find yourself the subject of this song… </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>You're a mean one, Mrs. Grinch</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>You really are a heel.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>You're as cuddly as a cactus,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>And as charming as an eel.</i></b></span> <br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Food - </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">The Miras' are most definitely foodies. We don’t just eat to live, we live, in large part, to eat fabulous, thoughtful, creative, high quality cuisine at every opportunity - better than most restaurants serve. But if we try too hard, applying pressure to those involved to make everything perfect to </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>our</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> satisfaction, the joy can be lost. Try to remember the perfect truth of this: ‘</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Better a small serving of vegetables with love than a fattened calf with hatred’ (Pro. 15:17). </i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">So if Junior forgets his assigned ingredient and you don’t have those locally farm-raised, organic, non-GMO </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire </i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">this Christmas Eve, all is not lost! Pop some popcorn with a smile, and feast on love! </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Outside Invites -</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> There are friends and acquaintances outside the Holy Blessed Sacred Idolized family unit who are alone this Christmas, and would love to be included at your dinner table or other family festivities. Open your heart and your home to welcome ‘outsiders’ who are on you or your kids’ hearts. ‘</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>God places the lonely in families’ (Ps. 68:6)</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and I find, more often than not, the presence of that widowed neighbor, single Army dude or your kids’ roomie enhances our together times and adds a dimension we hadn’t expected. Ask your kids, “Is there anyone you’d enjoy having with us over the holidays?” and see if you can joyfully accommodate their request in some form or fashion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Thank You Notes</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> to grandma and grandpa, auntie and uncle. Your kid’s in double digits buying his own toilet paper and paying for his own gas; it’s no longer your job to make him write a thank you note. Take a lesson from Elsa and Anna and </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>“<b>Let it go….!</b>” </i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It’s not your responsibility, and quite frankly, it’s none of your business. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Your Married Kids -</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> OK the last thing </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>I</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> want to do on Christmas Day is drive across town thrice, fighting traffic and yelling at the tired kids in the backseat. Twil not </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>make the season bright</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, right?! Remove </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">the </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>pressssssuuuurrrrrre</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, mom and dad. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Relieve them of all responsibility to see you on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Did hell just freeze over? Was that blasphemy? No, but my kids want to be with me during the holidays, so maybe you should stop judging and keep reading. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">My married children routinely alternate holidays with the opposite sides of the family. I’m not offended and I don’t pout. It’s not about you, mama and daddy, or one single last chance, this calendar day only, holiday. It’s about goodwill and family and serving one another in love and just to key you in, much of the bending and serving is historically done by us - that’s why we’re the parents! I have literally cooked entire Thanksgiving feasts, transported them by rolling cart three floors down to the car, then transferred them across town to the kids where hubby and I unloaded it all. I know. I’m crazy. But I love blessing my kids, and they don’t need me much anymore in practical ways, so I count serving them as my privilege. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal;"></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: normal;"><b>Traditions -</b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 20px;"> Maybe it’s time to let go of a few of your sacred, inflexible, stubborn traditions. Six weeks ago, at Thanksgiving, we (GASP!) cooked and ate our entire ‘traditional’ Thanksgiving feast a day early for the benefit of all parties involved and to accommodate desired travel schedules. It was remarkably peaceful, freeing, and we all had a keen sense of wicked satisfaction the next day, thinking of you stressing out over your turkey temperature as we peacefully heated leftovers, played games and let football run all day on the big screen. Other years we’ve eaten holiday dinners at a restaurant…I know you’re shaking your head, but it was fabulous, easy and fun! Then we went to Starbucks and drank eggnog lattes and played board games before we headed to a movie. Traditions can be comforting and therapeutic to the soul, unless they become lifeless laws, sucking our joy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Judging. Critiquing. Perfecting. - </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Is a </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>Silent Night</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> exactly what your kids need from you this Christmas? Bite your tongue, folks. Repeat. Maybe even get the tattoo. Do you think I'm kidding?! And while you’re at it, watch your voice tones, helpful suggestions, glares, rolling eyes and all the other tools you use to serve up a side of guilt with that prime rib dinner, giving the whole crew serious indigestion. I’m laughing out loud now, but it's really not funny if it’s true. And by the way, the whole family knows you love Jesus, so how about instead of preaching throughout the entire event, you meditate privately on </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>I Corinthians 13</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and then simply ask yourself, “WWJD?” and then do it, quietly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>Family Gossip - </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">So your kid smokes and it smells and you’re embarrassed. And their Facebook posts curl Grandma’s hair. Well grandma’s fat and you overspend and worry too much about what everyone else thinks. Each of us is flawed. What's worse, people pleasing, cigarettes, donuts or debt? If you want to be legalistic about it, ramifications of eating poorly will kill more people this year than the implications of smoking cigarettes. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b>[2]</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Fact. And encouraging gossip amongst the tribe is divisive and destructive to your family’s togetherness. So put that in your pipe and smoke it with your holiday ham. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Don’t find yourself, mom, dad, playing the lead role in </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>The Grinch Who Stole Christmas</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> this holiday season! At the end of the day, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>‘let all that you do, be done in love’</i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> (I Cor. 16:14) If this is your modus operandi each day of the year, and you work at cultivating your priceless, eternal relationships with your children, you will find spontaneous celebrations occurring throughout the year that rival any Christmas Day you’ve experienced. If you </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>let it go, let it go, let it go</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">, day by day, moment by moment, right here, right now, holiday by holiday, you will find it all comes back to you. I can’t speak for you, but I’d much rather enjoy </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>A Merry Little Christmas</i></b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> with my contented, affectionate kids, than a grand affair with no love. </span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">A Prayer to seal the deal: “Lord, you know my heart, you see exactly who I am, and you know my weaknesses. Please help me to apply the truths that have spoken to me through this message. I long to become what I must be, to enter into all You have for me.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal;">©2015 Denise Mira</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">[1] </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gifts are always given to younger children and quite often to older children.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">[2] </span><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">7-17-2013 http://<u>www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/07/poor-dietary-habits-are-killing-people/#.VnBjRDbyfoo</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Dear Readers, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><i>I want to give YOU a Christmas gift!</i> </b></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Simply email me at </span><a href="mailto:contact@denisemira.com" style="color: #0b66e8; font-weight: 400;">contact@denisemira.com</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">, tell me the number of songs you’ve counted in this article, and I’ll send you a code to receive a FREE electronic copy of my book, </span><b><i><u>No Ordinary Child: Unlocking the Leader Within Your Child</u></i><u> </u></b>to enjoy or give away to someone you love this Christmas season! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZXoVbLxwelR2NP2q0qeE7wK-NFMrVM7VWwgTjbGFe9qKtaJ-l2Hq6CQBPc5moEcLlqyZvl8uuDwko72YnqE5Qy-SR574vNsv2StoBdc2v_NQQUrAHzrP50AjDegKDZTjXk2qEaTmtCQ/s1600/12375654_1011170682276785_645091994_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZXoVbLxwelR2NP2q0qeE7wK-NFMrVM7VWwgTjbGFe9qKtaJ-l2Hq6CQBPc5moEcLlqyZvl8uuDwko72YnqE5Qy-SR574vNsv2StoBdc2v_NQQUrAHzrP50AjDegKDZTjXk2qEaTmtCQ/s400/12375654_1011170682276785_645091994_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><b>Denise Mira</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">, public speaker, educator, author of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><b><i><u>No Ordinary Child: Unlocking the Leader Within Your Child</u></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">, and contributing author to many publications, has been married to Gregory for 35 years. They are the parents of five sons, 3 daughters-in-law and 3 grandchildren. Denise has traveled extensively, both nationally and internationally, inspiring change as she shares her empowering message for families. Her honest, down-to-earth communication style is refreshing to listeners. Watch for her sequel, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"><b><i><u>No Ordinary Child Grows Up: The Uncensored Journals of a Mid-life Mama</u> </i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">on which she is currently feverishly working! Visit her blog at </span><a href="http://www.denisemira.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #ff7200; font-family: Corbel, Geneva, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">www.denisemira.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;">, find her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "corbel" , "geneva" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-88813667797965390932015-12-16T06:37:00.004-08:002015-12-22T07:28:02.323-08:00Full of Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">"These things I have spoken to you, </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26699A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26699A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; text-align: start; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">that my joy may be in you, </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">and </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">that your joy may be full." John 15:11</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm all done with my Christmas shopping! Woo hoo!!! In truth, I don't really have much to do. My family has a bit of a pact. We don't buy for each other if we won't see each other. So that makes it easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't get out much to shop at Christmas. I do almost all my shopping online with just a small handful of sites. In fact, I intentionally stay away from crowded places. I'm not a fan. However, I've taken a few days off from work to use up some extra time I accumulated, and yesterday, I ventured out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a last minute guest coming in this weekend. The rule at my house is, "if you're at my house at Christmastime, you get a gift." So out I went to find a gift for my overnight guest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Seriously! If you're coming over for a visit, you get a gift. If a neighbor drops by, they get a gift. We may be sitting around having coffee, but by the time you leave, you'll have a batch of warm cookies or something out my gift closet, to take home with you. It's my love language. I love to give! It's not out of obligation or duty, and I don't give to people simply because they've given to me. Y'all, please set people free from that! Obligated gifts are the worst. They mean absolutely nothing. Bless someone just because. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Okay. Some things just need to be said. Now back to my story! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was in the store, I let out a sigh, frustrated because of my extreme lack choices. A lady was standing next to me and instantly she said, "Now don't let it steal your joy!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Instantly, I perked up and we started chatting about who we were both shopping for, and what gift ideas we had, and the problems we were experiencing finding those gifts. We became instant friends, helping each other look and chatting about life and important shopping matters. She helped turn a disappointing trip into a joyful one, and yes, I found a gift!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So I would like to ask you a question based on my shopping experience from yesterday. Did you bring your joy with you today? Where you are right now - is your joy with you? My new friend sure had hers and the joy that was in her, pulled mine to the forefront.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We are to be joy carriers at Christmas and always. My experience reminded me that this joy we possess is not just for ourselves. We are to give it away to others. Strangers need to be reminded, or they need to experience the joy only Christ can give. It's a gift he has given to those who believe - one of the many (John 17:13).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're having trouble finding your joy, take some time today to rediscover it. Think on things that bring you joy. Do something that brings you joy. Spend time with someone who is full of joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What's the one song you can think of that ends most services at Christmas? For me it's, <i>Joy to The World! </i>Let's be that today. Share your joy with someone else and bring some joy to your little piece of the world, even if you're reluctantly out Christmas shopping. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Read another one of my posts about joy, here on <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://estherandfriends.net/2015/12/14/finding-joy-in-the-broken-or-lonely-places-this-christmas/" target="_blank">Esther & Friends</a>.</span></i></b></span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-35740800851019607262015-12-14T15:00:00.002-08:002015-12-21T11:24:20.822-08:00The Lowliest Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Luke 2:8-15</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text Luke-2-8" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. </span><span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-NKJV-24983" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;">And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Luke 2:8-10</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text Luke-2-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For me, one of the most impactful messages of Christmas (because there are several), is this one shared in these passages. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus came for the lowliest ones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He came to save us all, but how much do you know about shepherds? They were a smelly bunch, not to mention that the animals they slept with outdoors, and spent all their time with, were some of the dumbest animals on the planet! I'm not making this up. Look it up. Sheep are not smart. So if you were a sheep herder, you were not held in very high esteem because you stunk and you tended animals who weren't bright.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>"But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 Corinthians 1:27</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">God chose shepherds to be the first to hear the good news of the birth of his Son, and he not only chose them. He sent a host of angels to these rough and ragged few to make the announcement! I think he was trying to make a point. He gives honor to the lowly.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Maybe you've had some moments where you've felt unworthy. Maybe you’ve messed up and stumbled or fell short in some way. I'm thinking the Lord has already let you off the hook on this one. Make amends. Forgive yourself or seek forgiveness, and move on. The Father has declared you worthy of the gift of his Son. Nothing you could ever do would ever cause him to relent.</span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-12038360988158826882015-12-13T14:29:00.001-08:002015-12-21T12:15:13.879-08:00So To Honor Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSxDbEHAmCHfh63NsxgBISK5cFlunzDwOJDeXVfbHICmnF-hYVYGfVUFoZ2DyEouTobSYv1G2ycqgkAqM1AUcl-3PFpdBGibaBXWSi3Gk9ZCZEeySwIhhPxTUcPTJce_rFomY4HzA-Vc/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSxDbEHAmCHfh63NsxgBISK5cFlunzDwOJDeXVfbHICmnF-hYVYGfVUFoZ2DyEouTobSYv1G2ycqgkAqM1AUcl-3PFpdBGibaBXWSi3Gk9ZCZEeySwIhhPxTUcPTJce_rFomY4HzA-Vc/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Isaiah 53:3-6</div>
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<span class="text Isa-53-3" id="en-ESV-18715" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; position: relative; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18715J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18715J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">He was despised and rejected</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative; text-align: start;"><span style="line-height: 28.59375px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 31.1875px;">by men; a</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="line-height: 31.1875px;"> man of sorrows,</span><span style="line-height: 31.1875px;"> and acquainted with</span><span style="line-height: 28.59375px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 31.1875px;">grief; </span></span></span><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; position: relative; text-align: start;">and as one from whom men hide their faces </span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he was despised, and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18715K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18715K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>we esteemed him not. Isaiah 53:3</span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I can hear this passage loud and clear in my head as played on one of my favorite Christmas albums. In fact, it's what I began hearing as I was considering today's post. It's a somber passage, but one filled with great hope and promise, reverence and awe. We need some of that, don't you think?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I saw a cartoon on social media of a little guy holding up his heart to Jesus saying, "All I have is my heart." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: large; position: relative;"><b>Jesus replied, "It's all I want."</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">What are you giving Jesus this Christmas? It's a strange question. I know, but not really. How are you honoring him?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">This is one of those two times in a year, when church attendance will be higher than usual. Whether it's guilt, obligation or sheer tradition, souls will turn out for services especially on Christmas Eve and the surrounding Sundays. Why is that you think?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">I think it's because there is a holy reverence surrounding the birth of Christ, whether you attend church regularly, are a "practicing" Christian or simply claim to be one. We all sense it and know feel drawn to celebrate the Savior's birth in some way.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">May I suggest that attending church is awesome and something I pray you're all doing regularly. I hope every church in all the world experiences overflowing crowds this Christmas and beyond. I am a huge proponent of the church. "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her," (Ephesians 5:25). I love Christ's flawed bride. But attending church isn't the best way we can honor the Lord. It's certainly one way, but not the best.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">The best way to honor him </span></span></span><span style="font-family: times, 'times new roman', serif; font-size: large;">is by giving him our hearts. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Now please don't get weirded out in your doctrinal thinking and write me off as weird. I just think we can yield our hearts to the Lord daily. Certainly we gave him our hearts when we received him, but how often do we walk around in our stuff, dealing with life and our hearts are far from him? That's what I'm talking about - yielding to him anew, every moment, of every day.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">So much of what we do, who we are, and how we act is born in the heart. What better way to honor the Lord than by getting ourselves in line with him and giving him our hearts. It's the gift he wants most of all.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Isa-53-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><i><b>Jesus, I yield my heart to you. It's all I really have to offer of any significance. May you be honored and may this gift bring you pleasure. </b></i></span></span></span></div>
<br />Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-7399402818835702642015-12-12T15:18:00.000-08:002015-12-12T15:26:12.227-08:00Give Yourself Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Mark 10:35-45</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” </span></i></span><i style="line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Mark 10:45</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">Every year on the second Saturday of December, our church hosts a free gift wrapping event at a local Walmart. We set up a huge tent, bring tables and provide gift wrapping for anyone who wants it. We don't charge and won't take any money for it, and peope often find that strange and difficult to comprehend. In addition, we set up a prayer tent right there in the parking lot and we have teams available to pray for anyone who would like prayer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">Inside the store, we set up shop in the employee break room and fill (and refill ) two 6' tables full of homemade treats, snacks and goodies for the employees. We fill almost every ice chest we own with sodas and bottled water, and we leave it throughout he entire time we're at the store wrapping presents. This particular Walmart looks forward to us coming every year, and we've been doing this for over 15 years! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">When I go into the store each summer to get our date down on their store calendar, they always say, "Oh, yes! You're with the church? Just tell us when!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">It takes more than just a handful of people to pull this off. In fact, each year, we need roughly 60 - 70 people serving in some capacity for this event. We somehow manage to recruit that many, year after year, but then we have some very servant-hearted people in our congregation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">We do this each year as a gift to our community. We love serving and blessing others, and this is just one way we get to demonstrate that love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">I was a servant before I was a leader and I serve now more than I lead. For some of us it comes naturally. Yet for all of us as believers, it is part of or spiritual DNA which we inherited once we were grafetd into the family of God.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">Jesus is the best example of a selfless servant. In his own words, he says he came to serve, not to be served. Yet how often do we hold back our offerings of service while we wait for others to volunteer and take the lead? I believe the most compassionate and humble people I know are servants first and foremost.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 40.53125px;">What if we all looked for ways to serve and to give ourselves away this Christmas, instead of holding back? Wouldn't that feel more like true Christmas spirit? Wouldn't we look just a little more like Jesus if we were caught in the act of serving? I think just maybe so. </span></span></div>
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<br />Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-70721330689155657332015-12-10T07:36:00.002-08:002015-12-10T07:44:37.054-08:00Consider the Cost<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text John-3-16" id="en-GW-26123" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>God loved the world this way: </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text John-3-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span class="text John-3-16" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">will not die but will have eternal life. </span></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" id="en-GW-26124" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">God sent his Son into the world, </span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">not to condemn the world, but to save the world.</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">John 3:16-17 (GW)</span></i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">We all know this verse by heart, but I wanted to present it to you as clearly and plainly as I could. So I scoured several translations looking for just the right wording. I think this begins with the punch - "God loved the world this way..." </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">How great is love that it would sacrifice it's own? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="text John-3-17" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">Many years ago I was given one of my most memorable gifts. My baby girl (not really, but probably the only one I'll ever have), was in the Houston Ballet's performance of The Nutcracker. I had the honor of picking her up many nights after weeknight performances when her parents were out. We made some pretty special memories during that time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">For Christmas that year, her folks gave me two tickets (great seats) to see the performance live. I had never been before and I was thrilled! I was in a hard season financially and this was a luxury I never could've afforded and up until that point, was deeply sorry I had to miss since my kiddo was in the ballet.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">As I considered which of my friends to invite, I began to struggle inwardly with this decision. I truly had nothing to give in the way of gifts that year, and gifts are one of my love languages. I give well and I love to get. I think long and hard about what to give others because I want to give others something that will truly bless them. So making this decision was not an easy one.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">After finally deciding on which friend to invite, I continued to wrestle for a few days over offering the actual invitation. I picked out the perfect friend. He knew my kiddo and her family. We were always hanging out together anyway and we lived right around the corner from each other. However, this is the thought that kept tripping up my mind.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><i>"How can I give him something which costs me nothing?"</i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">That question still trips me up to this day, but not about the gifts I give to others. The Holy Spirit set me up with that one, and rightfully so. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">I can be prone to haphazardly giving myself to things that I know would honor the Lord - my attitude about certain things, going the extra mile when just good enough seems okay, things like that and much more... Yet why would I give the Lord something which costs me so little, and sometimes costs me nothing? Isn't he worth my best at all times? Shouldn't sacrifice be the norm for my life?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 24px;">The gift of his Son, God gave to me is more than extravagant. It's priceless. Yet, without hesitation, knowing every wrong I'd ever commit, the Father saw me as worthy of such a gift. I just can't even... That kind of love provokes me to give well, to serve with all I have and to love harder because he is worthy of no less.</span></span></div>
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Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-83993945358913017072015-12-09T14:44:00.002-08:002015-12-09T14:49:17.575-08:00The Season of Expectations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been dwelling on expectancy quite a bit here lately. We're in that season where we're all expecting something. We attend parties and we have expectations. We invite friends over and we have expectations. We plan family gatherings and there are expectations. We can't seem to escape them. I wrote about that in my weekly devotional blog today. You can read that post <a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wednesday-s-Washing--Great-Expectations.html?soid=1011259014435&aid=pvUbIQ0RUn8" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: #674ea7;"><span style="color: white;">here.</span></b></a></div>
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However, what I wrote for last week's devotional is what I also wanted to share with you today. So instead of re-writing it, I took the easy way out and copied it here for you. I will seldom, if ever again in this series, do this, but I can't shake this message. So I wanted to share it with you today.</div>
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So here it is.<span style="color: #674ea7;"> <b><a href="http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Wednesday-s-Washing--I-m-Expecting-.html?soid=1011259014435&aid=rEkwtaU1jkQ" target="_blank">I'm Expecting!</a></b></span>Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-48371333408085679432015-12-08T12:40:00.007-08:002015-12-08T12:40:57.824-08:00Extravagant Kindness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read Titus 3:1-8</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Titus-3-4" id="en-ESV-29911" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">But when <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29911G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29911G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Titus-3-5" id="en-ESV-29912" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">he saved us, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29912H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29912H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>not because of works done by us in righteousness, but <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29912I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29912I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>according to his own mercy, by <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29912J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29912J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the washing of regeneration and <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29912K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29912K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>renewal of the Holy Spirit,</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Titus-3-6" id="en-ESV-29913" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">whom he <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29913L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29913L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,</span><span class="text Titus-3-7" id="en-ESV-29914" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29914M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29914M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>being justified by his grace we might become <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29914N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29914N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>heirs <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29914O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29914O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>according to the hope of eternal life. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Titus-3-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">Titus 3:4-7</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Titus-3-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Titus-3-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; text-align: start;">One of the things I love most about Christmas is this. To me, it renews my hope once again in the fact that I can never be good enough, smart enough, honest enough or pure enough to earn Christ's love. What he's given me has come in the purest form of selflessness and I could never earn it. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Now that doesn't mean I stop trying to do what's right and that I stop pressing in to become more like him. No, it simply means that I do those things out of love for this One who loved me so much that he came to this broken world, and gave all he had so that I wouldn't have to. Yet, I want to. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">That's the beauty of God's kindness. It overflows into the depths of who we are, the real you and me, when we receive his kindness as a gift. For that is it's intended purpose - a gift that softens us, draws us in and awakens our souls to this God of love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="line-height: 24px;">Father, thank you for your kindness in sending us your Son. May we never lose sight of this Extravagance poured out on us, simply because you loved us.</span></i></span></span></div>
Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3882488352514519732.post-2320852248912681832015-12-07T07:41:00.000-08:002015-12-07T07:41:03.629-08:00Not of It - Only in It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s1600/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nHvKim8JChq91H8B5rboFLxtjkwVy_bVgCbYbXz2K3FmVD15hVum8RtnXyWIqLi7AIAZ0DwKpNH86H2rvW5Z6o545ijNptihN904LZkm8FwGb5XQlVjwZVzXHEUpDiL5345srlC-Vvs/s320/Prepare+the+way+of+the+Lord%2521.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Read John 17:9-26</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"They are not of the world, just as </span></i></span><i style="line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not of the world." </span></i></div>
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<i style="line-height: 31.1875px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">John 17:16</span></i></div>
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Not too long ago I changed out the curtains in my bedroom to match my new bedding. They were blue. Now they're white, but I got the ones that help with light, heat and cold. You know what I'm talking about?</div>
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The only problem is that now when I wake up it looks like a solar flare in my bedroom! It's so bright! It makes sleeping in difficult, and I am seldom a late sleeper. Never the less, I really don't like it when external elements affect my sleep. That thought prompted today's post.</div>
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Please read today's scripture passge in it's entirety. It is my favorite chapter in the Bible. Those pages are worn, marked through and tear stained, and they'll continue to be so. It's such an incredibly beautiful passage.</div>
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Jesus came to make us like Him, and not like the world. There are so many external influences around us every day that vie for our attention and, sadly our reactions. Think how greatly cynacism, criticism and opinions abound through media and perhaps some of the people closest to you. We don't have to succomb to that way of living. We can choose a different way to live because of the One who lives in us!</div>
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We get to be the light to others who want to be around us because our countenance, our words and our attitudes are full of hope. They reflect the light of Jesus. There is no better testimony and tribute to our Savior than a life lived in honor of him - daily growing into his image. </div>
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No one is perfect. Yet here on earth is our practice ground. We get to learn to love like Jesus, to encourage like him, to bless like him, to give like him and to serve like him. We get to be the light to those we know who desperately need a savior. We get to usher in the kingdom of God in our little dwelling places here on earth. </div>
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Let's choose to give the Lord a special gift this year. Let's not allow the world to influence us, for that is not the stuff we're made of. Instead, let's choose to be his pure light, and the thoroughfares through which he influences the world.</div>
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Lord Jesus, may we be one as you and the Father are one, so that the glory that is on you may be in us, resting, abiding and shining forth to a world in need or your love.</div>
<br />Cheryl R Moseshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08555899398230381203noreply@blogger.com0