tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78565995828151031852024-03-13T06:03:06.485-05:00...make music from your heart to the Lord. Eph. 5:19The Bowyerssarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.comBlogger1098125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-61077141668948813232016-12-19T18:48:00.003-06:002016-12-19T18:48:33.191-06:00To Joey, With Love....WINNER!<div style="text-align: center;">
I apologize for not posting on Friday like I said I would!</div>
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I was traveling to the midwest to pick up my son from college and move him to Phoenix for his new job (que the happy dance) and we got stuck in the ice storm that hit. It was crazy and I am just now getting home!</div>
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So, I went to Random.org and used their generator and it came up with 5, Mari you are the winner of the DVD!! I know you are going to love it and will get it in the mail ASAP!</div>
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Thank you again to <span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: arial; font-size: 15px;">Icon Media Group for offering me this opportunity!!!</span></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-7810419834483870582016-12-05T06:00:00.000-06:002016-12-05T06:00:20.458-06:00To Joey, With Love….Review and Giveaway.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Recently, I was offered the
opportunity to watch a private screening of the movie, To Joey, with Love. I
will be honest and say that I had never listened to their music before, however
I had heard of their story…it was all over the internet last year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Icon Media Group’s bio
reads….<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Joey and Rory were a singing duo
that</i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> wanted more to life … so they
chose less. In preparation for the birth of their child, the couple simplified
their lives by putting their music career aside and staying at home, planting
roots deep in the soil of their small farm, and the community they loved. They
believed God would give them a great story … and He did.</span></i><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This was an amazing film in so many ways….the beautiful cinematography, the
soft, heart felt narration of Rory Feeks and of course, the incredible love
story of Rory and Joey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even more
beautiful was the love story written by God in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I already knew that Joey had lost her battle with cancer this year, so I anticipated
that there would be some very sad moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I wasn’t expecting the beauty or the joy I felt watching them
discover God’s blessings in their lives….even in the simplest of moments.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I love how God works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I was left
in awe of how the Holy Spirit had nudged Rory to start recording the daily
moments of their lives leading up to the birth of their child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had no idea what God had in store for
them or how important those videos would be…but God did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">This is a story of LOVE….the love of a husband and wife, the love of
parents and their sweet baby, but mostly it is the story of how much God loves
us…especially amidst the hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I would encourage all my readers to watch this movie when it comes out on
DVD Dec 12<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
wonderful people at </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Icon Media Group have generously given me a copy of
the DVD to gift to one of my readers!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Comment below and tell me if you have heard Joey and Rory’s
music/story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will randomly pick a
winner on Friday December 16<sup>th</sup>.</span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">The story, To Joey, with Love, moved me so much that</span><span style="color: #161616; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> now I am
headed to iTunes to download some of </span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Joey and Rory’s </span><span style="color: #161616; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;">music!</span><span style="color: #1d1d1d; font-family: "arial"; mso-fareast-language: JA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-64830476954164732762016-10-21T16:41:00.000-05:002016-10-21T16:41:12.627-05:00This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">How do you
define it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all know that grief has
many stages….gut wrenching sorrow, anger, deal making, emptiness, denial…..but
how long do those stages last?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
order do they come in?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Grief is not
a respecter of time and plays out differently in each person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in some cases grief never really goes
away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So how do
you manage something with no distinct boarders?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My family is
grieving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grieving the loss of a child,
my grandson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter Lukas was born still
on August 19 and it rips at my heart each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some days I am so overcome with sadness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadness over what might have been.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sadness as I watch my kids try to navigate their loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadness at the realization that many have
forgotten Peter already.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">On those
days, I have to cling to my HOPE in Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have to hang on tightly to the fact that because of what Jesus did for
us on the cross I have hope I will one day see Peter and know him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Evelyn Christenson once said
"Sometimes grief is so deep that no words will come, and there is a
numbness over our whole being, making praying impossible. It is then that God
comes, not with words either, but with Himself. Just His loving filling the
void with Himself. With His love, His comfort, His assurance -- and His
healing." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He’s all we need when it seems
we’ve lost everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">My
daughter-in-love recently wrote “</span><span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I had
hoped to sit with Peter and tell him all about Jesus...but it turns out Jesus
will have to tell him all about me. And who better to trust my baby with than
Him.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Such perfect words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Peter’s life was exactly what
God had intended for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He went from
the warm safety of his mother’s womb to the safety of Jesus’ arms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I may not be able to understand that plan
this side of Heaven but I have already seen that Peter’s life has changed
us…..individually and as a family….for good, drawing us all closer to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<!--StartFragment-->
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<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-language: JA; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So as we continue this ever
changing, unpredictable path of grief, we hold fast to what we know….God is
good, sovereign and never changing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
plan for our lives is always best, whether we can see it now or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because of Jesus we can celebrate….yes
celebrate, that Peter is with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-73773544419195072062016-10-06T11:55:00.002-05:002016-10-06T11:55:16.745-05:00Expectations<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Expectations<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What comes to your mind when you read that word? Do you
think of something fun you are expectantly waiting for?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe you think of something that you
expected but didn’t come to fruition?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it brings pain because of undo expectations placed on you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
As a pastor’s wife, this word…..expectation…..sadly most
often times brings to mind hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
a hard time thinking of another position that carries with it more spoken and
unspoken expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I have been a pastor’s wife for 26 years now and fortunately
have learned how to navigate and/or dodge the expectations of others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over these years, I’ve learned to listen to
God first and to be willing to maybe upset others in order to be obedient to
what He calls me to and sometimes not to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But other’s expectations and assumptions can still sting and
hurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Here are a few that have been spoken and unspoken to me over
the years….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>She must have been a believer all her life<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>She must know the bible inside and out….after
all her husband was in seminary<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>Of course she’ll lead the bible study!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>And lead AWANA<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>They have nice things, the church must be paying
them too much or they are in debt<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>They should be available 24/7<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>I’m not good enough to be her friend<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>She should not make mistakes, she’s a pastor’s
wife<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>She should be soft spoken and unassuming<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>She knows everything going on at the church<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·</span></span>Her children are perfect….or should be<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I’m sure you can think of many expectations that have been
placed on you too over your lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
can think of even more that I have placed on other people in my own life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Many people never speak their expectations out loud, they
only think them in their minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
thoughts often times determine actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-language: JA;">I read a story recently that made me smile and had me
thinking of my own life….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times"; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-language: JA;">One dark rainy night a salesman had a flat tire on a
lonely road. But to his dismay he had no lug wrench. Seeing a nearby farmhouse,
he set out on foot. Surely the farmer would have a lug wrench, he thought. But
would he even come to the door? And if he did, he’d probably be furious at
being bothered so late at night. He’d say, “What’s the big idea getting me out
of bed in the middle of the night?” This thought made the salesman angry. Why,
that farmer is a selfish old clod to refuse to help me.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
You see, you might not speak your expectation but even in
thinking them it will often times determine how you treat that person.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Expectations, along with assumptions, can sometimes cause
you to miss what is really going on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They can cause you to be blinded to someone’s heart and true
intentions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And they are most definitely
used by the enemy to cause division and hurt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We have to work hard to put aside expectations and allow God
to let us see people and situations through His eyes…..the only eyes that see
correctly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But how can we put our expectations aside?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They happen many times without our even
thinking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staying close to God
is the key.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we remain close to Him
we are molded to be more like Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as
we become more like Him, we see like Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
….then we see the lives of other through HIS expectations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-88373135501711315802016-06-07T16:08:00.001-05:002016-06-07T19:12:30.812-05:00Garden Growing<div style="text-align: center;">
Growing a garden is a lot like growing your faith.</div>
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As I cultivate my garden this summer, many things remind me of what I need to do to grow my spiritual garden.</div>
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Last year, I moved to a new climate. As I started to plan my garden, I realized that it would not grow in the same way as my previous gardens had. This climate is harsher and colder. The season is shorter. The ground is rocker. The animal scavengers are bigger.</div>
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I had to rethink how my garden would grow.</div>
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My spiritual life is a lot like that. The seasons of my life differ greatly and what encouraged and made my heart fertile ground in the past, might not work in this new season of my life. I need to be aware of that and be willing to try new things.</div>
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My new garden is built above the ground.</div>
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One because you can't till rock. Two because that keeps the javelina out of it! And I had it built in a specific location that maximized the sun (we live in a forest).<br />
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Once my garden was built, then came time to prepare the soil. I couldn't just put any soil in it. It needed to be rich with minerals, compost and manure. I needed to prepare it the fall before spring so all those things could meld together into really great soil. </div>
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Once Spring came, I added some rich top soil and watered it all down before I started planting my seeds. I picked the best organic seeds to grow and planned out where and how I would plant them. </div>
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But it didn't stop there.</div>
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The seeds just don't grow. I had to put together a watering system so that they got plenty of water, but not too much.</div>
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I go out every day to check on my garden.</div>
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I look for anything it needs to produce healthy fruit..more water, a new trellis, pruning. I look for bugs and any signs that my plants might be in distress.</div>
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There is a lot that goes into growing a beautiful, healthy garden.</div>
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And there is a lot that goes into growing a beautiful, healthy, Christ filled heart.</div>
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Just like my garden, I need to prepare the soil. If my heart isn't ready to hear God's Word, it won't take hold and grow. I do that through bible study, prayer, fellowship with other believers, reading God's Word. All those things meld together and make my heart fertile ground for my faith to grow.</div>
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And just like my garden, I need to examine my heart daily and ask God to show me what it needs to grow strong and also what needs to be removed. Daily I need to spend time with God allowing him to mold my heart to be more like Christ. I also need to allow Him to daily show me things that are causing my heart distress....sin, anger, bitterness. </div>
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My faith is very much like my garden.</div>
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When it is well cared for it is beautiful and everyone who sees it, notices! And when well cared for, it produces wonderful and plentiful fruit...that can be shared with those around me.</div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-36212726114112528942016-05-27T06:00:00.000-05:002016-05-27T06:00:16.561-05:00Stepping away from the window.....<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>I wrote this post a couple of years ago. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>God recently reminded me of it and I felt a nudge to repost it. </i></span></div>
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It's easy to trust God when things are going well in our lives.<br />
<br />
But what about when there is a storm....<br />
<br />
..and you can't see how or when it will end?<br />
...and you can't see how it could possibly end <b>well</b>?<br />
..and you pray for God to intervene, but it continues?<br />
..and you are tired, worn out and just want to retreat?<br />
<br />
Can you trust Him then?<br />
<br />
God tells us over and over in the scriptures who He is:<br />
<br />
<i>I AM</i><br />
<i>the One who created the worlds into order, by a Word</i><br />
<i>the One who placed the stars and knows them by name</i><br />
<i>the One who knit you together in your mother's womb </i><br />
<i>the Beginning and the End</i><br />
<br />
How could I not trust that He is able to take care of the storms in my little life?<br />
<br />
Yet my human heart will time after time turn my eyes from Him to the storm....which causes fear......which causes me to doubt, panic, take things into my own hands, become anxious...<br />
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....and that never works out well for me.<br />
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As I have matured, I feel like I am doing a better job of keeping my eyes on Him.....I am spending time with Him in prayer, studying the scriptures daily, bringing my thoughts to Him during the day through music and reminders...<br />
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These are all very good things.<br />
They bring a sense of Peace and insight and direction<br />
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...but in a storm....it's not enough.<br />
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He wants me to <b>trust Him</b>....completely.....with my whole heart.<br />
Which should be reflected by a calmness in my life, even in the middle of a storm.<br />
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Recently, He gave me a clear illustration of how this looks.<br />
I am a visual learner and I love that He knows me so well!!<br />
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Easter Sunday I awoke to a very dark, stormy day. We were having 11 people for lunch at 2:00, so I got busy preparing food before I had to leave for church. The whole time it is just thundering and storming like crazy and Lily (our dog) was following me everywhere I went, right on my heels. So fearful of the storm. I had some time to spare and sat down on the couch and Lily jumped up on the sofa and stood over my lap. I tried to get her to lay down and let me hug her to calm her but she kept getting up and going to the other side and looking out the window at the storm. Then she would freak out a bit and come back and stand over my lap. I quit trying to make her lie down and just let her continue to go look out at the storm and then come back.<br />
<br />
She knew I was her comfort, but she was so fearful seeing and hearing the storm, she wouldn't <b>allow</b> me to comfort her. Even though I knew the storm would end soon....Lily didn't ....and that made her fearful and anxious.<br />
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As I sat there, God just spoke right to my heart.......He said, "you are just like Lily, Sara. You stay close by Me in the storms. You<b> know</b> where your comfort is. You are even in My lap at times. But you continue to leave My lap and go look at the storm. Just trust Me. Stay in my lap and let Me comfort you. I know this will end soon, even though you can't see it. I am in control of it. I know what is best for you. Quit going to the window to look at the storm"<br />
<span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION"><br /></span><span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION">He's right.</span><br />
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<span id="ecxOLK_SRC_BODY_SECTION">Going to the window, just scares me or makes me angry or anxious.</span></div>
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So I am making a conscious effort to step away from the window in the midst of my storms....<br />
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...and trust HIM.<br />
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He is more than able.</div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-13170263077716830412016-05-24T16:20:00.000-05:002016-05-24T19:04:31.789-05:00Peace<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a lot of emotions running around in my head today.</div>
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My heart is hurting for friends that are struggling as they watch their children fight the battle of their lives with illness. Or the ones that are fighting their own battles.</div>
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My heart is hurting for friends that are struggling in their marriages. Fighting to hold on to the vows they made.</div>
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My heart is hurting for friends who are desperately praying for the return of a prodigal child.</div>
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And my heart is hurting for those in my life who have been deeply hurt by people that are supposed to love them and protect them.</div>
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It seems my prayer list is incredibly long these days. I have even found myself thinking "how can I get through these each day" when I am asked to add another prayer for a friend. Don't get me wrong, I will always pray when I am asked. It just seems that there is more and more to pray for each day, more and more hurt, more and more discouragement.</div>
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I think the enemy looks at that and thinks he is winning. He probably looks at our country and the decline going on and thinks he is winning.</div>
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But guess what?</div>
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He.is.NOT.</div>
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God is still in control and God is still bigger than all these problems.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<h1 class="passage-display" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 1.1; margin: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">In this world you will have trouble.</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">But take heart! I have overcome</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26760C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26760C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="font-size: 16px;"> the world.” John 16:33</span></span></h1>
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In my prayer time today I was reminded of two things....</div>
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One, this life is short. In comparison to Eternity, it is just a blip. </div>
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And in recognizing that, it helps me remember to look at each problem through Jesus. If I focus on Jesus first, I see the problem "through" Him. It doesn't make it any less of a problem, but it does put the problem into the right perspective and it seems smaller in comparison to Him. </div>
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And two, I am so very thankful for my salvation and the Holy Spirit living in me.</div>
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My salvation gives me HOPE. Hope that this life is not the end all. Hope that God has a better place prepared for me for ETERNITY. </div>
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It also makes me so very thankful for the Holy Spirit's work in my life....the restraining He provides. His grace and power in my life restrains me, holds me back from acting out on what my sinful, selfish side would really like to do. I am no better than anybody else. I just have relationship with God and because of that have the help of the Holy Spirit. I know He restrains me and keeps me from a lot of trouble. I am forever grateful for that.</div>
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I don't know what you are facing today, but don't face it alone.</div>
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When you face it on your own, it's like a wave. It looks relatively small at a distance, but as it gets closer and closer it grows bigger and bigger until you feel it will overtake you.</div>
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However, when you face it with Jesus, it is surmountable, manageable and you can even find joy and peace in the middle of it. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">May the</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">God</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">of</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">hope fill you with all joy and</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">peace</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">of</b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13</span></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-10186866760859690612016-03-25T13:01:00.000-05:002016-03-25T13:01:14.766-05:00Remember...<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I am making a intentional effort to remember just what Christ did for me.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
This time of year, many of us skip right over Good Friday to the celebration of Easter. We love the hope and joy that the resurrection brings. But we don't necessarily like to look at what got us there. We tend to turn away from and skip over the pain, suffering and hard of Good Friday.</div>
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But you know what?</div>
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If you don't take a close look at that pain, that hard and your own depravity...</div>
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....you will NEVER come close to truly understanding the significance of that empty tomb.</div>
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Today, I am wearing this on my hand...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhfsDTrg4zI/VvV7cG0OcwI/AAAAAAAAN-U/qZXtyB-laUcJG6GSRZZTCFrYk7c5UipMw/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhfsDTrg4zI/VvV7cG0OcwI/AAAAAAAAN-U/qZXtyB-laUcJG6GSRZZTCFrYk7c5UipMw/s200/IMG_2384.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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..to remind me to think about what Christ did for me and to try to more deeply understand that it should have been me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Christ loved me so much that He endured the hard, the pain....the Cross....even knowing EXACTLY what it would entail.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever thought about that?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have endured many hardships in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I didn't go into them KNOWING just how hard they would be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If I had, I probably would have done all I could to get out of them!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But Christ KNEW what it would cost Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pain</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hurt</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Suffering</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loss</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Cross</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Death</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the rejection from His Father as He took on OUR sin.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knew.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And yet He still did it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart can't contain that kind of love.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But as I think on this and look at my own sin that put Him there, I am completely humbled and overwhelmed.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I want to be reminded today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I want to look at EVERY part of the hard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because come Sunday, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
the JOY and HOPE and GIFT of that empty tomb...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
....will abound in my heart even more!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ic9ZXrvcLKg" width="420"></iframe></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-58225810077155103102016-02-24T10:59:00.000-06:002016-02-24T11:01:35.581-06:00My Darlin'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KA4adaG1vAo/Vs3g5EVFeqI/AAAAAAAAN-A/6rrLMWlpjKo/s1600/DSC_0069%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KA4adaG1vAo/Vs3g5EVFeqI/AAAAAAAAN-A/6rrLMWlpjKo/s320/DSC_0069%2Bcopy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Early Tuesday morning, February 16th, my beautiful Mother-in-Law peacefully slipped out of this life and into the arms of Jesus. <span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> I have so many wonderful memories to hold on to because I was blessed to have a MIL that loved me like a daughter. But as a family, we all remember that no matter if you called her, showed up at her door, or she was writing you a card...she greeted you with 'My darlin'. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Hi Darlin!....My darlin's......well hello darlin! </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">While my middle son processed his grief over losing his Grams, he wrote this poem. He was brave enough to read it at the memorial through his tears and we all cried...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">...because we all felt his words...like they were our own.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Darling </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I was a kid, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My idea of a gift, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Was found in the mysterious contents, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of your purse. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The sacred to me was a toy, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In this case, Bugs Bunny. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was nothing special, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yet held it all, </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It soon vanished, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Along with my childish ideals, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Leaving perspective, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And a hard night’s wonder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that wasn’t enough for me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In those middle years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hadn’t a clue </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Of what this gift could do. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
It wasn’t until I had my baby girl, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And saw you in her, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That I started to see, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This gift that I’ve been given. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From that moment on, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I heard it over the phone, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The moment you picked it up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I heard it on your porch, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As soon as I could reach for you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It embodies two words, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘My Darling.’ </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I reach back into my mind to withdraw, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Memories peppered with those words. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of which were good, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of which were gifts, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
All of which began with those words,<br />
‘My Darling’. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now I’ll always look back, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
To this gift I’ve always had. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember always, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The love on which it stands </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the birds nest </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tucked into your porch’s roof </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pear tree and onion chutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sunflowers, Whisper, and classic books. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the toast with its cinnamon-sugar elixir. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the jar of M&M’s and ice cream bowls. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the smell of your house, your naked lady lamp, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The turtles, marbles, and big board games. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the clowns that hung over my bed (and always wonder why they did). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the fire station, park, purple everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr. Bubble baths, and crazy basement carpets. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the terror of being whipped by a switch, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And relief after. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember being shocked by the tubes that assisted you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
By the frailty that soon consumed you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll remember the day you left us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The day you won, leaving your pain behind. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the day you’ve received the gift, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This gift you’ve given me, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you walked into our Savior’s arms, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He welcomed, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
‘My Darling.’</div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-82047925935598129532016-01-27T07:00:00.000-06:002016-01-27T07:00:10.269-06:00Covers<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever had one of those days where life just seemed
to be piling on and the weight of it all brought you to your knees?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of those days where you don’t want to get
out of bed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You think that maybe if you
just stay there under the covers, all those problems will go away?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or at least, if you don’t get out of bed, you
just won’t have to face them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
That is how I felt this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I lay in bed after a fitful night of
sleep, I just wanted to stay there in the warmth with the covers over my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seemed like a good place to be...drifting
in and out of sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No phone calls
about my MIL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No phone calls about the
problems going on in our unsold house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe I could just ignore it all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But then a song found it’s way into my mind…..this is the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the day that the Lord hath made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us rejoice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us rejoice and be glad in it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And God gently reminded me that being under those covers
didn’t protect me from my problems and it certainly didn’t take them away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He lovingly reminded me that HE made every
new day and as a follower of Christ, I should not wish it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should consider it precious because God
made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So I lifted the covers off and slipped out of bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cold in the room quickly hit my face and
woke me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I headed down to the
kitchen, grabbed my cup of coffee and sat in my chair to spend time with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is what was waiting for me in
one of my devotions….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 27pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Give up the illusion that you
deserve a problem-free life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of you
is still hungering for the resolution of all difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is false hope!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I told My disciples, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in this world you will have trouble</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Link your hope not to problem solving in this
life but to the promise of an eternity of problem-free life in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead of seeking perfection in this fallen
world, pour your energy into seeking Me: the Perfect One.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus
Calling.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: blue;">Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the
gracious and compassionate and righteous man….he will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
Psalm 112:4,7</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">What a
personal and loving God I have!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows
my heart and knows ME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knew exactly
where I would be this morning and what I would need to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">I love Him
for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">And I can’t
imagine facing this life without Him and the hope He brings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-25366609652964846302016-01-26T11:57:00.000-06:002016-01-26T11:57:04.242-06:00Sitting at a Place I never thought I'd be....<span style="text-align: center;">This morning, we moved my sweet Mother-in-Law to
hospice.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">I guess mentally I knew I would
eventually be at this place.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">We all know
everyone dies.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><span style="text-align: center;">But all my life it seemed
so far away. </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
We think so much about living. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We spend many hours planning our days to the
minute. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we rarely think about
dying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, I would venture to say
most of us think that topic is taboo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
But here I am with a hurting heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jumping every time the phone rings wondering
if it’s “the call”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trying to figure out
when to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wishing desperately that I
could see her one more time, hear her infectious laugh and tell her I love her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I never thought about being here……but here I am.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
How do I navigate this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have been struggling all night and all this morning with my
thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I fly out to see her. Is
that the right thing to do? Do I wait until both my husband and I can go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is she scared?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does she understand what is going on? Does
she know we desperately want to be there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is she wondering where we are?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
mind moved so fast it literally took my breath away.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
I lead a bible study on Monday afternoons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a Kay Arthur precept upon precept study
and we are working through the gospel of John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I almost called the study off today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I didn’t feel like I was in the right frame of mind to lead others, but
God gently spoke to me and said “Go”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Of course, I am so glad I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
God’s Word is always the place to find peace and Kay Arthur’s
video was amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminded me again what
I already know…that our times are in God’s hands (Ps<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>31:14-15). That God is in control of the
problems and He is also in control of the solutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows the situation and He knows my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t need to worry or try to
figure it out, I just need to listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And as I listened to Kay teach, I realized that my
Mother-in-LOVE knows I love her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
need to tell her that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I know she
loves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what is more important is
that I know she loves Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
And soon, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>on God’s
time table</i></b>, she will be done with this broken body that is not working for
her and she will walk into the presence of God fully healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And because we both have accepted that Jesus
is God, He is the Son of God and He died for our sins……this is not good
bye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will see her again soon…..<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and what a wonderful
reunion that will be!!<o:p></o:p></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-71643296874774079382016-01-19T12:35:00.001-06:002016-01-19T12:35:57.635-06:00January:Currents<div style="text-align: center;">
I haven't done a post on Monthly Currents in a long time and this morning seems a good time to get back into it!</div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Read</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">I have not read a book in MONTHS. But this last weekend I picked up and finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0451419928?keywords=secrets%20of%20a%20charmed%20life&qid=1453226513&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1" target="_blank">"Secrets of a Charmed Life"</a>. I have to tell you that being able to read for fun was like having an dear friend visit. I got lost in the story and realized how much I missed reading! I am now starting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nightingale-Kristin-Hannah/dp/0312577222/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453226542&sr=8-1&keywords=the+nightingale" target="_blank">The Nightingale.</a></span><br />
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Playlist: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">I also haven't had much time to listen to music. But when I am in my car I am just shuffling through my Christian Music Playlist</span><br />
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Color(s)</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;">: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Grey! I have never worn much grey, but since I have grown my natural hair color out I am finding that I can wear new colors and also can't wear some others!!! It's really weird. I'm having to get used to a whole new look!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Food: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Right now I am loving Roasted Veggies. ANY veggie roasted tastes so much better! I just take whatever is in my fridge, add a little EVOO and salt and pepper and throw it in the oven! I honestly could eat it every day. Put a fried egg on top and it's heaven!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_gFr0KyIS8/Vp5_8arh5DI/AAAAAAAAN84/9CshS7MkU5E/s1600/12339424_10154398849322519_8177115822624804795_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J_gFr0KyIS8/Vp5_8arh5DI/AAAAAAAAN84/9CshS7MkU5E/s320/12339424_10154398849322519_8177115822624804795_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Favorite Favorite: </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia Serif;">My Fav Fav is my <a href="http://snugasabug.com/onesies" target="_blank">Christmas Onsie</a> my daughter got me!! I seriously don't usually like onsies, but Alyssa got us these amazing ones for Christmas. When it is so cold in my house in the morning, I just jump in the onsie and am nice and toasty till we get the fire going!!! It is incredibly comfortable too. Some days I stay in it all day. :)</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbY5D_aIx4Y/Vp6Ae3S1KZI/AAAAAAAAN9E/hTv7bR4Lw8k/s1600/DSC07172.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbY5D_aIx4Y/Vp6Ae3S1KZI/AAAAAAAAN9E/hTv7bR4Lw8k/s320/DSC07172.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">The kids even wore theirs outside....they are that warm!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Pj6v-uM0Q/Vp6AsjN_RWI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/mtMil5TqKws/s1600/12485881_10154474808402519_8053979062191635976_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Pj6v-uM0Q/Vp6AsjN_RWI/AAAAAAAAN9Q/mtMil5TqKws/s320/12485881_10154474808402519_8053979062191635976_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Addiction: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature%E2%84%A2-Tart-Montmorency-Whole-Dried-Cherries-20-oz-Bag%2c-2-pack.product.100119229.html" target="_blank">Costco dried Cherries</a>. SO good!</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><br /></b><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Wish List: </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia Serif;">I really want my own pair of snow shoes. I have been going out with my neighbor and am loving it! what great exercise and it allows you to go places in the snow you couldn't other wise!! Thankfully I have good friends that are letting me borrow theirs!</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE7ATIHj1SU/Vp6A2AIZX1I/AAAAAAAAN9c/w_yH_r9g9B0/s1600/12492043_10153186368997680_8632468437792459582_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wE7ATIHj1SU/Vp6A2AIZX1I/AAAAAAAAN9c/w_yH_r9g9B0/s320/12492043_10153186368997680_8632468437792459582_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1358509911" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"></span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Need: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">I really don't have any "needs" right now, praise God. However, my husband and I could use a vacation together!! We haven't had a true vacation in a long time and I can't see that we will any time in the near future. :(</span><br />
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Triumph: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">I finally started the on-line classes to become a certified Precept upon Precept leader!</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><br /></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Annoyance: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">People that come up from the valley to "play in the snow" but have NO idea how to drive in it.</span><br />
<br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Blessing: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Great friends. When you move to a new place, it can be hard to make new friends. It takes time to build relationships and go deep, beyond the surface. But God has provided me with some amazing friendships here in Munds Park and I am so grateful!</span><br />
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Mood: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Happy and content</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><br /></b><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Excitement: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">My mom received her Diabetic Alert Dog on Friday and all is going well. Sugar has already alerted mom of highs and lows, even in the middle of the night! We are so thankful for her!!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Project: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">I am considering taking a class on Craftsy.com. </span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;" /><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;"><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"></span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">Current Plans For The Day:</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">My bible study starts back up today. We moved to the afternoons for the winter so it is easier to get around! Then I have to do a little cleaning and then I plan to sit and read some more!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Georgia Serif'; text-align: center;">What are your Currents?</span>sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-41234398308376913842016-01-12T11:56:00.000-06:002016-01-12T18:39:42.406-06:00Blessings come from Obedience<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning, a quote in my devotional made me reflect on the last couple of years of my life.</div>
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Oswald Chambers said this morning.....<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">"Beware of the inclination to dictate to God what consequences you would allow as a condition of your obedience to Him"</span></div>
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That is a heavy thought and one I wrestled with over 2 years ago.</div>
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I was studying Ezekiel. If you have ever studied that book in the Bible you know that Ezekiel was a prophet that was sold out to God. God called him to prophesy to a rebellious Israel and He called Ezekiel to do some pretty crazy things to try and get Israel to return to Him.</div>
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But toward then end of the study, we came to a chapter where God spoke to Ezekiel one morning and told him that in the evening he would lose the delight of his eyes (his wife). And he was not to cry over her or mourn her as an example to Israel, who was about to lose their beloved city, Jerusalem.</div>
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The scripture literally just took my breath away and for weeks I wrestled with God over it.</div>
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"God, how could you ask him to give up his wife for Israel....who was not even listening!!! He had done everything you asked him to do....they just turned away. " It just seemed too much to ask.</div>
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And yet, Ezekiel accepts it, without argument and keeps on doing what God asks of him. You see Ezekiel understood the quote above.</div>
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When I say "I wrestled with God", I really mean I wrestled with God!!!</div>
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You know, He is not afraid of our questions, emotions or doubts. In fact, He WANTS us to bring those to Him. And as I did, He revealed to me what the real issue was.....Pride.</div>
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At that point in my life, I was willing to follow God...but on my terms. There were just some consequences I wasn't willing to take on.</div>
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that's pride.</div>
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Me thinking I know what is best over God.</div>
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Me thinking that I know what will bring Him most glory.</div>
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Me not being willing to give to Him, when He gave EVERYTHING for me.</div>
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Exactly what the quote above is talking about.</div>
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I read that quote this morning and smiled. Because after wrestling with God and realizing my pride, I surrendered EVERYthing to Him. I came to the point where I told God....</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">....I am willing to go through ANYthing that will bring you more glory. I will not put a condition on my obedience to you.</span></div>
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and I meant it.</div>
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And guess what?</div>
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Right after that, my husband lost his job. </div>
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And we went for a year without one.</div>
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I smiled this morning because now I am on the other side of that trial. I can see that my obedience and trust through that tough time brought Him glory in many ways...too many to count and probably more that I don't even know about. I can see and feel the amazing trust I developed in Him. And I can see all the blessings that He poured out on me in the end..though my obedience.<br />
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This life is not about me.<br />
It's about Him.<br />
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It's about bringing Him glory and drawing others to Him. <br />
It's about allowing Him to mold me each day to be a little more like Him, so that other's see His character through my life.<br />
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Those things won't happen if I put conditions on my obedience to God.<br />
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So today, once again, I surrender my life to Him and say...<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"> I am willing to go through ANYthing that will bring You more glory. I will not put a condition on my obedience to You.</span></div>
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I can do that because I KNOW He is faithful, sovereign, loving and just. His ways are so much better than mine. <br />
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And I have seen first hand that blessings truly do come from obedience.</div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-29941339701580047262016-01-01T14:57:00.002-06:002016-01-01T14:57:52.840-06:00Santa (sneakily) returns to the Bowyer Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
If you've been around my blog in the past, then you know about the Santa..</div>
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If you haven't, you can read about him <a href="http://thebowyers.blogspot.com/2011/11/let-games-begin.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://thebowyers.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-must-concede.html" target="_blank">here </a>.</div>
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Last year, since Jason had gotten married and was starting his own family, I decided it was time to retire the Santa. He had had a good run in the Bowyer family traditions, but I felt like it was time for him to find a new home and start new traditions. So, for Christmas I gave him to Jason as a gift.</div>
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Several people had asked me about the Santa and where he was going to show up this year and my answer was always "He's retired!! And now has a new home in Jason's family"</div>
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Jason, Kristen and Edris have been here for a few days and this morning, Jason said he wanted to take my picture with Edris. </div>
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It should have been my first clue!!!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu1zNIyiUh4/VobmlpjoiWI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/8ZiROZ4jUsY/s1600/12471867_10154462099402519_2516334469827784057_o.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu1zNIyiUh4/VobmlpjoiWI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/8ZiROZ4jUsY/s320/12471867_10154462099402519_2516334469827784057_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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He promptly also said "Mom, you should post that, it's so good"</div>
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Should have been my 2nd clue!!</div>
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Yep, Santa made his way BACK into the Bowyer family Christmas. </div>
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He's a stubborn little guy!</div>
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Now in my defense......</div>
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1. He replaced a Santa that had the same colors as him</div>
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2. I am NOT a detail nor observant person</div>
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3. My focus is on EDRIS!!!</div>
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But even with that said, He got me!!!</div>
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I got on Facebook and saw a post from him I was tagged in. </div>
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The first thing I saw was "gotcha"...</div>
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..and I knew.</div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-72292815573800769682015-12-30T16:26:00.000-06:002015-12-30T16:29:14.961-06:002015 in a Word<div style="text-align: center;">
2015 has been an amazing year for the Bowyers.</div>
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However, life has been a bit busy and overwhelming and I haven't found the time to write down my thoughts. But, I felt I needed to follow up a post that I did last January.</div>
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<u>In <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://thebowyers.blogspot.com/2015/01/2015-in-word.html" target="_blank">this post </a>, </span></u>I wrote about picking one word for 2015 and scriptures to go along with it. After praying about it, the word I felt led to choose was TRUST.</div>
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For those that didn't know me then, my husband and I had just had a very tough 2014. We found ourselves without a job and not having any clue where God would lead us next. We were feeling pressure from others to just "find a job", change careers. But we felt in our hearts God leading us to wait on Him...for HIS place for us. </div>
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It was hard.</div>
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So, TRUST was the perfect word for me in 2015.</div>
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I started finding scriptures relating to trust and started memorizing them. On nights when I thought fear and doubt would over take me, those scriptures were what kept me focused on Him and kept me holding on to the knowledge that He was in control and had a plan.</div>
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Steve and I obediently waited on God....not on His blessings. We trusted what He spoke to our hearts. We strove to look at each day and find where He was working. We chose to be joyful. And we chose to keep ministering to those He placed in our path.</div>
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We trusted and He proved faithful!</div>
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Most of you know that in March we accepted a pastorate in Arizona.</div>
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I can not begin to tell you how perfect this place is for us or how my heart feels after seeing Him care for us so completely, perfectly and abundantly. </div>
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It is cool to look back and see that TRUST is the word He gave me and then to see how it perfectly describes my year. </div>
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As I think about the word I will choose for 2016, I find myself continually coming back to the word GO</div>
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It may seem like a funny word to choose for a theme, however I feel God is calling me to go.....</div>
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...reach out to this community</div>
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....step out of my comfort zones</div>
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.....build relationships that will lead others to Him</div>
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....make disciples<br />
....get trained to lead Precept upon Precept<br />
...lead bible studies</div>
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So, I will be searching for scriptures that go along with the word GO....and I would love to hear from any of you that have ones you love.</div>
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2015 was a banner year for the Bowyers. </div>
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Full of new beginnings, promises fulfilled, faith grown, TRUST deepened and all around pretty perfect.</div>
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I can't wait to see what God has for us in 2016....</div>
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....but I'm pretty sure it will involve "GOing"</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Therefore, [as you go] make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19</i></span></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-36199168390653650802015-07-26T17:35:00.001-05:002015-07-26T17:35:50.397-05:00Our new home....<div style="text-align: center;">
This post has been a long time in coming....over 2 months to be exact.</div>
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Since our move to Arizona June 1st, I have wanted to post how things are going. But to be honest, I just haven't been able to find the words to describe how faithful God has been to us. It has been overwhelming to say the least. </div>
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Plus, so much has happened over those 2 months that it would take me several posts to tell you about it and THAT was overwhelming.....I guess I am easy overwhelmed these days :)</div>
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So, today as I sit in my new home on the top of a mountain, relaxing after an amazing worship service this morning, I felt it was the right time to attempt a post.</div>
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So many of you prayed us through this last year and I want you to see (or read) what your prayers helped accomplish :) Your prayers encouraged us when we were down, they gave us strength to stand firm in our trust in God to take care of us, and many more things that I'm sure I will only know in Heaven.....thank you!!!</div>
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First let me share with you a few God moments...</div>
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* We moved here the 1st of June and a week later my dad had to have triple bypass surgery. How wonderful that God moved us here at that time so that I could be there for my mom and dad!!</div>
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* When we got here, the main road to our house was under construction. It was all torn up and just a dirt road full of pot holes. The bridge was down to one side and was very narrow. I really didn't think our moving van would be able to make it to our house. BUT the fantastic driver made it over the bridge with only 3" on each side!!! The God moment was that had he come even a day later, he would not have made it as they completely closed the road and the van would not have made the turns of the detour!! </div>
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* We have found so many connections with people in our congregation. It really is a small world!! </div>
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To say that we "fit" in this community and church would in my mind be an understatement. It has been such a blessing to see how Steve's and my gifts and abilities just completely mesh with the ministry here and how God prepared us for it.</div>
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Munds Park is a small, mostly summer community about 17 miles from Flagstaff. What that means is that many of the people are only here from May to October/November. Only about 1/3rd of the population are "full timers". So in the summer we have a full congregation with lots of programs going on and then in the winter we will have a smaller, more intimate group.</div>
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We have a wonderful congregation... that seems to be growing each week. :) What I love about the people here is that though many of them are "on vacation", so to speak, or retired, they are committed to growing in Christ and committed to walk along side us as we serve Munds Park. They are workers and doers, but mostly they love God and desire to serve Him. What a blessing!</div>
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They have welcomed us and loved on us so well.</div>
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I truly wake up each morning, grab my coffee, open the doors to let the cool, crisp air in, grab my bible to spend time with God and first pinch myself to make sure it is real. </div>
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My heart is so full. </div>
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Over the last year as we waited on God, I never dreamed our obedience would lead to such an amazing ministry where we fit like a dove tailed drawer. But God is faithful....ALL the time. And when we wait on Him and walk His way, not our own, it is always best.</div>
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Now, after having been in the ministry for over 25 years, I know that no ministry is perfect.....there will be difficult times in the future...that's life. But I just can not explain to you how it feels to have waited on God for so long, to have taken Him at His word, to have not wavered in trusting that He had a place for us and then to finally be here and have it be more than I could ever have imagined.</div>
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God IS faithful.</div>
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ALL the time.</div>
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Wait on Him!!!</div>
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More are the church next post!</div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-65632426540070828722015-05-14T16:18:00.001-05:002015-05-14T16:18:48.962-05:00Getting close.....<div style="text-align: center;">
A week from today the movers will be here to pack and move us to Arizona. It is so hard to believe that it is here already! I have so many little details swimming around in my head...I'm just praying none of them fly out! :/</div>
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The details have been complicated and added to by the fact that our house is not sold yet.</div>
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I have been struggling with that a bit and in the last couple of days I have been on a war path of sorts to fix anything I can that would "help" my house sell...and it has been causing a lot of stress.</div>
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I had coffee with my bible study leader yesterday and she reminded me of our study of Malachi this spring and the main point God brought out to us......I am King, let me lead. It hit me like a 2x4...I had quit letting Him lead. I had taken the lead when I started down the mad path of trying to fix everything. Don't get me wrong, we need to do what we can to make our house presentable, but ultimately it is GOD who will sell our house, there is really not much I can do to make it sell. And HE had not led me to make those fixes...I was doing them on my own through stress and making everyone miserable around me.</div>
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I can't tell you the peace that came over me when I realized that and handed Him back the lead in my heart. My house is beautiful, some one will love it. I know He has the right family for this house, they are just not ready for it yet and in the mean time, He has provided all we need..even a way to move without it being sold. </div>
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He is a much better leader than I am, I wish I could remember that!</div>
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Then this morning, as I sat down for my quiet time, I start to feel panic come into my heart and even guilt. These were my thoughts......should I have chosen the house I did in Arizona? There was one that was cheaper...it was very small but it was cheaper. All these payments are piling on....it's my fault I chose that house. We are going to be in trouble. Maybe I can get out of purchasing this house. I should have done something sooner.</div>
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And then I opened up <b>Jesus Calling</b> to today's devotion and this is what I read...</div>
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"Remember that Satan is the accuser of believers. He delights in heaping guilt feelings upon you, especially when you are enjoying My Presence. when you feel Stan's arrows of accusation, you are probably on the right track. Use your shield of Faith to protect yourself from him. Talk with Me about what you are experiencing, and ask Me to show you the way forward"</div>
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Wow. </div>
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The guilt I was feeling was unreasonable.</div>
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How amazing that God had those words for me today, at just the right time.</div>
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If He goes to that much detail to protect me from the enemy, how can I doubt He will not take care of this house and all aspects of this move. He has an amazing ministry waiting for us and work for us to do. the enemy knows that and he will try everything to distract me or emotionally wear me out so that I am not prepared for it.</div>
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So, today....once again...I left the house and the move in God's hands.</div>
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I feel so much better......</div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-14421232035066258232015-05-08T07:54:00.002-05:002015-05-08T07:54:22.595-05:00adventure that could be a sitcom....<div style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You may remember that the transmission in my car started going out last June. It is one of the miracles that God provided during our year with out a job.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After praying about it, we took it to a repair shop and they could NOT find any thing wrong with it. :) So we drove it away (having not paid a dime) and 2 blocks from the repair shop all the transmission lights started coming on and it started making the noise it was making when shifting. Since they couldn't find anything wrong with it, we decided to keep driving it until something happened where it had to go in.......we've been driving it for a year now. yay God! The lights still come on when driving it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">But I have only driven it in town....occasionally to Conway (30 minutes away), praying all the way! We knew it would not make it to Az and we need 2 cars, so while we are in Indiana this week we are getting a car from our friend who owns a dealership there. BUT we need to trade this one in....he is graciously taking it as a trade in. So, we started out the 11 hour trip praying over the car and asking anyone we knew to pray. The first hour or so was tense as we waited for it to quit shifting or something, but when it didn't we settle into the drive and got more comfortable. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">For 10 hours it did great and had no issues and then </span></span><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">1 hour away as we drove into Chicago, the car started having problems. It quit shifting into over drive. We could not believe it. I sent a desperate txt out asking for prayer and started praying while Steve watched the RPMs. We had to do the last hour going 55 or lower....semi's and cars racing by us. I turned to Steve and said "well at least we have no worry of getting a speeding ticket!!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;"> Then when we got off the freeway and turned into town, it quit shifting out of 3rd...ugh! so we drove 25mph to our friends house....but we made it!!! We still had to get it to the dealership the next day, but put it all aside to enjoy our friends for the evening. There wasn't much we could do any way!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next morning, we started out to the dealer and the car would not shift. Steve and i just looked at each other...both thinking what we didn't want to say...we may need a tow truck. but then slowing the car worked into it and began shifting....whew!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.719999313354492px;">About 2 miles from the dealer the service engine soon light came on. We both started praying out loud.....please just 2 miles. Then, please only ONE mile. We drove into the dealership with ALL the engine lights flashing BUT we drove in!!!! YAY GOD!!!! The building sits at the bottom of a hill and there was a parking space directly in front of us at the bottom that we coasted in to!!! We stopped and both looked at each other, laughed and praised God for getting us there!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">so, I now have my new, RELIABLE car!!! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for all your prayers!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now on to getting the house sold! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm certain God's got that too!!!</span></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-51769118428304972132015-04-30T14:51:00.002-05:002015-04-30T14:51:44.173-05:00Thankful Thursday...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Linking up today with <a href="http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/04/thankful-thursday-link-up-17.html" target="_blank">Rebecca Jo</a></div>
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Today I am thankful for.....</div>
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NO RAIN!! </div>
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it is a gorgeous day here and the sunshine and warm just boosts your spirits! We have had way above average rainfall and it was getting old!</div>
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My house.</div>
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So thankful for this house that God provided while we lived in LR. some of the best neighbors I have ever had, so much ministry has happened in this house, so many great memories. Thankful I have a house to sell and trying to remember that as we go through the stress of selling it.</div>
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My health</div>
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I think I take that for granted so often. As it turns out my frozen shoulder was caused by stress. as God has put pieces in this puzzle of our life this year, it has gotten progressively better. An now that I am mostly pain free, I am SO grateful for my health and for feeling good!</div>
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My hairstylist.</div>
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Bless her. She makes my hair look amazing. She is the best colorist I have ever had. Most people are shocked when they find out I color my hair and am really very grey. Plus she is such a good friend and I enjoy my time with her each month. I will miss her and to be honest am not looking forward to having to find someone new in Arizona. But today I am very thankful for her!!</div>
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Great friends.</div>
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I have the best. Both near and far. </div>
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Today</div>
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I am very thankful for today...whatever it holds!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7856599582815103185%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-CS6p_J2tqPo%252FVUKEbOP93GI%252FAAAAAAAAN6I%252FW3z5m9MxOLI%252Fs1600%252FThankful%25252BThursday%25252Blogo.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D7856599582815103185%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-CS6p_J2tqPo%252FVUKEbOP93GI%252FAAAAAAAAN6I%252FW3z5m9MxOLI%252Fs1600%252FThankful%25252BThursday%25252Blogo.png%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 193px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-71225288199333693792015-04-27T12:57:00.002-05:002015-04-27T12:57:52.780-05:00Feelings......<div style="text-align: center;">
...they are running the gamut in my life these days.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Excitement</b></span></div>
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Over our new ministry and home. Seeing God answer so many prayers and take care of each detail. Excitement that our new grand baby is a GIRL!! Excitement in finding lost treasures deep in closets....a long lost bible, my daughter's Ragedy Ann doll I thought I had lost, fun pictures, lost videos!! So fun!</div>
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As we just finished going through the LAST closet/storage area. who knew you could collect so much junk? We were so excited about the storage areas in this house....now I dislike them...because we filled every.single.one. But we have worked hard to go through them all!! and we are tired.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sadness</b></span></div>
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We have been trying to cut down on our moving expenses, so we have made tough decisions to get rid of things we've had for a long time, some since we first got married. Most of those things are going to our kids, which makes me happy, but some of them have been sold in a garage sale or gone to goodwill....and that has made me sad. It's hard to let go of things. However, I was reminded in a quiet time this weekend that these are just "things" and only bring joy for a short time. What brings joy for a lifetime doesn't take up much room....except in my heart! :)</div>
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It's also been sad as we start the "goodbye" process. This is never easy and comes with lots of tears. </div>
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This is a feeling that really has no place in my life....I trust God completely to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. However, I live in a human, fallible body and stress sneaks in when ever it can. The item causing the most stress is the sale of our house. Still waiting on that one. So each day, and sometimes many times in the day, I have to let go and lay that stress at the feet of Jesus. We are boldly asking God to sell our house by May 1st....with the knowledge that His plans are best and we want His plan.</div>
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Another stress inducer is our schedule. as we get close to the end of our time here, we have so many people that want to meet with us one last time, going away parties to attend, packing to do, a 60th wedding anniversary to attend for my parents, a trip to Indian to make, friends to see and plans to be made. When I look at my calendar it is overwhelming. However, God reminds me that He will give me the strength for EACH day and so I take it one at a time!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Encouragement</b></span></div>
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God always brings encouragement just when we need it most! through friends, special mail, answered prayer, scripture that speaks to my heart and in so many other ways! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Blessed</b></span></div>
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This is by far the feeling I feel the most. To look back at the year and see how God has taken care of us, how many amazing friends I have praying for us and looking out for us, how I have such a loving family that supports and encourages me and brings me so much joy and a God who promises not only to take care of me but has wonderful plans for me.</div>
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<b>I am truly blessed.</b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11</span></i></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-45070167207792138952015-04-19T13:23:00.001-05:002015-04-19T16:40:17.748-05:00refocusing...<div style="text-align: center;">
This week has been hard.</div>
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After the excitement of finally seeing where God wants us to serve next, we came home and put our house on the market.</div>
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4 days later, God brought us a buyer and by the next day we had a contract...amazing! How cool to see God work so quickly.</div>
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So, I made plans to fly to Arizona to find a house and to start interviewing moving companies (which we could only do with a contract on our LR house). I flew to Arizona the next week and found the perfect house for us. God moved some obstacles and on sunday, last week, we signed a contract. Every thing was in place and for the first time in a year felt out of "limbo".</div>
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I flew home Monday and 15 minutes after we walked in the house from the airport, we got a call from our realtor that the contract on our house here had fallen through.</div>
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We were shocked.</div>
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the inspection had been Friday and when the inspector left, he told Steve there were no major problems with the house. Steve had met the couple at the inspection and said they were very nice and he was excited he had been able to tell them all about how to take care of the pool, etc.</div>
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So, what happened?</div>
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Well, we don't know. We are assuming buyers remorse and maybe they got nervous about the work involved in caring for a pool, they had never had one before. But we really don't know. They just backed out and Arkansas law lets them.</div>
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honestly, that started a week of fighting doubt and anger.</div>
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While these people got to just back out and go look for a new home, we had to deal with having missed 2 weeks on the market and now having the title "back on the market"....which to most realtors means...there is something wrong with that house. We had already put a contract on another house that now was in jeopardy and also signed with a moving company. It was hard not to be angry.</div>
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For the whole week, not one person has asked to see the house. We have tried to remind ourselves of EVERYthing God has done this year and how He has worked all these things in our favor, but our eyes were focused on our house. We sat each day, with nothing to do, just waiting for the phone to ring for a showing and the stress level just creeped up until it filled the house.</div>
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This morning, in my quiet time, I was reading Oswald Chambers and this is what he wrote:</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">...You may have just victoriously gone through a great crisis, but now be alert about the things that may appear to be the least likely to tempt you. Beware of thinking that the areas of your life where you have experienced victory in the past are now the least likely to cause you to stumble and fall.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">We are apt to say, “It is not at all likely that having been through the greatest crisis of my life I would now turn back to the things of the world.” Do not try to predict where the temptation will come; it is the least likely thing that is the real danger. <u>It is in the aftermath of a great spiritual event that the least likely things begin to have an effect.</u> They may not be forceful and dominant, but they are there. And if you are not careful to be forewarned, they will trip you. You have remained true to God under great and intense trials— now beware of the undercurrent.</span></div>
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Wow.</div>
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It hit me square between the eyes.</div>
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We have been letting the sale of our house not only become our focus but we have also allowed it to take our eyes off our future ministry. We have spent the week praying for a buyer (not a bad thing) but had stopped praying for our future ministry and the people there without even realizing it.</div>
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We have come through this year depending on God in one of the hardest times of our lives and then, just like that, allowed doubt to take over.</div>
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I can just visualize God shaking His head.</div>
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ugh.</div>
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So, today I refocus!</div>
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I am focusing on this amazing ministry God has for us in Arizona and letting God work out the details of getting us there.....He's better at it anyway! :)</div>
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And just like that, the stress balloon in this house was burst!</div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-4530506312003011512015-03-29T13:01:00.000-05:002015-03-29T13:01:09.796-05:00Our Story<div style="text-align: center;">
As I sat in church today praising God, I realized I needed to tell our story. </div>
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As the Psalmist said 57:9-10....</div>
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<i>I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;</i></div>
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<i>I will sing of you among the peoples. </i></div>
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<i>For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; </i></div>
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<i>your faithfulness reaches to the skies</i></div>
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I realized I need to tell of His faithfulness to us...</div>
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A year ago, my husband lost his job.</div>
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It is hard to believe it has been a year. </div>
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But the Sunday we were extended a call to pastor a church in Arizona was a year, <i>to the day</i>, that the elders of our last church announced they were letting us go.</div>
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It's been a year of ups and downs, of trusting God, of finding out what that really looks like, of having everything I thought I could control ripped out of my hands and finding in that place of utter dependence on Him.....<span style="color: #cc0000;">there</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">is peace</span>.</div>
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But I started out that year hurt, angry and worried. </div>
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God immediately started working on the hurt and anger.</div>
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First showing me my pride....in thinking that if I was serving him faithfully in ministry it shouldn't be this hard. And revealing to me that I had my fists tightly clenched on things I considered "off limits" to him... as he slowly peeled them away.</div>
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He showed me his sovereignty in that though the elders had made the choice of letting Steve go, <span style="color: #cc0000;">He</span> ultimately was in control.....so who should I be mad at?</div>
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And slowly and gently He brought me to the point of complete trust. To the place where I could honestly say.....<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I trust you Lord, my times are in your hands. (psalm 21:15)</span></i></div>
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Over the year, we had many situations that tested that trust....</div>
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*our transmission started going out in my car in June.</div>
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dash lights going off, bad noise when shifting gears. So we prayed about it, asked God to take care of it and took it in to the shop. We got a call the next day that they could not find one thing wrong with the car and to come get it. God has miraculously sustained our car this whole year, even with the lights still going off!!</div>
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*our severance ran out.....he has provided <i>everything</i> we needed. </div>
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Right before Christmas, a friend told us that God laid on their hearts to give us $250...an unbelievable gift! When we got home from Houston the 1st of January, we found that our upstairs heater had quit...ugh. So we had the repair man out and when he handed the bill to Steve it was.....$250.70....no kidding.</div>
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*We came in 2nd at SIX churches.</div>
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As we started this process, Steve and I prayed that at each church we talked to we would be able to first and foremost leave them a little closer to God from spending time with us...no matter the outcome. We received emails from people on many of those search committees later telling us how we had changed them and our vision had caused them to look at their lives differently.</div>
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One woman had been living in her neighborhood for 5 years and had never had contact with her neighbor across the street...in fact she had been warned to stay away from him because he was a bit crazy and had guns. After talking to us (our passion is reaching out to neighbors....those God places in your immediate life) she began praying for her neighbor and within a few days the neighbors wife knocked on her door with some fresh strawberries from their garden! And a door was opened to a new relationship!!</div>
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But through it all, I <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">knew</span></i> that God had a place for us and that He just wanted us to wait on Him for it....no matter how long it took.</div>
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I prayed that where ever that place was, that they would want us....we wouldn't be a 2nd choice. That they would really see that the gifts Steve and I had to offer were a perfect fit for their church.</div>
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And deep inside, I prayed my hearts desire...that I would be closer to my parents. I have always lived so far from them and as they grow older, it is my desire to be near them.</div>
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We began talking to the church in Arizona in the fall. Since all of my family is in Arizona, I tried not to get my hopes up!</div>
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In Feb, they told us we were 1 of 2 final candidates and that they would like to have us come out and visit and have Steve preach.</div>
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As Steve prepared his sermon before we left, he told me that God had actually given him the sermon back in the fall. He felt it was what he was called to preach wherever he was sent to candidate. And as he put the final touches on it, he said "Sara, if I don't get the job it won't be because of my sermon."</div>
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We went out to Arizona for the weekend and fell in love with the people. The other candidate had been there the week before and we knew they had liked him. We expected to find out who they felt called to in the next week or so. However, on the Sunday that Steve preached they extended us the call!! We were having a potluck after church and the committee had been meeting while we were visiting with the congregation. When they announced it to the people at the potluck (after talking to us and our accepting...and my crying)....the people stood up and CHEERED! The excitement was amazing and a true answer to my prayer.</div>
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Later, as we talked to someone on the committee, they told us that it was Steve's sermon that pushed them over the edge toward us......another answer.</div>
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So, after waiting and trusting for a full year, God has brought us to a place that is a <u>perfect</u> fit for us. A place where the people see our gifts and are excited to come along side us to do ministry. </div>
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And to top it off, I will be moving to the place that is the desire of my heart!! Arizona!! I grew up in Arizona and I will be only 4 hours from my parents.</div>
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Let me tell you today....</div>
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God's love never fails!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 37:3-4 </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart.</span></i></span></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-10041703490822722202015-03-26T19:24:00.001-05:002015-03-26T19:24:52.594-05:00So much to be Thankful for today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sVpExYCkTk/VRQiacUtDCI/AAAAAAAAN5M/ttoW525Gx6k/s1600/Thankful%2BThursday%2Blogo-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0sVpExYCkTk/VRQiacUtDCI/AAAAAAAAN5M/ttoW525Gx6k/s1600/Thankful%2BThursday%2Blogo-1.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am joining <a href="http://www.knitbygodshand.com/2015/03/thankful-thursday-link-up-12.html" target="_blank">Rebecca Jo today for Thankful Thursday</a>. I thought this would be a perfect day to announce our good news! If you are friends with me on FB then you have already heard but....</div>
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We have a job!<br />
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A year ago, the elders of our church let my husband go as they decided to go in a different direction than he was leading. It was a very hard, hurtful and difficult time for us. However, we felt God's hand on our lives, directing us through it. We trusted that He had a plan for us and was calling us to wait on Him.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Jermiah 29:11</span></i></div>
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We were in God's waiting room for a year, almost to the day. I won't say it was easy, because many parts of it were hard..... but in placing <i>all </i>my trust in Him, <i>knowing</i> He had a place for us, I had so much peace and very little worry. Oh, there were times when my heart cried out to God in fear and doubt! But those were honestly few and EVERY.single.time He met me gently and returned my focus to Him.....restoring that peace in my heart that only He can give.<br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'century gothic'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23.920000076293945px;"><i>Be assured that if God waits longer than you could wish, it is only to make the blessing doubly precious. --Andrew Murray</i></b></div>
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So today I am thankful for being without a job for a year and the amazing things that came from it.....</div>
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I'm thankful for:</div>
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*the opportunity to draw closer to God and see Him work in ways I had never experienced before<br />
*discovering the difference between waiting on an answer and waiting on God</div>
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*the opportunity to display what trusting God in hard times looks like<br />
*finding God <i>always</i> has some one/place for us to serve where we are..no matter our circumstances</div>
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*being available to serve and take care of Steve's mom this summer when she fell</div>
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*being available to take care of our daughter during her illness<br />
*the opportunity to see my children step up and minister to us<br />
*the amazing friends I knew I had, but had no idea just how amazing they were<br />
*truly <i>feeling</i> the covering of prayer my friends/family provided us<br />
*seeing God meet every.single.need we had, sometimes <i>miraculously</i><br />
*being able to find joy and contentment in the middle of hard times<br />
*God's Word, that carried me through<br />
*our new church family He has led us to<br />
*the answers to multiple prayers that clearly showed this was the place for us<br />
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But most importantly, I am so grateful for my relationship with God. And grateful that though He is so big, He cares for me and the details of my life.<br />
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you will make a new start, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">listening obediently to </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">keeping all his commandments </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that I’m commanding you today. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, your God, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will outdo himself in making things </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">go well for you...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=deuteronomy+30%3A8&version=MSG" style="color: #6f3c1b; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-size: small;">(Deuteronomy 30:8-9a, <i>the Message</i>)</span></a></span></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-56129990856169376502015-03-06T11:07:00.001-06:002015-03-06T11:07:08.447-06:00Sovereign Over Us<div style="text-align: center;">
This song is resonating with me this morning.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">But I trust you, Lord. I say "You are my God. My times are in Your hands"</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 31:14</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Isaiah 41:10</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God. I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Psalm 52:8</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and don't rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways, know, recognize and acknowledge Him and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Proverbs 3:5-6</span></i></div>
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sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7856599582815103185.post-78418981186155736782015-03-05T11:59:00.001-06:002015-03-05T11:59:58.809-06:00Just a few....<div style="text-align: center;">
Essential Oil testimonies from people in my downline.</div>
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Have you been hearing about Essential Oils and wondering what they are all about? </div>
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Do you wonder if they <i>really </i>do work?</div>
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They do!!</div>
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Here are just a few testimonies from me, my friends and family in my downline using YL EOs that I thought I would share:</div>
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* my daughter has been struggling with sinus pressure and what she feared was the start of a sinus infection. I had her dip a Q-tip in some olive oil with a drop of <b>purification</b> and then rub it inside her nose several times during the day. This was her response at the end of just ONE day: <b> The purification in the nose is my new favorite trick!! My sinuses feel SO much better! And I was surprised that even though I put the purification in my nose, I don't feel the smell was over powering!</b></div>
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* my friend's husband suffers from sinus pressure migraines. This is what she wrote to me recently: <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">using Pan Away and M-Grain are the only thing that gives my husband relief from terrible sinus pressure headaches...more effective than Rx strength Naproxen Sodium, Tylenol, Advil or Percocet! Pass it on!</span></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*<b>Sleepease</b>. This is a supplement from YoungLiving. I earned a free one and decided to try it while my husband is out of town (I never sleep well while he is gone...waking up with any noise I hear) I LOVE it. I have slept soundly each night and do not wake up feeling groggy. I have never had success with melatonin and so I was a bit skeptical about this product but I really feel it has helped give me a good nights sleep!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*<b>NingXia nitro</b>. I sent a box of these back with my son to school. He is taking 18 hours+ and his schedule is quite daunting. He has many long days and has said that the Nitros give him the energy he needs to get through with out any gitters or crashes. He also feels the Nitros are helping with low blood pressure drops that he sometimes suffers from! I love having these because they are small and fit in my purse to have any time I need them!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*I have been having some trouble with an ear ache. I haven't been able to pin point what is causing it. As I have done some research, I read about dabbing a Q-tip dipped in coconut oil and <b>thieves</b> inside your ear....for earache, mold in the ear, irritation....and it worked!! my ear is feeling much better in just 2 days!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*during these dry winter days with the heater on, do you suffer from dry itchy skin or eczema? I have been using the supplement <b>sulferzyme</b> each morning and evening and find that my itching skin has improved dramatically!! Especially since I have to take several hot showers a day to work out my frozen shoulder...doesn't help the skin!! but the sulferzymes are really working.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*my friend recently burned her hand on the oven element. She put <b>lavender</b> on it right away and then several times during the day...by the end of the day she could not even see the burn! She also used it on a burn to the roof of her mouth! Though the taste is not great, it quickly brought relief!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">Remember these pictures of my MIL's hand? She had fallen and pulled the skin back and when I got there it was red and angry looking and very painful! I just let the lavender drop on her hand 3 times a day....</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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Just TWO days later we saw amazing results!!!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn4aY9D8cO0/VPiY2OPxbqI/AAAAAAAAN4o/eHxV_V7UXj0/s1600/IMG_20140825_112414_484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn4aY9D8cO0/VPiY2OPxbqI/AAAAAAAAN4o/eHxV_V7UXj0/s1600/IMG_20140825_112414_484.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">*my mom suffers from neuropathy on her feet from type 1 diabetes. She is using <b>nutmeg</b> on her feet and has not had any trouble with it at night since she starting using the nutmeg!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">If you've been toying with the idea of getting an essential oils starter kit with Young Living, now is a great time to do it!!! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> Sign up with me by the end of March and receive a FREE bottle of Valor and a FREE bottle of Peace & Calming (two of the most popular blends!). The kit includes what is seen below (11 bottles of oil, diffuser, samples) and the two extra bottles from me. </span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Such a great time to join! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px; text-align: left;">Email me for details or go <a href="http://thebowyers.blogspot.com/p/young-living-essential-oils.html" target="_blank">here</a> to sign up!</span></div>
sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.com1