tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45699418886885217752023-11-16T02:59:10.989-05:00EpicphanyWe always know when Jesus is at work because He produces in the commonplace something that is inspiring.
- Oswald Chambers.Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-82422293170124806902013-05-25T09:19:00.003-04:002013-05-25T09:20:22.823-04:00New Beginnings<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Hello faithful bloggers and followers... </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'd like to announce the arrival of my latest pursuit - a new space to write!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>You can now find me and everything God is doing in my life at: <a href="http://www.michellejoyeby.wordpress.com/">www.michellejoyeby.wordpress.com</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Time for something new. :) </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>See you there!</i></span>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-56831698539584615912013-04-22T23:15:00.001-04:002013-04-22T23:33:01.534-04:00Despite FearDespite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices. (Ezra 3:3 NIV) <br />
<br />
Picture this... <br />
A generation that only knew the feeling of being in exile. <br />
A tribe of young passionate people who the only thing that had defined their childhood had been the feeling of being looked down upon. The fear, you see, did not start in Jerusalem that day with hundreds of neighbouring peoples looking on in disgust and rage as these outcasts came to reclaim the land of their ancestors. A land God had prophesied would be theres even as far back as Abraham. <br />
No... The fear they felt was evident even from before they could remember. <br />
But God has not given us a spirit of fear... <br />
As they reached out to claim their inheritance, they completely left their lives as exiles in the rear view mirror. <br />
The first thing they did, before even the walls were built around the city to protect them, was build an altar. <br />
<br />
They craved WORSHIP!<br />
<br />
And so... Despite their fear... They built their foundation on worship to the God who proved himself faithful for generations. <br />
This is the same God then, as He is today... Only more accessible thru Jesus and not a crazy ritual involving sheep blood. The blood of Jesus, once and for all, is all we need to be able to worship despite our fear. <br />
<br />
So what's stopping us? <br />
<br />
His love for us is so passionate... His love is tangible, faithful, incomprehensible. <br />
<br />
Let go of the past... Of the land that called you an exile. An outcast. The land that broke you down. <br />
<br />
Worship Jesus - despite the fear of who is around you. <br />
<br />
Build your foundation on the Love that never quits or gives up on you. <br />
<br />
<br />
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will restore us, that we may live in his presence. Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:1-3 NIV)<br />
Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-69536981612240493472013-02-14T23:06:00.003-05:002013-02-14T23:13:01.685-05:00Real. Love. Jesus. <span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tonight is Valentines... </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The day celebrating love. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>My heart craves love... yet tonight, as I turn my thoughts towards the one who created both love and my heart, my heart beats to a different tune. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Can you hear it? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The hurting are out there. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>There's a world of darkness in their eyes. And light will never come unless they know it exists. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Can you see them? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You're the only one holding the light of the world in your heart. One that can shine into the darkest of dark and make a pathway to a home their heart craves. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It only takes a little light to dispel the darkness. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Like a darkened stadium with a child holding the only flashlight. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Love is not love unless it is shown the way. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>In a selfless moment of giving to one who cannot repay the giver. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Tonight I think of love... </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The Love of One who laid His life down for all. To show us a light out of the darkness we know all too well. We only ever knew darkness until His light shone in our hearts. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Now I challenge you, plead with you, charge you... Don't HIDE the light! </i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The world needs the light of the world, and YOU HAVE HIM INSIDE YOU! </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>It's Love Month... what better time to start? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What if there was some way you could reach into someone's world and show them love, even for a moment. That could very well be the light that pulls them through the darkness. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>What are you waiting for?</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I pray often... but tonight is different. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Tonight I feel like the prayers we pray for Love would ignite the world. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>That a sin-saturated world could be consumed by one small flame igniting another and another and another... until the whole world burns with the LOVE OF JESUS! </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>It's an upside-down Kingdom... you must die to live. You must give to get. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You must give love in order to be able to receive this true Love. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I want to leave you with three last little things... </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1. My biggest heart prayer of the night (both the girls talked of and the amazing ones who teamed up and made this video)</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://vimeo.com/53104997#" target="_blank">Click here to see my girls stand up for justice in their generation.</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2. Make Jesus your obsession... you can't miss His love. It's always there. You just need to pass it on. </i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/blrufyeCjNk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>and 3...</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Matthew 25:37-40 </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;">Then these righteous ones will
reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give
you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and
give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ <br />
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the
least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’</span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-47128376536340835552012-03-24T20:07:00.002-04:002012-03-24T20:07:30.461-04:00Unfinished...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(technically day 29 of 40... it took me this long to absorb this concept to be able to get my thoughts out. ;-) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Jeremiah 17:7-8</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“But blessed
are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and
confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that
reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried
by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop
producing fruit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Colossians 2:7<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New Living
Translation (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let your roots
grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will
grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with
thankfulness.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVnDD7rPaPueH3tOek6WyZ8EGKL1GW0I9w8ZOHuznI1nkBTUBmqrm-izytzZeRXQhFvGHzJAcj6rKneRQ8YpglBDJGlYYG7naZ2V_rfkQINNwQ6_SdZwTy2wuUsZYHk0nFZV7knDb9Y8/s1600/Tree_roots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVnDD7rPaPueH3tOek6WyZ8EGKL1GW0I9w8ZOHuznI1nkBTUBmqrm-izytzZeRXQhFvGHzJAcj6rKneRQ8YpglBDJGlYYG7naZ2V_rfkQINNwQ6_SdZwTy2wuUsZYHk0nFZV7knDb9Y8/s320/Tree_roots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Some things
take longer than others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you ever
seen a tree with all the roots pulled up? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">An intertwined
mess… but solid enough that its next to impossible to tear down completely. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Only when the
tree is dead can the roots be pulled up and revealed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That tree knew
who it was. What place it belonged to and there was no moving it until it died.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The knowledge
of who it was caused its roots to grow down deep into the earth to portray a
stability. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because that is
what a tree is created to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To be stable
and provide shelter and fruit…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The same is
true for us as Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We need to be
SO grounded in the word of God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Know WHO we are
and what we are created to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We need to be
SO firm and set in the place where God has us – and this does not change with
ever wind and whim – and be exactly who He has meant us to be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When we know
who we are and let our roots grow down deep into the truth and the word of God,
we will know who we are in Jesus. We will be a picture of the stability and
shelter of who God really is as our Father. We will reach out and shelter those
in need. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And we will
bear fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">John 15:4-5<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Abide in Me,
and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in
the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“I am the vine,
you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for
without Me you can do nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So let me ask
you this question. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Where are you
in this picture? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Have you let
your roots grow down deep? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Are you planted
in the place God chose for you? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It takes some
longer than others… so don’t lose heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Think of a
tree. It takes decades for a tree to grow into everything God created it to be.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most of the
time you can’t even see the growth! Any roots growing down deep into the earth
are unseen… in the same way so much of our growth is unseen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trees are
always changing and growing and bearing fruit or being pruned… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s necessary
to be pruned. But if God sends a hurtful situation into our lives it is mostly
just cuz He knows we need it in order to take us to the next level of growth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here’s the key…
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">DON’T GIVE UP!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every time you
think it’s too hard to go on…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Keep going
anyways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Everything
takes time… His time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We often rush
ourselves and try to get ahead of God and compare our own walk to others…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We can’t do
that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I could go on
and on writing about this… but because I too am just a product of His grace in
my life, I’m just going to leave you with one verse. A portion of a letter from
a man whose life was radically changed by the presence of God and he spent the
rest of it travelling and telling people of God’s grace and love… and even suffered prison because of his
devotion to Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">His name was
Paul… here are some words he wrote to the church in <st1:place w:st="on">Philippi</st1:place>.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Every time I
think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for
all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News
about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. <b>And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will
continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus
returns.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Philippians
1:3-6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t lose
heart because you are unfinished… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Be excited for
how God is growing your roots down deep! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-14612092397186809092012-03-18T22:36:00.000-04:002012-03-18T22:36:15.967-04:00Resist and stay Planted... Day 27 of 40<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Psalm 92:12-13<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The righteous
shall flourish like a palm tree,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He shall grow
like a cedar in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Lebanon</st1:country-region></st1:place>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Those who are
planted in the house of the Lord<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Shall flourish
in the courts of our God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Psalm 68:5-6 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A father of the
fatherless, a defender of widows,<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is God in His
holy habitation.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God sets the
solitary in families;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He brings out
those who are bound into prosperity;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But the
rebellious dwell in a dry land.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m gonna keep
this short and sweet. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Days #26 &
#27 in The Purpose Driven Life are all about temptation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How to grow
through it, and how to overcome it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here’s how it
works. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The bible says:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">casting all
your care upon Him, for He cares for you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that
the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Peter 5:7-9<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#1: whenever
you’re tempted, you need to shift your focus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God cares about
you… He LOVES you! (I’ll say it again) HE LOVES YOU!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because He
loves you, you can trust Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Whatever is
wearing you down, whatever is tempting you, or even whatever is making you
worry… just stop for a second and shift your focus back to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You will find
it’s impossible to be so concerned about things when you are surrounded by His
presence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#2: As much as
God loves you… so the devil matches Him for hatred. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Its true, he
hates you. But you don’t have to worry about it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">God says to “be
vigilant”!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That doesn’t
mean you go looking for the next “warfare” the enemy is waiting to spring on
you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t give him
so much credit! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He hates you…
but that’s because you are made in God’s image AND Satan knows that – thru the
blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit inside of you – you have the POWER to
defeat him! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#3: “Resist him
steadfast in the faith”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s extremely
hard to resist someone who you constantly give in to. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So in order to
resist Satan, you must make sure you’re covered.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You must be
covered in the blood of Jesus… filled with His Holy Spirit… and planted in a
place that He chooses. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">This last point
brings me back to the 2 verses I started out with. (if you skipped over these
entirely, please go back and read them. Even if you read them, please go back
and review. Highly important. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> )<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Being planted
in your local church is the key. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s much
easier to resist temptation when you have good God-appointed leaders over you
to help steer you straight when the enemy swoops in like a roaring lion… it is
this God-given authority that may save your life someday if you just stay
planted in God’s house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You don’t choose
your church… God chooses your church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He placed you
there for a reason… He set you in that church family because there was a YOU-shaped
hole waiting to be filled. Anytime you feel like you should maybe leave, or
even get frustrated with your family (and we all know families quarrel from
time to time) and want to run away – just remember. There’s an enemy out there
who hates you. And he would give anything to see you uprooted and die in some
hot, dry place because you got out from under your authority. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bloom where He
planted you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stay planted…
and you WILL flourish in the house of God! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Happy Sunday! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 16px;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-23381821869419433672012-03-17T22:03:00.000-04:002012-03-18T00:45:28.209-04:00Next Generation Love... :)<br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Next Generation
Love<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One of the
coolest things in my life is that I get to be “Auntie Chelle” to four little
bits of the next generation God is raising up to do great things in His name. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Let me brag on
my favourite kids tonight (I’ve just been babysitting 2 of them, so I have my
head/heart full of their love and kisses right now.)… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is Carter
James. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsEAAmgiru9nJHZ5sWeD6xHp1yLEyE0X1r2biXwMcM2zuki9N4PnYdR6m-9mP-5evGOJvACt_lx6omTB0CWEddpwhSAURAQjY_OwdCkXF2DuzFVPi0FT4mE6eGxFuthbAkNMOUNQd5So/s1600/IMG_6257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsEAAmgiru9nJHZ5sWeD6xHp1yLEyE0X1r2biXwMcM2zuki9N4PnYdR6m-9mP-5evGOJvACt_lx6omTB0CWEddpwhSAURAQjY_OwdCkXF2DuzFVPi0FT4mE6eGxFuthbAkNMOUNQd5So/s320/IMG_6257.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He was my very
first nephew and someday when he’s old enough to understand I have a story for
him about how when he was born “Auntie Chelle” held him in her arms and
realized that she needed to do everything she could to be like Jesus… so he
could know Jesus better by knowing her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Yes, he doesn’t
know it, but his birth set off a firecracker chain of events that ultimately
brought me back to serving God… I may have looked like I was doing good, but I
was pro at faking it. Thankful for God’s grace and the reality check Carter
James shook into my world. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Carter-Bear is
almost 3, he loves letters, numbers and learning about EVERYTHING!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju37lj79MxlRGmSZ0IjYZOz6F8LZ_aqwpkuc2nauUF4_sLHHWO3yGOG4aiT1PEOopWqlBYZWtxjVYKX8FiDUOol3VIjykBXnHsPzDgFRs9njMyATgqJxG6nFnYsdBhf35R86F_XTh_j14/s1600/almost+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju37lj79MxlRGmSZ0IjYZOz6F8LZ_aqwpkuc2nauUF4_sLHHWO3yGOG4aiT1PEOopWqlBYZWtxjVYKX8FiDUOol3VIjykBXnHsPzDgFRs9njMyATgqJxG6nFnYsdBhf35R86F_XTh_j14/s320/almost+3.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is Larissa
Claire… the first answer to this Auntie’s prayer for a little niece. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_phS4sKTy3PwdEdGyxs2nkPolRaTtz9DHywTHxxbFqUeivu90QHqadeGUtTgiuosCZoXcQ4niw5AEfZmrgVFIKMcMs0Q1NcGy4rJ0uK2gqFh12PT06UvXw78GWIxPo4e_tH8y_D3I-MA/s1600/veil-fun-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_phS4sKTy3PwdEdGyxs2nkPolRaTtz9DHywTHxxbFqUeivu90QHqadeGUtTgiuosCZoXcQ4niw5AEfZmrgVFIKMcMs0Q1NcGy4rJ0uK2gqFh12PT06UvXw78GWIxPo4e_tH8y_D3I-MA/s320/veil-fun-L.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All my life
I’ve wanted a niece (or at least from the time I realized that siblings could
grow up and get married and have nieces and nephews for me…)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And what a best
first niece she’s been!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The summer she
was born I was learning a lot about God’s plan for people’s lives and how he
has purposed our days even before we lived any of them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In praying for
this little princess, I didn’t realize how much it had been needed… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The day she was
born, I was called in to be designated babysitter to big-brother Carter (then
14 months old) and waited anxiously to hear the news. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Little did we
know what a rough start to life the Princess would have… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">She was born
with her cord wrapped around her neck 7 TIMES! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Miracle child…
she came out white and (amazingly) SCREAMING! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">The doctors
said she was “feisty”… and she holds true to that title to this day. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(just ask her
mother)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjre577jHRDbzovQgL12PeTTy1OekJwvD3LIY8LytamwdSP6CCReg2RBnElzDD9UXZnisUOHwXbieneGTtNcD81pfc6Nx-oT1Fixot4oE9lY2E6xUTyvsXRw_Cyn-_0XxbRKSo-NVGWAk/s1600/Auntie+&+Rissa+summer+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjre577jHRDbzovQgL12PeTTy1OekJwvD3LIY8LytamwdSP6CCReg2RBnElzDD9UXZnisUOHwXbieneGTtNcD81pfc6Nx-oT1Fixot4oE9lY2E6xUTyvsXRw_Cyn-_0XxbRKSo-NVGWAk/s320/Auntie+&+Rissa+summer+2011.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Boo (my
nick-name for her cuz she talks so cute like the kid on “Monsters INC.”) loves
music, shoes, necklaces (any and every accessory), and getting her nails
painted by Auntie Chelle. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This is Joseph
Wesley – or “Baby Wes”… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS2I_8YOmoXpgxnZqwYcd4e2Gen7xDX2in1_Cy58ZZY0qC9-c4Sw7UpvaiAc2xZZy9pnbxCZzgM1uHFiZPWbPWDk5EEEoArPUvpBdT_TtAF5MKu5Y2e6N-ThevAAQgAdSj4LzueED8gw/s1600/Merry+Christmas+Wesley!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVS2I_8YOmoXpgxnZqwYcd4e2Gen7xDX2in1_Cy58ZZY0qC9-c4Sw7UpvaiAc2xZZy9pnbxCZzgM1uHFiZPWbPWDk5EEEoArPUvpBdT_TtAF5MKu5Y2e6N-ThevAAQgAdSj4LzueED8gw/s320/Merry+Christmas+Wesley!.jpg" width="304" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Wesley has a
special place in my heart since his mother is one of the biggest heroes of my
life – my sister. Veronica. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Wesley and I
share a birth month – May babies are always the best. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The year he was
born, my little brother Danny was very sick in the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This was the
year I learned to trust God in the hard times… to fully worship Him no matter
what the circumstance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I think of Wes
as a special gift to our family for trusting God during this time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He’s the
funniest little guy. Such personality! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Not only that!
He lives in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Shanghai</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place>!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Yeah… pretty
sure he’s got a “Made in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>”
tag stuck on him somewhere. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdEe_VMdS9jNaPXJpNQ2shf0xPv36vW43PYF-DWOhh3R-Sm2NvCbN7KUxdtIa7pwPQmyPGxcqvGCQKOs2WBARzLs6lWgRN4IK5unTnB_xzF8WefLI167t8vE817Nj7az7GEqN8qE2Bcc/s1600/Wes+-+10+months.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdEe_VMdS9jNaPXJpNQ2shf0xPv36vW43PYF-DWOhh3R-Sm2NvCbN7KUxdtIa7pwPQmyPGxcqvGCQKOs2WBARzLs6lWgRN4IK5unTnB_xzF8WefLI167t8vE817Nj7az7GEqN8qE2Bcc/s1600/Wes+-+10+months.JPG" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Wesley LOVES
music and singing worship songs with his mommy. He has even been caught
crawling over to his mommy’s music corner and simultaneously hitting her
bongo-drum while plucking guitar strings… such a natural. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Even though I
don’t see him much, we have fun singing “Skinamarinky-dinky-dink” over skype. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And last (so
far)… we have the beautiful Katrina Charis. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6Cdfw8dl47OOZloN_pR0dY8zuZpazAWDi2JvIv84WzZQck2zKQeue2lz38UKj3OGcMwLW8U0MUqL1V1lK4MNKotYdzbt7jE-h4cgSAl9FBeBGg4-rUXQIMLlVftBMNzdkJH_3jVS1ms/s1600/DSCF0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6Cdfw8dl47OOZloN_pR0dY8zuZpazAWDi2JvIv84WzZQck2zKQeue2lz38UKj3OGcMwLW8U0MUqL1V1lK4MNKotYdzbt7jE-h4cgSAl9FBeBGg4-rUXQIMLlVftBMNzdkJH_3jVS1ms/s320/DSCF0232.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">How proud I was
to receive a 2<sup>nd</sup> niece! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Most of what
God has taught me thru this tiny princess is recorded <a href="http://epicphany.blogspot.ca/2012/03/at-momentsnotice-sometimes-lifeis-just.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And even though
she lives a 3-hour plane ride away, she will always have her Auntie’s heart in
a way I can’t describe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Her parents are
two of my best friends. I can’t imagine life without any of them and am SO
thankful to God for bringing us all through that long hospital stay last week! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Baby Trina…
Auntie Chelle is always here for you and is so excited to see the amazing
things God has for your life!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh__xI-qsY6nXz5yV_e2CL2LeKWDWY9Nog3JhJo0jJAeRRwhyphenhyphenzOdps5a28GZQx_Asmaoo5p1pGCzjSX7wrVbd0mw37kD0h6bi3FM3Nv4SauIoLLkic011Ym5ksVvI3W7lKIl5Me4iwQ1k/s1600/IMG00316-20120316-1949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh__xI-qsY6nXz5yV_e2CL2LeKWDWY9Nog3JhJo0jJAeRRwhyphenhyphenzOdps5a28GZQx_Asmaoo5p1pGCzjSX7wrVbd0mw37kD0h6bi3FM3Nv4SauIoLLkic011Ym5ksVvI3W7lKIl5Me4iwQ1k/s320/IMG00316-20120316-1949.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Baby Trina has
captivating dark eyes… (she turned them into puppy mode and melted my heart a
couple times already) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">She too had a
rough start, but through all of our prayers is (finally!) home with mommy &
daddy and doing very well! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">All her nurses
said “She’s a feisty one!”… so I guess that’s a term that’s gonna stick on this
next generation of feisty Eby girls. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Auntie Chelle
couldn’t be more proud… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">These kids fill
my heart like I can’t explain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The other night
a friend asked me what it was like to be an Aunt… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here is what I
told her: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Being auntie is crazy… think of how much
you love your sister. Then duplicate that love and attach it to a vulnerable
tiny version of her… one who loves you and looks up to you beyond anything you
can imagine! <o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">All that to
say… I love being Auntie to these 4. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Excited to see
what crazy adventures God has in store for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I believe they
will change the world!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">This next
generation is not to be taken lightly. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Psalm 78:4-8<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We will not
hide these truths from our children; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">we will tell
the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">about his power
and his mighty wonders. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For he issued
his laws to Jacob; <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">he gave his
instructions to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He commanded
our ancestors <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">to teach them
to their children, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">so the next
generation might know them— <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">even the
children not yet born— <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">and they in
turn will teach their own children. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">So each
generation should set its hope anew on God, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">not forgetting
his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Acts 2:17-18</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">‘In the last
days,’ God says,‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Your sons and
daughters will prophesy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Your young men
will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In those days I
will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike— and they will
prophesy.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-15032983093172152842012-03-15T22:28:00.000-04:002012-03-15T23:01:55.082-04:00Pressured into something beautiful... Day 25 of 40<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Day 25 of 40</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">“God has a
purpose behind every problem. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He uses
circumstances to develop our character. In fact, he depends more on
circumstances to make us like Jesus than he depends on our reading the Bible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The reason is
obvious: You face circumstances 24-HOURS a DAY!” <br />
(direct excerpt from The Purpose Driven Life – Day 25 – Transformed by Trouble)
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">12 Dear
friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if
something strange were happening to you. 13 Instead, be very glad—for these
trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have
the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">1 Peter 4:12-13
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Here’s a point
to ponder as you drift off to sleep tonight… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What are a few
of the most valuable things in the world? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And yes, we’re
talking materialistic. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Things of the
highest value… things that will last and get passed down to generations. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Your latest
apple technology won’t last long enough to pass on to your grandchildren (and,
I’m sorry, neither will Blackberry). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What about
diamonds? Silver? Gold? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">All beautiful.
All very long-lasting substances. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How are they
made? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Are they
instantaneous? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Not a chance!!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Diamonds alone
take years before they surface to the earth’s atmosphere! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In fact, there
are kinds of diamonds that will dissolve entirely if they are released into the
atmosphere too soon. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">They take
literally YEARS – whether naturally fashioned, or man-made – before they become
the glittering frame of gorgeous displayed in a ring or necklace. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The diamond
goes through a lot of heat, pressure, chiselling, and polishing before it is
fit to be used in any beautiful way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s the same
with our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Nothing worth
having comes easy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We live in a
society of greed, selfishness, and a media that tells us everyday that it’s all
about having what you want right NOW!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The fast-food
generation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Let me ask you…
if we base so much on NOW, how will we ever get to the finish line looking like
a finely fashioned diamond? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s the trials
that fashion our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The mundane
daily grind that we live in called: LIFE. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Whether you
work full-time in the white-collar district or part-time at McDonald’s, I’m
sure you know what I mean. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s tough out
there! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But it’s these trials
that shape us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God never said
we’d have it easy, being Christians (and I’m sorry if anyone ever told you that
being a Christian makes life easier… it doesn’t. But Jesus is SO worth it!) He
only said we’d never go through anything He hasn’t already paved the way thru
for us!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He actually
PROMISED we’d have trouble! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">John 16:33<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I have told you
all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many
trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Take heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No matter what
troubles or sorrows you’re going thru right now, its worth it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">HE is worth it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Just as it
takes years for a diamond to be shaped and fashioned and chiselled into a
beautiful thing… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So it is with
your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Trust that He
knows what He’s doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And know that
no matter what you’re going thru… He has already been there, He knows what’s
going to happen, and He has overcome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He will build
your character thru trials, if you let Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And you will
come out of this high-pressured, heat-filled environment as the beautiful
diamond that He has always destined you
to be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">“But he knows
where I am going. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> And when he tests me, I will come out as
pure as gold.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> Job 23:10</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-56034417230336458502012-03-14T23:03:00.003-04:002012-03-14T23:08:49.905-04:00Don't starve yourself... Day 24 of 40<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Lets be real...
please? </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Most people
aren't. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">But that's not the
point I want to bring out... </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">I'm gonna be
real. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Last week I was in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Saskatchewan</st1:place></st1:state>... I didn't
have time, and didn't make time, to read The Purpose Driven Life, or even my
Bible! </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Since being home
I've been having a hard time cultivating the habit God has been calling me to
form... a habit of pursuit. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Pursuit of my
relationship with Him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">It's true He's
always there... and when the Prodigal son decided to return home to father - even
if just to be a slave in his father's house - his father RAN to meet him! </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">But we must first
decide. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Who do you
serve? </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">You can't serve God
and **insert-weakness-here** at the same time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">That's not the way
it works. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">So let me be
real... </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Finally yesterday I
picked up my Purpose Driven Life book and attempted to read where I'd left off
- Day 24. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">And guess God is
trying to get a point across cuz it's all about reading your bible. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">The truth of the
Bible transforms us into who God wants us to be. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">It's like
food. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">You wouldn't just
skip a day without food, would you? Even if you didn't feel like eating? </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">I know... it took me
a long time to realize that the bible is my spiritual sustenance. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">I can't live without
it... can't live without HIM. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">His words, His
presence... Everything about Him penetrating my very core. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">The other night I
cried out to God cuz I wasn't sure what was going on in my life anymore (this
is just me being real... but the details are between me and Him.)... </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">I cried out and He
just simply asked: WHY are you starving yourself?? </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">It's a pursuit...
one that begins with me. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Once I pursue His
presence, He is faithful to show up in more ways than I can imagine. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">But it begins with a
heart change. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">A heart that no
matter what, I will pursue His presence daily. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">Let me encourage you
to keep pursuing Him. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">It sometimes takes a
little bit at a time, or even a REALLY good accountability partner to kick you
in the rear once in a while (God gave me an accountability friend. You
can read her 40-day blog here:<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://madeforamission.tumblr.com/">Made
for a Mission</a> ) </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">But I hope you turn
fully back to Him. And just like the Prodigal, find that Father-God has been
running to meet you all this time. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">In conclusion I'd
like to leave you with tonight's "song-on-repeat" that sums up my
heart right now. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 24pt;">And no matter where
you are in the world, may it bring a new realization of His love for you... and
how you (and I) truly can't live without His presence. </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So Jesus said to the Jews who had
believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples,<b><sup> </sup></b>and
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3;">John 8:31-32 </span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-14536035591519844142012-03-04T21:44:00.001-05:002012-03-04T21:45:22.978-05:00At a moment's notice... (written on the plane yesterday)<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes life
is just so surpising you don’t really know what to do with yourself.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">3 days ago I woke
up to a normal Wednesday not knowing how drastically life could change with the
arrival of one small baby girl. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As I write this
I am somewhere above <st1:place w:st="on">Lake Michigan</st1:place> on a plane
to go see her. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Her parents
have always been some of my favourite people in the world. I must say tho, when
I was a bridesmaid in their wedding… or even further back when we 3 were best
friends with a ton of dreams, not knowing the future would hold love for them. I
never ever expected this trip. This journey into bringing tiny baby Katrina
Charis into this world to meet us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Her name is
regal and important. Not just because this auntie would drop everything to go
be by her side in a <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Regina</st1:place></st1:city>
hospital, but also because her name means something very significant to my
heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Katrina means “Pure”.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think of this
baby… more pure than any other with her early entry into this world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think of how
pure the Father’s love for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But God
demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Romans 5:8<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Her middle
name: Charis. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Charis is the
Greek word for “grace”. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His grace is
sufficient for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This beautiful
baby girl’s name has significant meaning to me… I seem to be running a theme
this winter with my 40 day challenge. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A theme of love
vase as the ocean. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A message of PURE
GRACE sent out to any who believe in the greatness of our God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So as I look
out of this airplane window to a sight so vast, I remember his love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His pure grace.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A love that no
scroll could contain the whole, tho it stretched from sky to sky. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">May pure grace
penetrate your heart and even at a moments notice change your world around
completely… even as tiny Katrina Charis has changed mine this week. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAga3vlQPR3zgWA_9cBQ3KXMuWn1D-3p5pQZBZaTJepfNC1l2br4H3jUeIIfEpzOu0Apn3_SLCJ1vI_3JLjKQ8NMyBgr_SXmpyF4QpW5pKsYhyghYH2rdToz23Gmt1yCLttFnl1I7rjIQ/s1600/Katrina+Charis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAga3vlQPR3zgWA_9cBQ3KXMuWn1D-3p5pQZBZaTJepfNC1l2br4H3jUeIIfEpzOu0Apn3_SLCJ1vI_3JLjKQ8NMyBgr_SXmpyF4QpW5pKsYhyghYH2rdToz23Gmt1yCLttFnl1I7rjIQ/s320/Katrina+Charis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">(40 days of
purpose/blogging will resume when I get home this weekend as there is no
internet access at the hospital.) </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-16944193135847270082012-03-01T18:22:00.000-05:002012-03-01T18:22:46.615-05:00Grow up, little baby...<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 23 of 40 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Growing up… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Here’s how it
starts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You’re a baby,
totally dependent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Last night we
welcomed a brand new baby girl into my family – my tiny niece came 6 weeks
early due to complications with my sister-in-law. Praising God today that new
Mummy and tiny 4lb 2oz baby girl (who is yet, un-named) are both doing well. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This tiny baby
girl has a piece of this Auntie’s heart already. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Because she is
premature and so small, she is in an incubator with a few things to help her breathe
etc… as she is not even fully developed!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This is what we
are like when we first become Christians. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Everything is
so new in the world that any adventure could happen, though we don’t even
realize what all life may hold. We are dependent on people to feed us and help
us develop. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As a precious,
beautiful newborn we are completely pure without anything weighing us down. We have
completely discarded all the waste of our old life in the womb and come into a
bright new world of possibility with a very capable God in control. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">1 Peter 2:1-3
(NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So get rid of
all evil behaviour. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all
unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so
that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this
nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But God doesn’t
want us to stay in the newborn stage. He wants to see us grow up and become
mature functioning people in the Kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So often we
stay there… hooked up to oxygen to help us breathe… depending on people for
nourishment and whining when something is wrong… letting others clean up our
gross messes… crying all the time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This is not God’s
idea of a functioning church body. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s time to
grow up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As with
anything else, we can’t do this on our own. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That’s why God
appointed spiritual authority to help us grow up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But we must let
them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">See, the
difference is that my beautiful baby niece has no choice but to grow. (in fact,
she will have grown a lot without even thinking about it by the time her Auntie
Chelle even gets to see her in person!) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But as
Christians, we have to make the choice to grow up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If we just stay
dependent on others and crying and whining and pooping our spiritual pants
about everything in our lives, we will stay there and eventually become such an
annoyance to the rest of our local church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I mean, think
about that for a second. Would you want a baby that always stays a baby? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I have 2 nephews
and a niece who are turning 1, 2 and 3 this spring/summer and they are SO much
fun! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">They are
learning so much everyday and Carter – the oldest – is already learning bible
stories and understanding that the snake in his “Adam & Eve” story is VERY
very bad snake. He also recently learned that commandment #5 (in his 10
commandments story) is obey mommy and daddy! All his parents have to say is “number
five”, and Carter will do exactly what they tell him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">See! This is
what growing up is all about!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As mature
Christians we need to get past the newborn stage and grow up into all the
things God has for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God wants us to
grow up into the person He created us to be like… Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ooSjqEMIrky1sYxv2sdXe3lZU6dlLrMk46ZIlFo0HiJ-ZnF4AVS4F8nbNFXHzaTSQqMqWNP8SwAvD5ix4LfcbHDPLlskMycG26cUN-5fsSK_T4ZzXvkrayB1tJQKzFSIcN77FoVy_3g/s1600/Florida+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ooSjqEMIrky1sYxv2sdXe3lZU6dlLrMk46ZIlFo0HiJ-ZnF4AVS4F8nbNFXHzaTSQqMqWNP8SwAvD5ix4LfcbHDPLlskMycG26cUN-5fsSK_T4ZzXvkrayB1tJQKzFSIcN77FoVy_3g/s320/Florida+2012.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larissa & Carter </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br /></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-22102593516572443292012-02-29T11:53:00.000-05:002012-02-29T11:53:03.688-05:00Building the C-Word... *whisper*CHARACTER*whisper*<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Day 22 of 40! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Purpose #3: You
were created to become like Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Dear friends,
don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something
strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you
partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy
of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world. 1
Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">3-5All praise
to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy!
God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard
times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going
through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was
there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the
Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a
full measure of that, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> 6-7When we suffer for Jesus, it works out for
your healing and salvation. If we are treated well, given a helping hand and
encouraging word, that also works to your benefit, spurring you on, face
forward, unflinching. Your hard times are also our hard times. When we see that
you're just as willing to endure the hard times as to enjoy the good times, we
know you're going to make it, no doubt about it. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes life
just throws a curveball your way. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You think to
yourself, wait… I don’t get it. God, this wasn’t supposed to happen this way! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But did He ever
say life was gonna be easy? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Did he say he’d
never leave you or forsake you?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">YES! Never ever
will he leave your side. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes it
may not feel like he’s there… but like I said last night, don’t base life on
feelings. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">One time I was
going through something and God felt so entirely distant that I couldn’t see
how he was working things out for good AT all. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I was so
discouraged that I looked up at the sky and complained, “Even the stars aren’t
out!” (stars are my favourite things… the Bible says God just “made the stars
also”. As if something so magnificent were an afterthought to the sky. I like
to think he made them just to astound us.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">My best friend,
Annette, was there at the time – just being the beautiful, encouraging person
that she is. She leaned over and said, “The stars are still there… it just
takes more faith!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s the same
way with God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We can’t see
him… can’t even see him working a lot of times. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">During the
hardest times in life we can’t even feel his presence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But He promises
never to leave us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Anything hard
that happens in life is a result of his love for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He doesn’t want
us to stay the same miserable people, so he keeps bringing us hard times to
work out all the sinful nature, to trust Him more, and to ultimately become
more like Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Like anything
else in life, we can’t do this on our own strength. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We need the
Holy Spirit living and vibrant inside of us to be able to get through these
trials. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The trials
aren’t meant to burn us and make us useless, but instead God intends to refine
us, like gold. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">When gold is
refined in the fire, all the impurities float to the surface and are then able
to be taken out. This is the only way to achieve the result of pure gold. And
trials are the only way to achieve the pure image of Christ we are called to
carry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Why would we
complain about trials as if something strange were happening to us? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">All God wants
to do is purify us into the beautiful people He has created us to be. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So many times
we try to avoid hardships, but it is in that moment of desperation that we find
we have nowhere else to turn to except our Heavenly Father. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No matter what
you’re going through right now, remember – God has a reason for everything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Building
character is part of the journey. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And we are
never alone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Consider it a
sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You
know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its
true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its
work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (MSG) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In closing… a
thought on trials and building character from a beautiful young woman: Ginny
Owens. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eLgkt3OCMCc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">“It’s never the
trial that makes us stronger… it’s what we choose to do with that trial. If we
choose to lay that at the foot of the cross and say, ‘Lord, I give this to
you.’ And also if you choose to know that He has us exactly where we’re
supposed to be.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> - Ginny Owens. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-33936356598489556122012-02-28T23:14:00.000-05:002012-02-28T23:14:06.937-05:00Where is the Love??<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Where is the
love? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Day 21 of 40
(they say it takes 21 days to form a habit… I think I’m addicted. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> ) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So tonight I am
ending our section on being part of the church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But … I am NOT
ending the part of living it out, merely the reading about it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Let me ask you
a personal question… how do you feel? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Not the “how
are you?” that we so flippantly throw around and don’t really expect a genuine
answer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In fact, when
we get a genuine answer we’re often shocked and don’t really know how to handle
the “situation”… so we quickly change the subject to sunnier skies. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That is, this
is the case if you were feeling rotten that day… as most of us do, on most
days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If, on the off
chance, you come across someone who is AMAZING! You immediately ask why and
they are delighted to tell you. This usually makes you feel equally as
uncomfortable as the first! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Why are we so
consumed by our emotions? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God created us
this way… even Jesus wept on several occasions. His life mirrors perfection,
and yet he still knew the grief of losing a loved one. He had to endure
hardships of family responsibility – being the oldest and expected to take care
of his mother. He saw one of his best friends die. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And later in
life, he experienced probably the harshest betrayal of friendship ever known –
betrayal unto the most horrible type of execution. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Imagine all of
the emotions that consumed him as he hung on that cross to die for you and me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">However, He
loved us THAT much that he knew it was the only way… so he gave up how he felt
about the matter and turned his heart towards God once again and lived – and
died – in obeidience to his Father. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So… let me ask
you a personal question. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How do you
feel? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What emotions
are dragging you down? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Is there
something over the last 3 weeks – since I’ve started speaking out and writing
on these topics from The Purpose Driven Life – or perhaps even further back,
the Holy Spirit has been nudging you to deal with emotionally. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">To pick
yourself back up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Say to
yourself, yes… I will follow Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Yes, I will. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I can’t live
without him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Perhaps there’s
a person you need to talk to… but you don’t feel like it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Perhaps there’s
something God is asking you to DO… or something you need to deal with
personally. Or a habit you finally need to kick. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But you don’t FEEL
like it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Do you think
Jesus FELT like being tortured? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What if he had
– and we know he had the power to do so – what if he had actually asked to be
taken off that cross. To not endure the torture and the ridicule and all the
pain and emotional trauma. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What if he had
simply – not felt like it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And yet, his
love kept him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">For some
reason, He passionately loved us in spite of our imperfections. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He LOVES us!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His obedience
made him turn aside from his feelings and go through with everything God had
planned for him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Let me ask you
another personal question… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How do you feel
about your church? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Do you only go
when you feel like it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">There are so
many things God asks us to be obedient in – out of love, not legalism. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And one
extremely important one is this: Loving his bride – the Church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Will you focus
on unity in your church that God has chosen for you to be planted in? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Will you
passionately love the church – in spite of her imperfections? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Will you honour
your Pastors as the God-appointed spiritual leaders in your life? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Will you be
obedient in this small way and love your church the way the bible says? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Or do you
simply – not feel like it today. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Perhaps Love is
not a feeling… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Dear friends,
let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves
is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know
God, for God is love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">1 John 4:7-8 </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-79053393554870518272012-02-27T23:08:00.003-05:002012-02-27T23:08:20.812-05:003 R's - Relationship Restoration and Reconciliation...<br />
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</div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Day 20 of 40!
(halfway mark! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> ) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Relationships are
always worth restoring. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Ok. So we’ve
established the importance of church family, how much we need community, and
how we need to be an example to people of God’s true love in human form here on
earth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But that still leaves
us wondering… what about the days we drive eachother crazy? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What about
those times when our relationships with our church family are put in jeopardy. Those
days when we’d rather be anywhere and with anyone else… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Those are the
days when God steps in with Paul’s words to the Philippians… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If you've
gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any
difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything
to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each
other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the
front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help
others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget
yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> 5-8Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus
thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of
himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.
Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took
on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human.
It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges.
Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient
death—and the worst kind of death at that—a crucifixion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> 9-11Because of that obedience, God lifted him
high and honored him far beyond anyone or anything, ever, so that all created
beings in heaven and on earth—even those long ago dead and buried—will bow in
worship before this Jesus Christ, and call out in praise that he is the Master
of all, to the glorious honor of God the Father. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">(Philippians
2:1-11 MSG) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">(I know, that
was a lot of Bible … but I literally couldn’t leave any of it out!) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Putting yourself
aside isn’t easy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Like Rick
Warren talks about in today’s chapter, it takes a <st1:place w:st="on">LOT</st1:place>
of spiritual maturity. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But by the
power of the Holy Spirit, we can do this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We can live in
unity with the entire Body of Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No more silly
fights… be slow to speak and slow to become angry. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No more
offenses… live harmoniously, always esteeming others as better than yourself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Live like Jesus…
in complete obedience to what the Father wanted Him to do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You know,
sometimes we get so caught up in the “who said what” of a situation and how we
can fix this on our own strength. And we forget that all we simply have to do
is let the Holy Spirit change our hearts in the situation. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What does Jesus
have to say about restoring friendships? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This is how I
want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of
worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend
has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend
and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with
God. (Matthew 5:23-24) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Pretty straight
forward. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And believe me,
I’ve tried it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The biggest
blessings in my life happened right after I went to a friend and made things
right with him/her… it’s not just a suggestion. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God loves when
His kids take the initiative and go make things right with someone. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s a picture
of Jesus’ love for us, really. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If He loved us
and forgave us, the least we can do is love and forgive our family, friends,
enemies, etc. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s not a
suggestion… it’s a requirement. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Jesus said: <br />
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive
you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your
sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He loves when
we seek restoration and unity in His church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So… where
should we start? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Don’t wait…
life’s too short to wait. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-40704321844855966042012-02-26T21:37:00.000-05:002012-02-26T21:37:02.882-05:00They'll know we are Christians by... L-O-V-E!<br />
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 19 of 40… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">I love how this
40 days of purpose/blogging has taken me through the chapters on Church Family
right smack on top of the week my beloved churchy celebrated our 27<sup>th</sup>
anniversary! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No such things
as coincidence when God is involved, that’s for sure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Today’s chapter
was on cultivating community. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Community is a
wonderful thing. Having people that do life along with you is beautiful and a
great source of accountability. People who care about your life and where you’re
headed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">J<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">ames</st1:place></st1:city> 3:18<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The Message
(MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Real wisdom,
God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along
with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings,
not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy,
robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do
the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with
dignity and honour.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You see, it ain’t
all fun and games. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God knew we’d
have to work hard and trust Him to stay true to each other. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But let me ask
you this… when you go to work, what do the people you work with say about
churches? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Do they say
people are always fighting… They say it’s just a bunch of rules and regulations...
A breeding ground for hypocrites? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">See, the reason
we need to live out our purpose of living as people formed for God’s family is
because every other person in the world NEEDS to know what exactly that looks
like! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How will they
know without our example? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">1 John 3:16<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">By this we know
love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our
lives for the brethren.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Our society is
based around unfaithfulness. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We see it
everyday. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I’ll spare you
details, but I’m sure you can come up with a few. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We’re all
guilty – that’s why Jesus had to die. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We can’t point
fingers without feeling that twinge of guilt. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If we truly
Love each other as brothers and sisters in the church, we should make an effort
to consciously stand up for each other and build each other up daily. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think of that
one person who drives you up the wall… or maybe it’s two or three. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Does God love
them? Did He make them in His own image? Did Jesus give His life’s blood for
them too?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Then who are
you to judge? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s only by
His grace that we are saved, loved, and restored into relationship with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Grace… think
about it. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How can we love
them though? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">On my own
strength it’s impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Only by His
strength. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Only by the
Spirit of God indwelling us and working through us, can I love people the way
God loves them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This is my
purpose in life, to bring glory to God by loving people. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Everyday I have
to ask Him for strength. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Paul knew what
he was saying when he wrote to the many churches. Encouraging them to rise up
and change things so the world would know they were Christians by their love
for each other. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Through the
power of the Holy Spirit, this and so much more is possible. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Real fellowship
with our church family comes through a right relationship with God and the Holy
Spirit empowering us to love each other!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Today my love
for my church family is renewed because of a reminder of who we are as a church
and the firm foundation we’ve been building the last 27 years. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God’s church is
meant to be a beautiful reflection of his love for his people… and my prayer is
that wherever you find yourself tonight, your love for the church will be recommitted
and that the Holy Spirit living in you will empower you to love them for the
rest of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Colossians
3:12-15 (NLT) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Since God chose
you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted
mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each
other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you,
so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which
binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from
Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live
in peace. And always be thankful.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-10061019835607724632012-02-25T23:27:00.000-05:002012-06-21T23:48:28.518-04:00How God chose my church - Day 18 of 40<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 18 of 40… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Romans 12:4-6<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">New Living
Translation (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Just as our
bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with
Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In his grace,
God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has
given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has
given you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God chose my
church for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Literally… I wasn’t
looking for these people, God just put me right there with them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Anyone who knew
me then and still knows me now, often say what a difference that church family
has made in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God knows what
He’s doing and He has all my steps planned out in front of me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He knew what He
was doing when he made my sister meet Pastor Jan Finochio in the gym that May…
He knew what he was doing when I first set foot in that little church on a Sunday
morning and fell in love with the place and the few amazing people I met… and
He definitely knew what he was doing when he cancelled my plans to go to
college out East, and threw being an intern into my lap about a week later. Thus,
beginning the 2 most amazing years of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Got to know
incredible people who have been and still are here for the journey of life –
the destination: Heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We can’t get
there without having this amazing fellowship to encourage eachother on. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We need
eachother’s encouragement – not just on a Sunday, but everyday of the week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As we continue
to build our relationship with Jesus, He continues to build our relationships
to eachother. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That’s why we
need the body of Christ – Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the
law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God is good. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He knows what
he’s doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You can trust
him with your future. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">My story is
only one of many stories moulded, shaped, painted, or even refined by a
beautiful Jesus who so desperately wants a close relationship with His people. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His second
desire is to see us love the church in the same way that He does. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">For all of
eternity. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">One last thing,
tomorrow I get to go to this lovely <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Crossroads</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>
that I call home. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I get to be
part of an incredible worship team that loves God and puts His glory first. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I get to be
there early and stay late and be part of something bigger than myself…
something that is going to impact this area, this nation… probably even the
world! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I get to go to
church tomorrow and love Jesus by loving the people He has placed in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Tomorrow I get
to say Happy 27<sup>th</sup> Anniversary, Crossroads… and then fellowship (in
the biblical sense of the word) with people young and old who are called to
love the church, just as I am. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">This is one of
the greatest purposes of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Wishing you all
a beautiful Sunday! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBXjhzBjVwQD3iTXMX2_PUaObxfcidPKZjU-1-GLFPaQZFXSiv0v5-DQ4tEHKn7n8cuIUrnt1ePp3WM4p1PcYMWpmtA_i4Az_c7YIiELavWQcpWCxJX2tFHefvjQoCszx253h1Q6LW7U/s1600/Crossroads+WT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBXjhzBjVwQD3iTXMX2_PUaObxfcidPKZjU-1-GLFPaQZFXSiv0v5-DQ4tEHKn7n8cuIUrnt1ePp3WM4p1PcYMWpmtA_i4Az_c7YIiELavWQcpWCxJX2tFHefvjQoCszx253h1Q6LW7U/s640/Crossroads+WT.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crossroads Fall 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-89779598901001013322012-02-24T23:03:00.002-05:002012-02-24T23:03:13.126-05:00Short, sweet, and bruised...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 17 of 40</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I wish I could
take a lot of time and expand on my thoughts on chapter 17 tonight... Talking
about the body of Christ is something I am incredibly passionate about. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">However, I had
the klutziest moment of life today and took a nasty fall resulting in bruises
up and down my legs and a very sore back as well as a headache... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Also, Rick
Warren sums up pretty much everything you need to know about the church and why
it is important... I encourage you to grab your copy of The Purpose Driven Life
and read this one for yourself! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">SO worth it.
Trust me. :-)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But just to
reiterate my thoughts from last night... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Here is Love,
vast as the ocean. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So even when
life knocks the wind out of your sails... even when life gets you all bruised
up and exhausted and covered with snow... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Just keep
remembering how great how wide and how deep His love for us really is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Romans 8:38-39<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">New Living
Translation (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And I am convinced that nothing can ever
separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor
demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even
the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky
above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able
to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-76770618433372730332012-02-23T23:19:00.000-05:002012-02-23T23:27:12.274-05:00I had a talk with Jesus today... Day 16<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 16 of 40<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Matthew 25:34-40<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Then the King
will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take
what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's
foundation. And here's why: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was hungry and you fed me, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was homeless and you gave me a room, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was shivering and you gave me clothes, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was sick and you stopped to visit, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> I was in prison and you came to me.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Then those
'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever
see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever
see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm
telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone
overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> -
Jesus - <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Love… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Jesus is the
ultimate picture of Love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Today I was
thinking about Jesus and talking with him as I did things around my house. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I was listening
to the song “I see Jesus”, sung by Kim Walker (also mentioned on day #12) and I
suddenly felt his presence so much (remember, worship him and he shows up…
really incredible). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I felt like he
said to me, “Michelle. I could have chosen not to go to the cross. But then I thought
of you, and I knew I had to. Even if it had only been for you, I still would
have gone.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Wow. How can a
girl respond… except by loving him and wanting to do anything for him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">“With one
breath He could’ve spoke to end it all, <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But instead He cried
‘Father forgive them’.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> -
Kim Walker – I see Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">During that
moment it was as if I could see Him on the cross and I wondered why there
couldn’t have been an easier way to save us… but with his “Even if it had only
been for you”, I knew that it had to be that way. He could have spoke one word
and just gone straight back up to heaven. But what of the people He loved? Even
if he could have saved his disciples and anyone else right then and there (but
from a justice point of view he still would’ve had to take THEIR punishment,
because they were sinners too)… He looked ahead. He saw a future of people He
wanted in heaven with Him someday, and He knew He had to die. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">After all, He loves YOU... and you weren't even born yet. :)</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">John 15:13<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Greater love
has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What is your
response to this? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Does it tug on
your heart a little? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Does it make
your eyes water? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I hope this
message of love moves you to action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Because, you
see… its like in the verse I opened with. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Love is not
love unless it moves us to take immediate action. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It may look
crazy to everyone around you! Even some of your closest friends may not
understand… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Who in this
world is God calling you to love? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It may even
just be for a moment… bringing a smile to a stranger’s face in passing… giving
money to that person God has laid on your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Or it may even last
for a lifetime. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How does one
lay down his life for his friends? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Die to your
selfish desires and start getting out there and sharing His love across this
globe. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Love
Revolution. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Even to the
least of these… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86NY1T6-zqCGjlEwEO_UDFkqaTMI7WtDsVvadInkWQgV_BeRIFx8OS6I_Oz_4S_hsvkRxOBGQiH9ax-dDkga2DDorRx1N1oR6o47lMks6bXEQpRVKTMwRZB_oCDGisBHndCfvbArho5w/s1600/IMG_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86NY1T6-zqCGjlEwEO_UDFkqaTMI7WtDsVvadInkWQgV_BeRIFx8OS6I_Oz_4S_hsvkRxOBGQiH9ax-dDkga2DDorRx1N1oR6o47lMks6bXEQpRVKTMwRZB_oCDGisBHndCfvbArho5w/s320/IMG_0118.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Crossroads Haiti Trip 2011</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-80972748618503950882012-02-22T22:42:00.002-05:002012-02-22T22:42:38.252-05:00Family time on steroids!<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Day 15
of 40... </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Purpose #2 - You were formed for God's
family! </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ephesians
1:5<o:p></o:p></span></span></h3>
<div class="txt-sm" style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">New
Living Translation (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><sup id="en-NLT-29172"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">5</span></sup></b><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"> God decided in
advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus
Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The family of God is so much more amazing than
I ever imagined. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Think about it. You're taking SO many people
from all these different places in life and all different nations and cultures
and blending them into one huge family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I never used to think much about it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Church was just something that happened every
Sunday at 11:00 and it was over and we were out of there by 12:30... maybe 1 if
we talked for a really long time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It wasn't until I was an intern at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Crossroads</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place>
that the real meaning of Church family started to sink in. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn't choose my church, God did. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">From day one, it was all God that got me there
and it is and always will be God that keeps me there. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But somehow, within those walls, I've found a
family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have Pastors who look out for me, spiritually
and in so many other ways as well. The Pastors are like having a Dad away from
home, so to speak. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Their wives are amazing "mothers" to
anyone who needs good counsel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I have adopted aunts... sisters... brothers...
and everything in between. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are a community of people who are all
seeking the same thing - to build the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place>
and encourage eachother along the way. :) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Every Sunday is like the whole family coming
home for dinner... it's like family time on steroids. And you really never know
what's gonna happen!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(No joke! On New years day this year, we even
got to witness a real live proposal! Yep! My friend Nathan proposed to my
friend Kayla right on stage. Now there's a couple that believes in including
your church family in absolutely EVERYTHING!) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lets just say <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Crossroads</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Community</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> is NEVER
boring! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And anyone who thinks church is boring, I dare
you to come check this place out. (2 services 9 & 11 am. - <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Harriston</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Ontario</st1:state></st1:place>.
Beside the water tower.) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In this next section of The Purpose Driven
Life, we will get into a lot of aspects of church that I can get very
passionate about. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Should be an interesting week. ;) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For tonight, rest in this thought - I was
created for the purpose of being placed in a family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It's not something we decide for ourselves...
even if you think you chose your church, you probably didn't. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16:9&version=NKJV"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Proverbs 16:9</span></a></span></strong><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><br />
A man’s heart plans <b>his</b> way, But <b>the</b> <b>LORD</b> <b>directs</b> <b>his</b> <b>steps</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One last story to set the stage... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When I was a little girl and all through my
teenage years, my Dad always said something I still hear ringing in my ears
every day of my life... <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Anytime we left the house to go out with
friends or anything he would say: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Think about it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am a child of God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am part of God's family. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am part of the Body of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I am His beloved child. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">He has great plans and purpose for my
life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who are you? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You are His. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-69918857448304495822012-02-21T23:15:00.000-05:002012-02-21T23:16:20.163-05:00Transparent Worship Pt.2... It is well, no matter what.<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Day 14 of 40</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">“When you feel
abandoned by God, yet continue to trust him, you worship him in the deepest way…”</span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">-
The Purpose Driven Life – </span><br />
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Chapter 14 – When God seems Distant -</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">I feel I must
continue on last night’s thoughts… but to those who are hurting in this world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">It’s not always
an exhilarating feeling to worship Him with everything. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes it
costs something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes it
hurts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes you
don’t think you can do it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Sometimes you
don’t even know if you can make it through. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">There was a
specific time in my life, not very long ago, that I had to learn to worship God
no matter what my circumstances were. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">No matter how
hard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">No matter how
much it hurt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">And no matter
what the outcome would be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Last spring my
family went through one of the hardest times in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">My little
brother, Danny got really sick. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">(for more
specific details to his illness read <a href="http://epicphany.blogspot.com/2011/05/danny-for-those-who-have-been-praying.html">HERE</a>) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">I remember one
dark night when I was home alone, I got a call saying Danny was worse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">He hadn’t eaten
in 2 weeks and the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the skinny
little boy with Cerebral Palsy. He couldn’t even sit up in his wheelchair
anymore. He was just a thin, transparent little guy in a hospital bed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">That night will
probably be remembered as one of the hardest in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">I didn’t know
what to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">I didn’t want
to go through this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">It was too
hard. It hurt too much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">During this
time I found out first hand that “Church Family” meant literally. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">There was one
amazing woman who held my hand through that dark night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Deb Jensen, I
can’t begin to describe how amazing she is. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">That night I e-mailed
her because I just couldn’t do it anymore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">She said
something I’ll never ever forget. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">She said, “Michelle.
I know it’s hard and I know you feel like you can’t go on… but something you
really need to do is go upstairs to your piano and worship God. This might be
the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but you HAVE to do it. You have to be able to
tell God that no matter the outcome of this, it will be well with your soul.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">That was the
night God taught me that no matter what was going on in life, whatever
circumstance I’d find myself in, I would learn to just lose myself in His
presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">See, a funny
thing happens when you worship. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">It’s like God
shows up and fights the battle for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Try reading 2
Chronicles 20… here we find a story of a King who was up against a lot of major
armies in the world at that time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">BUT… when he
sent the worshippers out into the battlefield FIRST, that was when God showed
up and killed all their enemies <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">No, it doesn’t
mean that your circumstances will go away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">But remember
the peace we talked about yesterday? The real pearls… not the fake ones you
cling to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Peace comes…
and Joy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Only in His
presence can you finally feel that empty space filled with something that will
last. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">One last story
before I leave you tonight. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Take a penny (I
know you have one lying around somewhere). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Hold it about a
foot from your nose. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Now focus on it
as if it’s the only thing in the room. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">All you can see
is the penny!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Now try
focusing on something that is beyond the penny. (maybe a person?) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Now can you see
the penny? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">No. It’s as if
by focusing on something larger, then penny does not even exist. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">It doesn’t
matter. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Oh it didn’t go
away, but your focus changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">That’s exactly
like the things in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">When you focus
on your circumstances, they completely consume your life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Your vision
goes only as far as they do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">However, if you
look beyond the circumstances and focus on Jesus… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">Well, then your
circumstance is just… a penny! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">It may not go
away. But your focus has changed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">God showed up
and is fighting your battle for you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">You can sleep
easy knowing that He is in charge and He will carry you through this. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Even if you can’t
feel Him right now or even understand what He’s doing, He is still there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Trust Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: large;">Psalm 121 (NLT) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: large;">I look up to
the mountains— does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who
made heaven and earth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: large;">He will not let
you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who
watches over <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
never slumbers or sleeps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: large;"> The LORD himself watches over you! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">The LORD stands beside you as your
protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">nor the moon at night.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">The LORD keeps
you from all harm </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">and watches over your life. The LORD
keeps watch over you as you come and go, </span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">both now and forever.</span></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-28038455143647360622012-02-20T23:26:00.001-05:002012-02-20T23:27:04.460-05:00Transparent worship... part of my story.<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Day 13 of 40…</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">I must say, Day
13 (The Purpose Driven Life – by Rick Warren… for those of you just popping in
for a read of my blog) was definitely my favourite so far. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I’m might get a
bit transparent with you in tonight’s blog. Partly cuz I’m over-tired, and
partly cuz I’ve just had a good talk with Jesus and my heart is full of Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So much in this
chapter mirrors my life so far. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God has really
taken me on a journey in worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I used to think
the word “worship” was just a type of song… a slow-ish song. And “praise” was a
faster song. Both sung at church, without much thought that went in to the
words. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Part of me
thought that, anyways. But there was another part of me that disagreed with
myself and what I saw displayed in church life around me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Perhaps it was
because my roots were from a church unlike the one I had found myself in. Kids
always, for some reason, seem to get back to their roots at some point. This is
why – often – a child who is raised in Sunday-school, and then grows away from
that as an adult, is more likely to return to church later on in life, than a
child who wasn’t raised in church. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I was
definitely a church girl all the way through… but the kind of churches
displayed different characteristics. Not wrong, just different. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Now back to
worship… I remember one of the first times I started waking up in regards to
what worship really was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It was at a
youth retreat when I was 18. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I had
laryngitis… yup. Couldn’t speak a single word above a whisper!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Not the best
way to go to youth camp with all your friends you wish you could talk to. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That was the
fall God started shaking my world up a little. You know, those times when you
feel like God is trying to blow all the stale rituals away and bring you in to
that uncomfortable area of surrender? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Our guest
speaker came up to me and introduced himself and his wife (I didn’t know that
they were to become some of my favourite people in the world, awesome role
models, and great friends who would pray me thru some hard times) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I managed to
croak out something about having laryngitis and how I was sad because I loved
singing the new songs we always learned for camp.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He laughed and
said, “you don’t have to sing to worship God!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So profound…
and I wonder if he knows that moment changed my perspective and set the stage
for the years to come. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Fast forward a
few years to the painful times… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A heart’s cry
from a place where I didn’t know which way He wanted me to go. Just knew life
had to change because it wasn’t going in God’s direction at the time. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A desperate cry
from a dark crevice of my life… God, what do you WANT from me??<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Everything. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Came the
whispered reply. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He picked me up
in His loving arms that day and literally carried me to an oasis in my desert. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A home I didn’t
know could exist. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A place to sink
my dry and brittle roots deep into and find life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">A life filled
with worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I don’t just
mean music. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I mean an
entire life of obedient, life-giving, worship to a God so powerful that He
deserves so much more than just my Sunday morning congregational expressions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The thing about
true worship is that it must remain longer than just the 20-30 minutes of splendour
on a Sunday morning. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It must consume
your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Whether it
means you giving of your time, energy, and resources… or even just flipping on
that favourite CD and getting lost in His presence. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He literally
wants EVERYTHING!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Is there a
space in your heart that’s locked up or hidden from sight that He’s asking for?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So many times I’ve
had to open up all over again and give God more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Worship, a life
of spirit-filled, and truthful worship means we give more… out of love for Him.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God gets the
most pleasure out of the little things you choose to sacrifice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It will come at
the most inconvenient times… the times you don’t feel like praising God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The times when
life seems too hard to bear. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That’s when He’ll
show up and ask for more. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s like the little
girl who adored her cheap, dollar-store pearl necklace so much that she didn’t
want to give it up. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Her daddy had
to ask and ask and ask… until finally she gave her daddy the fake pearls that
she loved so much. With tears in her eyes she gave them up… for him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Her daddy
smiled through his own tears and said “thank-you”… then he pulled out of his
pocket a velvet jewelry box. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He had just
been waiting for his daughter to give up her fake pearls, so he could give her
the real thing!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Inside the box
was a string of gorgeous, authentic pearls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What are your
fake pearls? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Are you
withholding true worship from God? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Don’t waste
another second!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His love
surpasses everything we can imagine and He’s just waiting for you to give up
the temporary loves you’re clinging to… so He can reward you with the real,
gorgeous, authentic pearl of His peace and love. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">Romans 12:1-2
(MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">So here's what
I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your
sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before
God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can
do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it
without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed
from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly
respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its
level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed
maturity in you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-81928688856599206772012-02-20T00:36:00.002-05:002012-02-20T00:37:42.463-05:00I see Jesus and His eyes are full of Love<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva'; font-size: x-large;">Day 12 of 40…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Since the book
is talking about friendship with God… let me explain a little to you of how
friendships with people in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Kingdom</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">God</st1:placename></st1:place> are designed to
mirror our friendship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">To do this, I
must confess that God has placed the most amazing people in my life in recent
years. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">People I know
are along for life’s journey through the hard times and fun times… friends I
can just hangout with at the movies, and the next moment we can be talking,
encouraging & exhorting eachother in our extreme love for an all powerful
God who never ggives up on our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Because of Him,
life is incredible. And because of Him we are friends. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">To hear my
thoughts on true friendship, read my post on <a href="http://epicphany.blogspot.com/2011/08/cheerleading-friendship.html">Cheerleading Friendship</a> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Jesus was the
truest friend who ever walked this earth. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He still is. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Even if we
can’t see him, he is still there for us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I want to
encourage you to listen to this song tonight… it describes the love of Jesus in
such a way I can’t even describe what happens to my heart when I hear these
words. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JPcbWpuMtd8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">His love
surpasses everything we can think or imagine. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Let me just
leave you with this thought. (since it is late and I must sleep soon)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What is causing
you to miss out on a relationship with this incredible and loving man named
Jesus? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What has
separated you from the love of God? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What must you
change in life to be closer to Him? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think about it…
when we start a relationship with a human, we don’t automatically try and carve
out an hour each morning to spend time with him… we don’t say ok I’ll talk to
you today *if* I’m not working or *if* I’m not too busy with my friends… and we
certainly don’t have the audacity to tell them that we’re going to only talk to
him once a week on Sunday mornings…<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So HOW is it
that we justify talking to One whose relationship is SO much more important in
one or all of those ways? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The man whose
love for you never ends and He knows everything about you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Don’t live your
life not knowing this man who loves you perfectly and beyond your wildest
imaginations… there’s so much more to this than we know. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">More tomorrow
on the amazing love of my life… Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-90607985353222897822012-02-18T23:55:00.003-05:002012-02-18T23:55:44.104-05:00Pray when you drive... and other comparisons.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 11 of 40 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Exodus 34:14<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">New Living
Translation (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You must
worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who
is jealous about his relationship with you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He’s jealous
for you. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Jealous of your
time, your thoughts, even your love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In chapter 11,
we’re reading about how God wants a best friend relationship with us. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He wants to be
that close confidante we’ve always craved and never quite found completely in a
mere man or woman. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Oh we can have
some wonderful, rich relationships here on earth, but NOTHING compares to the
closeness of a relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And it doesn’t
even have to be a specific time to “get away”! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">In fact, my
days are often filled with just including him in my everyday life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I wish I had
the life that allowed me an hour or two of studying my bible everyday, but that
is not the case. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">One thing I’ve
had to learn the hard way is how to incorporate Him in my hectic schedule. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s pretty
simple actually. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I remember once
when I was an intern at my church… I was probably the hardest kid to get into
the habit of reading my bible everyday (thanks a MILLION to my pastors who kept
working on that with me!). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Then one day,
our youth pastor said something I’ll never forget. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He said:
Michelle, pray when you drive! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So simple… yet
changed my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Yeah. Why not? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">How often do
you drive from point A to point B and just think about nothing… or maybe you
think about too many things. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If you look for
Him, Jesus will show up in your car and you can have a quick conversation with
him and feel so much better about your crazy life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Another thing
that I’ve found on the falling in LOVE with Jesus thing… is make time for
special times in your week just to spend with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I shared with
you the other day about how Jesus took me out for lunch on valentines day… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Well let me
share another special lunch date we once had. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">There’s a bench
at the park across the street from my work that is so warm and sunny in the
summer. One day last summer I went over there to eat my sandwich and ended up
reading something in the bible that totally changed my life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It felt like
Jesus was just sitting right there with me and we were just dialogueing about
life! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Then after my
half-hour break was up, I started heading back to work with a little pain in my
heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I didn’t want
to leave that lovely place! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I didn’t want
the conversation to end!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I felt like
Jesus just said to me, “don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. We can continue
this conversation as you work!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">See, he showed
me that day that you don’t need to say goodbye at the end of a Jesus date. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">When I got back
to work I was so excited to find that He had gone with me that I texted my
friend Kayla and explained what had happened. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s like
having a boyfriend you never have to say goodbye to!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Someone who’s
always there that you can talk with whenever… and the cool part is, He’ll never
ever break my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">(Now ladies,
let me ask you… how cool is THAT??)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He’s always
there… don’t doubt it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He sees
everything you’re going thru… what makes you laugh, what makes you cry and
everything in between. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Practicing remaining
in His presence throughout the day is something I pray that everyone who reads
this blog gets to experience. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He’s SO worth it!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Learning to do
this will completely change your perspective on everything you do in life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He’s so
beautiful! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Look for Him. He
never disappoints. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-65097396224268718442012-02-17T23:46:00.003-05:002012-02-17T23:54:54.968-05:00Mountain Summit<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Day 10 of 40! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s no
accident today’s chapter is on the heart of worship and details a life of
surrender. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Remember last
night’s post on obedience? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Yes, it was an
act of obedience to even write that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Remember the
challenge I gave you earlier this week? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I also
challenged myself. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It was about
surrender… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I challenged
myself to be obedient in something I knew would be really hard. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Tonight I saw
God pull me thru that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He asked me to
do something tonight that does not come naturally to me and took a lot of
courage. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Something that
I’ve done several times and was SO crazy fearful that – although it always
turned out alright – I often freaked out right in the middle of doing it. Which
slightly harmed the effect of my performance. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">(I don’t want
to go into detail, cuz that’s not my point. But the “something” is public
speaking. FREAKS me OUT to speak in front of people! Yet it’s something God
asks me to do. Probably cuz I need to entirely rely on Him.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Surrender… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s that
moment that you shove all your feelings deep down inside and learn to trust
God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">No matter what.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That moment
you’re faced with a choice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Are you gonna
listen to the lies the enemy is throwing your way? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Or are you
going to tune in to a higher cry coming from the depths of your spirit? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God is calling
you out for such a time as this. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He has a
purpose. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But you MUST
surrender! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If I hadn’t
tuned out the liar who was telling me I wasn’t good enough today, I wouldn’t
have heard God’s wonderful truth washing over me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If God is
asking you to do something hard for Him, chances are there’s something
fantastic about to come out of it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You might not
see it yet. But think of it this way… you can’t see the spectacular view of the
summit while you’re still climbing the mountain. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Your challenges
now are so temporary compared to the Glory of His pleasure. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And remember,
when climbing this mountain, you can’t do anything without Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';">But you can do
ALL THINGS with Him! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I have strength
for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to
anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient
in Christ's sufficiency]. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Philippians
4:13 (AMP)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">"Don't sacrifice your calling for comfort. This life isn't about being comfortable. If you're going thru a difficult season, keep going! Cuz it means something's about to come. Don't stop short of your destiny. Don't stop short of that breakthrough. Keep Going!<br />God still has a plan and He's not done with you. So don't you be done with Him." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"> - Alyssa Barlow. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Remembering a mountain I once climbed in Germany... </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk9XXcVvupB_JC2RBxRKknKBM-RRujxJi-g-W8m4jrwq3rWj4QPFzvDVal8-Wd_BD0W3Ej26PYc4hEHcc0aDHo7DVnrvv4tWnOpzxu5wZdK9YLZ9QZutdkTVEvE_LlSPoAlD6bA8aWVQ/s1600/IMG_6874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjk9XXcVvupB_JC2RBxRKknKBM-RRujxJi-g-W8m4jrwq3rWj4QPFzvDVal8-Wd_BD0W3Ej26PYc4hEHcc0aDHo7DVnrvv4tWnOpzxu5wZdK9YLZ9QZutdkTVEvE_LlSPoAlD6bA8aWVQ/s400/IMG_6874.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Monotype Corsiva';"><br /></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-89084960968712747162012-02-16T23:33:00.000-05:002012-02-16T23:33:15.346-05:00Obedience... Day 9 of 40<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What makes God
smile? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Is it when we
are totally absorbed in our own selfish lives? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Definitely not!
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God s idea of a
great day is when you wake up and say “I love you” to Him first. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You live out
your day doing things to please Him and all through the hard times (and those
will come) you choose to worship Him first. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">You choose to
Love Him NO matter what!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">When you’re
being who He created you to be, that makes Him smile. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">When you’re obedient
to God in everything, He smiles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s the little
things in life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Whether it’s
holding your tongue and showing grace to someone even when you don’t feel like
it, or giving something away to someone who needs it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s obedience.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Living a life
of worship is simply living everyday with the perspective of “OK, God… what can
I do for you next?” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">God loves
seeing His kids reach out to bless others. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The world is so
disillusioned by their image of a God who doesn’t care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He does care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And it is our
responsibility, as His kids to show that care. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What is
something God is calling you to be obedient in? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">That is what
you need to be doing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">When you show
that you love Him by being obedient, there is no comparison to the peace in
your heart you will experience because you know that you are bringing a smile
to His face. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think about
this in closing… Jesus loves people so
much that He died for them. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">What are you
sacrificing to show God’s love to people? </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4569941888688521775.post-49674055584355914112012-02-15T22:45:00.005-05:002012-02-15T22:45:42.083-05:00Falling in Love with Jesus ♥<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">February 15,
2012 <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Day 8 of 40! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Made it through
the first week! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Even tho my
last 2 blogs haven’t been about the book, I’ve still been reading it. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Great
foundational truth in day 6 & 7… so excited to dive in to the next week
with you though! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Purpose #1: You
were planned for God’s pleasure!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Worship… where
do I start with a topic so near to my heart?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I have been on
a journey of worship in the last year or 2. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I love that in
this book, Rick Warren describes how music is not the ONLY form of worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">For a long time
I fell into the misconceptions of what worship really was. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s not just
merely going to church and singing songs with your church family… it must
consume your entire lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think of it
this way, if you were in love with
someone, would you really just tell him (or her if you’re a guy reading this)
for half an hour (if that) once a week?? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">NO WAY</span></st1:address></st1:street><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">If you want to
keep a relationship going, you need to communicate love through actions, words,
not looking around at other things that might distract you from your love! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I guess that’s
why the Bible describes the human heart as wicked and adulterous. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So often we
forget that “worship” is not just a once a week deal… but it is an entire
lifestyle!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It’s as simple
as constantly thinking of ways you can show Jesus you love Him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">As I said
yesterday… HE LOVES YOU! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">So why don’t we
actively love him back? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Think of ways
you can love him. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">It could be
trusting him in a new area of your life. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Could be
selflessly giving of your time or resources to something (or someone) God has
placed on your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Perhaps it’s as
simple as carving out some time in your day just to spend time with Him! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I mean, if
you’re really in a relationship with Jesus, wouldn’t it be great if he heard
from you once in a while? Or maybe you don’t have a problem taking your issues
to him… but maybe you need to just get quiet and listen for a while. He’ll talk
to you, I guarantee it! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">It’s an
unconventional style of love he has called us to… but it really is simply
falling in Love with Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Monotype Corsiva"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">We’re all
created to worship… it’s built in. hardwired into our very souls. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">But as long as
we’re distracted our worship gets SO misdirected! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">He’s done
everything for us… He is worthy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">And his favour,
grace, love, and unending pleasure will pour out on you as you find practical
ways to worship. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I am going to
challenge myself to find one new way to worship Him this week. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">I challenge you
to do the same. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Psalm 147:11<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">Contemporary
English Version (CEV)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";"><span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;">The LORD is
pleased only with those who worship him and trust his love. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #f3f3f3; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Monotype Corsiva";">Falling in Love
with Jesus all over again this week. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Arial;">♥</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Michelle Joyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00089807901634352278noreply@blogger.com0