tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59159349035196459602024-03-13T08:26:19.052-05:00Titus 2 TeaPraising God through tea parties, speaking grace and thanksgiving into the world, prison ministry, spiritual mothering, spiritual grandmothering, mentoringKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.comBlogger392125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-45663336973730273762020-12-03T14:30:00.001-06:002020-12-03T14:30:18.508-06:00Quiet My Heart<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> Lord, please quiet my heart so I can hear your voice. <br />As I look up into a sky that is gray with brewing storms, I realize it mirrors the chaos of my heart.</span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Forget about the battle. You're with Me. Rest, Beloved. Be still and rest. </span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You have shown me many troubles and distresses.</span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">So you will grow...</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes. Sometimes it makes me tired, though. You have done great things, are even now doing great things. You are my strong refuge. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>You have everything you need, Princess. Everything. Blessing upon blessing. Peace upon peace. Love upon love. </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Your love refreshes me. You have taught my feet to dance in the disappointment. </span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I like it when your heart bursts with love for Me and you dance.</span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Me, too. You are my joy. You love me.</span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">I love you. I love you with an everlasting love. </span></i></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When I'm here, like this, I feel Your love in my inmost heart. It seems almost tangible. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Because you're still. No inefficient thoughts swirling around a center of worries now. <br />I calmed them. </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>It's Your voice that calms me. Your hands are gentle. </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>My hands are full of scars. See this one? A carpenter's workshop accident. Stacked my blocks too high. </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You were a boy, playing with blocks. What's this one?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Fish hook. See this one? It's from the cross. And this one?</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That one's mine. You carved my name in Your palm when you adopted me. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Just rest, Princess. I created gray skies and storms. I can see through the swirling chaos. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Peace. Be still. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Yes, Princess. Peace. Be still. </i></b></span></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-52509159235439057882020-01-24T15:54:00.000-06:002020-01-24T15:54:21.895-06:00Devil in the Toilet"I don't get angry at people," Steve shared, "I get angry at things when they don't work. Like the car. Or the computer, or the toilet. And then other people suffer because I'm angry."<br />
<br />
"The devil inhabits the toilet," my husband replied.<br />
<br />
We laughed, but it's true, isn't it? The devil uses whatever circumstance he can as a tool for spiritual warfare.<br />
<br />
The computer swallows an hour of work. The vacuum spreads dust everywhere. The car won't start. The toilet backs up.<br />
<br />
"STUPID TOILET!" The children scatter. A plunger hits the wall. A foot begins to throb from a well deserved, though unwise, kick against porcelain.<br />
<br />
It's not true that the devil makes us do it, but he is always there, waiting for his opportunity. He's not just concerned about where you spend your Sundays, or about how much time you spend on your knees. He knows we are weakest when we think we're doing "non-spiritual" things. He loves to distract us from noble purpose, to make us too busy to live intentionally.<br />
<br />
Because in our minds we divide the spiritual from the physical, we allow him a foot in the door. We give him time and opportunity to set up his tanks on the battlefield of our lives.<br />
<br />
To those who declare they are Jesus followers, the enemy is ruthless, tenacious, cruel and heartless. He sets up his heavy artillery aimed directly at our vulnerable spots. Waiting for a moment of exhaustion, disappointment or overstuffed schedule, he attacks with his unyielding force. Disappointment leads to discouragement. Fears crash into depression.<br />
<br />
We know he is a liar. We know he sits back and laughs at us. But we get busy, direct our attentions elsewhere, become soldiers unaware. We forget that there is an unseen world that is active with the rage of demons. We set aside our mighty weapons of warfare. We cast off our spiritual armor.<br />
<br />
We can choose instead to train ourselves to stay awake to the unseen world, even in the humdrum and ordinary parts of our lives. By constantly walking alongside the Holy Spirit, we remain alert, prepared-for-action soldiers. We can stand ready and alert because we've trained to use the sword and shield of faith.<br />
<br />
We call out to God for help and He helps - He's a good Father that way. But don't forget, He's also a responsible Father, and won't let us get by with sloppy living. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-90807678094196429342020-01-14T05:00:00.000-06:002020-01-14T05:00:02.267-06:00A Cinnamon Roll for Your Thoughts"My life feels impossible," Abby told me. " I know God is good, but I don't seem strong."<br />
<br />
Abby has a physically exhausting job on her feet all day. When she gets off work, she helps the children with homework as she fixes dinner. As the older children start laundry and cleaning chores, Abby spends time with her baby and handicapped toddler, giving her elderly mother a break to gather her own strength after a busy day. On a good night, her husband takes a break from his second job to encourage her.<br />
<br />
"I know I shouldn't complain. My mother is slow and often ill, but she is able to live with us and help out. We have more money coming in than is going out. We have great kids. But I'm tired of how hard it is. Some days are impossible! I worry that our house of cards will fall apart. I should be grateful for all I have, shouldn't I? I'm supposed to be able to do all things through Christ who gives me strength."<br />
<br />
Dare we admit that life can be harsh, barren and too difficult to bear? Even in our impossible we struggle to be independent and not need anyone's help. We want to say all the right words to show we are faithful. We are thankful for the hardships we don't have and the blessings we do have. We want to be a light in a dark world.<br />
<br />
Struggle for survival, success and living a good life wears us down. Instead of being encouraged by others, we are drawn to comparison, frustration and disappointment. We tread water until we can sink into our beds for a few hours, distract ourselves on a screen, or dump our frustrations into social media. What else is there to do when life gets impossible?<br />
<br />
Abby did not lack a thankful heart. She did not lack faith in the God who specializes in the impossible. She did not lack a quiet time in her day to pray and read the Word. She knew God was able to do more than she could ask or imagine He could do in her life, so every day she got up, trusting that in her weakness He would give strength. Yet here she sat brokenhearted, soul weary and bone tired.<br />
<br />
Who is walking alongside you in your faith journey? It's appropriate to ask for what you need. It's necessary to seek out people who can help you. It's okay that you don't know what to do. We all need people to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our lives. We all need encouragement and people to share our burdens, to pray with us and for us, to pull us into green pastures for rest, to prod us on to love and good works.<br />
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Abby finished her tea one day and grinned at me. "It means everything to know I'm not alone even when it feels like I am. We all need that someone who will love our children with us. We all need someone who can be trusted to see when we need a date night or need cinnamon rolls or chicken soup or a lunch date. We all need someone who sees our impossible, makes a pot of tea, picks up our baby and offers hope. We all need to be loved right where are struggling."<br />
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<b><i>"Let us not judge one another any more...let us pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another." (Romans 14:13, 19)</i></b><br />
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-86697551335831517502020-01-13T03:30:00.000-06:002020-01-13T03:30:07.680-06:00Encourage the Exhausted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble, </b><br />
<b>Say to those with a palpitating heart: </b><br />
<b>Take courage and fear not...</b><br />
<b> </b><i> (Isaiah 35:4) </i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Exhausted: To be drained of strength or energy, to be greatly fatigued, to be used up, to have drawn out all that is essential, to be emptied.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Sound like anyone you know? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">"I would love to encourage people," Leah told me. "I think I'd be good at it. I just never really have time. Keeping up with my job and family and the house and laundry...I'm too tired to do anything but watch the News and go to bed!"</span><br />
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How do we encourage the exhausted when our own energy is continually spent? When we live with the same schedules, priorities and exhaustion that the world offers, we discover that we, too, are empty and dry. We cannot encourage others if our daily lives are no different from theirs. <br />
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"I have kids", Gina sighed sadly, "and it takes all of my energy to get them where they need to be. It seems like everything I do is for the purpose of growing my kids up to be successful people and use all their God-given opportunities. Besides, kids need to be kept busy and involved! But, yeah, I'm exhausted. Quite frankly, so are they."<br />
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Dallas Willard said, "Arrange your life in such a way that you have joy, great contentment and bold confidence in God." It's become my favorite challenge and encouragement for maintaining my priorities.<br />
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When we set our minds on things above, not on earthly things, transformation happens. We become the sort of person who naturally encourages the exhausted.<br />
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Shouldn't joy, contentment and confidence in God be the bedrock of Christian life? What if instead of living in a tornado of chaos and exhaustion, we stopped? What if instead of laughing off our over-crowded lives, we chose to pursue peace?<br />
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Our encouragement would come, not from behavior modification, trying harder to balance everything, but from giving God time and room to refine us, to transform us, from the inside out. We would encourage out of the easy yoke, a rested heart of joy.<br />
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Certainly we each have temporarily busy, difficult seasons. Circumstances gradually pull us into exhausting difficulties. It's easy to get stuck there. Have you noticed in your own busy seasons how desperately you long for encouragement?<br />
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More of Him. Less of me. That is the source of abundant life, His wellspring of grace upon grace, joy upon joy, peace that passes understanding. He gives us enough time to step away from the noise and fray, to be invited into unhurried living alongside Him in the easy yoke.<br />
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What if instead of hurriedly asking someone how they're doing, we listened to the outpouring of their heart?<br />
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What if when asked how we are doing, we took the time to truthfully answer, "You know, I'm doing well. I'm getting good rest, eating healthy foods, getting lovely walks, enjoying the Word and prayer."<br />
<br />
What if we arranged our lives in such a way that we could encourage the exhausted out of our abundance?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-3292173157562111852020-01-12T09:43:00.001-06:002020-01-12T09:43:59.837-06:00Living by the Sword"Aren't you afraid to be in the prison with all those dangerous women?" my neighbor asked. "Do you have to be around any serial killers?"<br />
<br />
The truth is that I am safer behind prison walls than I am on the highway or walking around downtown. My movements are on security video. I carry a body alarm. My husband carries a two-way radio. Armed prison guards would immediately be available if a situation was dangerous.<br />
<br />
Prisoners we meet in the chapel have murder, child abuse, prostitution, rape and drug crimes in their pasts. They look like any other group of women, except for the way they're dressed. With hands clapping and feet dancing as they sing, they sound like any other group of women praising God. Leaning in to hear my teaching, they take notes and ask questions, diligent in their study of God's Word.<br />
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They are not dangerous women because of their crimes. They are dangerous women because they are Jesus Followers, because they are becoming women after God's own heart. They dare to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a fallen world.<br />
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Sierra, a Jesus Follower in prison, grips my hand as she tells me her story. She will die inside the prison walls. Society has rightly sentenced her to multiple life sentences. She smiles through tears of compassion for her fellow prisoners, women who live in darkness, slaves to their sins and wrong choices.<br />
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"There is so much power in God's love! I'm much more dangerous with my Bible sword than I ever was with a gun or knife. Satan should be afraid. Very, Very afraid."<br />
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Satan is indeed afraid. He knows his time is almost up. He holds no power over the truly dangerous woman, the princess-soldier who lives courage, gives wise counsel and goes about doing good. His name is defeat and the battle belongs to the Lord.<br />
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The most dangerous women in the world write Bible verses on the hearts of children. They act out Bible stories, making it fun to be in Sunday School. Pots of vegetable soup and loaves of fresh baked bread sit on their counters ready to be taken to the sick and weary. They have time to listen, to bind up the brokenhearted, to stretch loving arms to the needy and to change the course of history with their prayers.<br />
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They wage war on selfishness, divorce, abortion and cruelty. Dangerous women send notes to young wives encouraging them to love their husbands and children. They babysit for young moms when rest becomes long overdue. They care for the widows, the orphans, the homeless. Dangerous women counsel alongside the Holy Spirit. They love people deeply from their hearts, changing the world one step at a time.<br />
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Just how dangerous are you? Got your sword in hand?Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-50247262147533363162020-01-10T20:00:00.001-06:002020-03-21T09:47:32.532-05:00To Cuddle a SwordMy Bible is falling apart.<br />
<br />
Steve, a friend who is my very heart, has walked alongside me through enough years to know from experience my love for the Word of God. He chuckles and shakes his head appreciatively at my Bible. Pages fall out, many are worn from use during reading, studying, counseling and teaching. Trips to nursing homes, prison, children's homes and churches through the decades have left their marks and scars. Tea stains, coffee stains, tear stains and spit-up stains have shaded the pages as much as my various colors of notes.<br />
<br />
Children have listened to stories from my Bible. Unbelievers have heard answers to their questions. Young women have listened to me read it. Long nights have been spent with it wrapped in my arms as I prayed. Touching it brings comfort and strength before I ever open it. I don't feel fully dressed without it nearby.<br />
<br />
When she was six, Carolanne, sitting beside me at church where we shared my Bible whispered, "I love your Bible. The pages are soft and I can cuddle them." I want her to cuddle my sword, but, more than that, I want her trained to use her own sword.<br />
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<b><i>And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:17)</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
The Word of God, the Bible, my Sword, is my most precious tangible possession. It looks raggedy and worn, scarred and torn, but don't let that fool you. It makes me powerful, wise, courageous and equipped for every good work. It has the power to take down looming evil dragons and swat baby dragons aside.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i><b>The Word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)</b></i><br />
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Train yourself to use your sword in joy and in sorrow. Practice using it in the easy, in the hard. Study to show yourself as an unashamed soldier, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. Step out of the noise and fray to read it. Memorize it. Meditate on it. Set aside time to know your sword and train yourself to use it.<br />
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A soldier-princess learns very quickly that she will never completely understand and master her sword, but she doesn't need to be a master to pick up her sword and use it. She is equipped by the power of the Holy Spirit. She is trained daily in the easy yoke walking and working alongside Jesus. Love the Word of God, soldier-princess. Be more familiar with it than anything else you own, even your cell phone.<br />
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What are you doing to train yourself to use your sword?<br />
<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-4550505302213632282017-02-03T07:25:00.000-06:002017-02-03T07:30:11.178-06:00Consider the Woodpecker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker="">Every morning, a red-headed woodpecker tries to drill a hole in the corner of my house, a house not made of wood. </every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker=""><br /></every>
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker="">
For over a year I have watched him grow in boldness and diligence, drilling holes in each of our trees. He's beautiful, smart, unique, funny.<br />
<br />
Lately, he is determined to change the unchangeable. He is consistent, but he is wrong. No matter how loud or angry he becomes, his efforts are wasted. No matter how much he wants to change his circumstances, his time is wasted.<br />
<br />
<strong>"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." -Matthew 5:16</strong> </every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker=""><br />
Consider your ways. Search your heart.</every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker=""></every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker="">What hinders you from shining God's light in a dark world? Are you taking every thought captive, every attitude, every habit, and making it obedient to Christ? </every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker=""></every><br />
<every a="" br="" corner="" drill="" hole="" house="" in="" is="" made="" morning="" my="" not="" of="" red-headed="" same="" the="" to="" tries="" which="" wood.="" woodpecker=""><strong>Abide in Me and you will bear much fruit.</strong> </every>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-53194639650313966282017-02-01T07:55:00.000-06:002017-02-03T07:31:09.512-06:00The God Who Burdens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Sometimes I'm so afraid," Liza whispered. "I'm a Christian. I'm supposed to have faith and joy and peace. Well, I don't, so what does that mean? What am I supposed to do? Keep on pretending?"<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecclesiastes 3:10-11)</strong>
</blockquote>
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Who is this God who laid such burden on us? What is beautiful about God's people living bloody, broken, confused and afraid? Can we trust a merciful, loving God when we cannot fathom what in the world He is doing?<br />
<br />
Like a jar of river water all shaken up, the burdens of our noisy, demanding circumstances swirl around us. The world is reeling out of control, a tornado of hopelessness and conflict. As the chaos and mud sling us about, the turmoil grows. Our vision is lost. Our voices add to the clutter.<br />
<br />
A jar of shaken sediment settles only when it is still. So, also, God waits for us to be still before He whispers to us. <br />
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I must be still for the sediment in my life to settle and my mind to become clear. Good decisions come from stepping out of the whirlwind of clutter in our lives so we can hear the voice of truth. Only in quietness and trust will we find our strength.
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<strong>Be still and know that I am God.</strong><br />
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</blockquote>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-38236408286070758982016-07-14T10:24:00.000-05:002016-07-15T10:30:32.851-05:00A God for Emersyn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The ending of the story was already written. A carefully formed nest lay fallen from my redbud tree, beside it a shiny, turquoise egg. A frail, broken, newborn robin lay on the cold, rain-soaked ground, abandoned, apparently forgotten. Heartbeats pulsed visibly beneath translucent pink skin, slowing as the bird blindly twisted his body, hopelessly fighting for life. I held the bird in my hands, powerless to save it, yet comforted to know the truth as I placed it beneath the soft, green Lamb's Ear leaves. The God who created this bird sees every moment of its life. It is tenderly loved.<br />
<blockquote>
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? - Matthew 6:2</blockquote>
<br />
A fragile, newborn Christian is entering a life of faith this week. I accidentally gave her a wrong phone number for my cell. I've been concerned because, while she can email me, I'm not as immediately available to her as I had hoped. She's a survivor of a cold, pain-soaked life and I feel powerless as I wait to hear from her. It comforts me as I realize she knows the truth. The God who created her sees every moment of her life. She is tenderly loved.<br />
<br />
There is a God who sees and is available always. There is a God who is able to do more than we ask or imagine He can do. There is a God who loves with an everlasting love. <br />
<br />
<br />
Emersyn was born into our family this week, and, after months of waiting, she has arrived wrapped in warmth, safe from the storms of life and cherished beyond measure. Her body was covered with prayer multiple times daily as God knit her together in my niece's womb. As her story unfolds, I know Emersyn will have disappointments, pain and losses. It comforts me as I realize she will know the truth. The God who created her sees every moment of her life. She is tenderly loved.<br />
<br />
The ending of your story is not yet written. Pain and disappointment may have left you broken. You may feel abandoned, apparently forgotten. The God who sees you every moment of your life Is available to wrap you in warmth and hold you in His hands, safe from the storms of life. You are worth more than you realize, cherished beyond measure. You are tenderly loved.<br />
<blockquote>
I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have tenderly held you with compassion. -Jeremiah 31:3</blockquote>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-70339908051208170502016-02-29T09:55:00.000-06:002016-02-29T11:43:16.574-06:00Running Alongside Samantha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Her world seems small. Face down, giving total focus to each painful step, my neighbor inched her walker along the street. <br />
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I was caught slumping wearily in the lawn chair debating whether to go for a run. Was it too hot? Was I too tired? Did I do enough yesterday to give me a pass today? <br />
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Samantha. pausing to rest, looked up. Her face glowed from sweat, but she grinned and waved. I smiled and waved back, walking toward her for a short visit.<br />
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"Hi, neighbor," she greeted me. "I can't believe I walked this far today. Just had to enjoy the sunshine before I spend my day at rehab."<br />
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Freedom. Peace. Joy. We wrongly assume those depend on circumstances. If life looks the way we hoped, joy overflows. I'm so blessed, we say, overcome with a delightful peace. I got the job! I got past my sickness. Good news has come! God has answered my prayer the way I wanted! I'm so grateful!<br />
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That's living in a small world, a world where we can see and understand. We feel worthy because we are given what we value. We live gratitude because God offers a season of refreshing ease. <br />
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Walking by faith is also sweating from the hard work of inching our way along, face down, focused on each scary step. It's ignoring the excuses and drama and difficulties to view our circumstances through God's eyes. We try to squeeze a big God into our small world, our small, human minds because our life looks too hard.<br />
<br />
"Do you have time to walk me home?" Samantha asked. "It would really be a gift to me. I'm tired. The road didn't look this far when I started out. I'm afraid I might not make it home without falling. It won't seem as far if you're encouraging me."<br />
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Walking by faith is knowing our life journey can be harder than expected. We may not make it home without falling. We may view our circumstances as failure, but it's in the brokenness that our world grows larger, our eyes see more clearly what God values.<br />
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The journey for someone else won't seem as far if we are alongside to encourage. We can proclaim freedom to those in prison. We can bring joy to those that mourn and peace to those who are afraid. <br />
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"Thanks!" Samantha yelled as I jogged away, looking forward to my run. "You got this!"<br />
<br />
Commit your works to the King, soldier-princess, and your plans, will be established. Your God is bigger than you think.<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-5243114180474819152015-06-16T20:25:00.000-05:002015-06-16T20:25:40.358-05:00Stuck at the Recital <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Luke finished playing the theme to James Bond, then to the crowd's delight, he transitioned into the jazz rendition he had created. The crowd clapped, cheering him onward as he stood from the piano and returned to his chair. <br />
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I was thrilled for him. He had worked hard on his music, honed his gift over the months and seen the results of an excellent performance. A piano recital can be stressful for young pianists as well as a teacher. I was proud of Luke for his example of excellence. I knew his performance would inspire and encourage my younger students. <br />
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Later in the program, Luke returned to the piano for his final performance of the afternoon. He had learned to play the music from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" through diligent work. I had heard him play it flawlessly several times during rehearsals, but midway through the music his mind went blank. His eyes widened with surprise and he glanced at me for help. <br />
<br />
I smiled and gave an encouraging nod. My students know what to do when they stumble or feel lost. I knew Luke would hear my unspoken words. "Go to where you know what to play. You can always start over." <br />
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For seconds in the silence, Luke's hands were still, paused over the piano keys. Then his trained fingers played the beautiful music he was able to remember, the last few measures. He grinned at me. It was only the ending, but it was played with excellence. He had remembered what to do when he gets stuck and he had finished by giving his best effort.<br />
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More important than the learning of music, I want my students to grasp hold of the life skills I am able to teach them along the way. Perhaps nothing I teach Luke will ever be as important as the lesson he has learned this week:<br />
<br />
It doesn't matter what happened in the past, how you started out. You can always start over. It only matters that you finish well. <br />
<br />
Well done, my good and faithful student. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-86522056294954706522015-03-27T07:00:00.000-05:002015-04-14T13:40:01.548-05:00Jigsaw Puzzle <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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A puzzle starts out a jumbled mess of pieces that don't make sense.You try the pieces one by one. Sometimes they fit together, but most of the choices in the beginning don't fit.You learn to work one section at a time. The picture unfolds slowly, painstakingly.<br />
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At least once a day you almost convince yourself this puzzle is simply too difficult to accomplish. If the puzzle goes back into the box and is returned to the shelf, a sense of failure and disappointment linger. You might decide to give up on puzzles altogether.<br />
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During winter my mother would dump a jigsaw puzzle on a card table. Every evening she worked on the puzzle.<br />
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In the beginning, she would put in lots of time on the puzzle, working long and diligently on it. As the picture began to unfold, she didn't have to work as hard. The pleasure grew and the puzzle became more fun, more rewarding.<br />
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Frequency increased her productivity. The more she'd get sidetracked and pulled away from the puzzle, the more times she had to begin again and refocus on the pile of pieces. It wasn't as fun. It wasn't as fruitful. But she stuck with it, and little bit by little bit the puzzle picture unfolded, each piece adding to what would be the completed work.<br />
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By the last pieces of the puzzle, she could see where she was going, see to the end of the challenge. She worked faster, joy building toward victory.<br />
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When the puzzle was almost finished, the last pieces were put in place by her children. I remember seeing her sitting there smiling, knowing it was almost finished as she watched us complete her work, sometimes guiding our hands so we would find success.<br />
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Frequency increases productivity. Consistency, diligence, will reap victory.<br />
<br />
Consider that <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2013/01/wake-me-up-father.html">One Thing Resolution</a> you're working to change in 2015. Did you decide it was too difficult and stick it back on the shelf? Did you become sidetracked and forget about the project until hope was gone and frustration with your same old problem took its place?<br />
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Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Diligently, daily, <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2015/02/show-up.html">show up</a> to focus on your goal, to piece together, however painstakingly those changes that need to be made in your life. Little bit by little bit you'll see a picture unfold that will bring you pleasure and victory at the end of your challenge. As momentum builds, you'll see results more quickly and j<a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-to-do-list.html">oy will build</a>.<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">You may feel like a jumbled mess of pieces that don't seem to make sense, don't seem to fit with purpose. Remember y</span>ou are wondrously and lovingly made by God, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Frequency increases productivity. Consistency will reap victory.<br />
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As the picture begins to unfold, the pleasure for both you and your Creator will grow. Your life will become more fun, more rewarding as the picture of your life unfolds. The Father has already done the hard part of putting the pieces of your life together to make sense. Know that He sees the final picture and can guide your hands.<br />
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When the puzzle is almost finished, the last pieces are put in place by His child. Can't you see Him sitting there, smiling with pride and joy as the finished work is revealed? <br />
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Well done, Soldier-Princess. Well done.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-49879388854851341252015-03-17T06:00:00.000-05:002015-03-17T06:00:03.316-05:005 Things Soldier-Princesses Forget <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Moving into action moves us into change. Rouse, then, Soldier-Princess. Remember who called you into battle. <br />
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<strong><u>Soldier Up.</u></strong> We are ready to get up in the mornings if we have enough rest. Preparation for a new day begins the night before. Good decisions come from good rest. A soldier who has dressed for work and fueled her body for strength moves into action efficiently and quickly. She has a clear mind that will take every thought captive and make godly decisions. <br />
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<strong><u>Power Up.</u> </strong>Meetings for the colonial Minutemen with their commanders was imperative. So is our meeting with God. Schedule time with Him as if your life depends on it. It does. Choosing to neglect time with Him will deprive you of knowing changes in your <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2014/07/soldier-princess-marching-orders.html">marching orders</a>. Strategy planning prepares you for unexpected battles in your day. Be tuned into His will so you are ready to act with a "minutes notice."<br />
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<strong><u>Regroup.</u> </strong>The Minutemen knew their lives and honor depended on their comrades as well as themselves. The soldier-princesses who encourage you, mentor you and pray for you are your first line of defense. You must be transparent and honest with them about your struggles, failures and concerns. When you battle and when you <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2014/07/train-in-trenches.html">train in the trenches</a></span>, your life and honor depend on the soldier-princesses who know you intimately and stand the gap with you. <br />
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<strong><u>Reload.</u> </strong>Frequently through your day step back from earthly things to reset your focus on things above. Remind yourself of that Bible verse you're memorizing, say a prayer to reconnect with God, welcome an interruption to love someone. Exchange a quick email or text with a comrade to encourage one another. Recharge your energy. Refocus your mind and heart so that you keep in step with the Spirit rather than running ahead of Him.<br />
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<strong><u>Refresh.</u> </strong>Life is hard. It's full of battles with people, circumstances, negativity and temptations. A soldier-princess knows her marching orders include time for the rest of God. Schedule time to relax, not to vacate your life, but to enjoy it and rest in green pastures by still waters. Joy comes when we take the time to seek peace so it can rule our hearts. God invites you to Sabbath rest, not because your work is done, but because His work is done.<br />
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You may also want to read: <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-king-never-quits.html">The King Who Never Quits</a></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-55051944329133499302015-03-12T06:30:00.000-05:002015-03-13T11:58:17.838-05:00Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Child Adopted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our son sat wide-eyed, mesmerized by the mysterious legal proceedings. He was all of 6 years old, dressed in his first suit and tie, a toy soldier in one pocket and a Hot Wheels car in the other. Adoption Day.<br />
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"Hear ye! Hear Ye! All rise! This court is now in session. The honorable judge presiding."<br />
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Long before the earth's foundation was created, before the first day, the earth was formless and void. Darkness was over the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.<br />
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Even then, God had His people in mind. He had settled on people as the focus of His love. He would create them to be whole, blameless and holy before Him, a people of His own possession.<br />
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When people chose lives of sin rather than relationship with God, He decided to adopt us into His family through Jesus. It is an open invitation to sinners, to everyone,. When we were still sinning, Jesus died for the ungodly. <br />
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A gavel sounded three times. The courtroom was silent. The judge smiled at my husband and me, then looked straight into the eyes of a child.<br />
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"You are now their child, their son, with all the rights and privileges thereof."<br />
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Hear ye! Hear ye! All rise."<br />
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Court was adjourned. It was finished.<br />
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According to the paperwork, a sealed legal document, the adoption was complete and final. His old life was over. His new life had begun. A new birth certificate was sealed and delivered as proof of identity. Hopes soared. And then there was rejoicing. <br />
<br />
Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, He had His eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. (The Message, Ephesians 1:11, 12)<br />
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What pleasure a person takes in preparing the way for adoption! What celebration and lavish gift giving! <br />
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Hear ye! Hear ye! All rise!<br />
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All heaven is silent. The King is coming! Angels watch, mesmerized by this mysterious legally binding contract; this mystery, grace; they long to understand. <br />
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One soul is redeemed, bought back from sin, adopted into the family of God. <br />
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Where once a person stood alone, rejected, destined for grief, now stands a person who is in the family of God, forgiven, accepted, destined for joy. The Holy Spirit, the Life breath of God, is sealed and delivered as proof of identity, <br />
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Amazing grace! I once was lost, but now am found! Redeemed. Redeemed. His child, and forever, I am!<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am the adopted child of the King of Kings. I am His princess.</div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-51553228346907602422015-03-01T06:30:00.000-06:002015-03-09T10:21:07.661-05:00Cake With Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Creamy, sweet batter dripped from the beaters as my mother turned off the mixer and pushed the button to release them. Laying them aside on the counter, she poured the rich batter into the baking pan, then returned the beaters to the empty bowl. <br />
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"Can I lick the bowl?" I asked my mother as she slid the cake into the oven.<br />
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I doubt that in all my childhood there was ever a cake made when some child didn't lick the bowl. Swirling the last sweet bites onto a finger and sliding it across your tongue is a treasured childhood memory for many of us.<br />
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"Can I have the biggest piece?" is often the request when a child looks wide-eyed at the freshly frosted cake waiting to be served.<br />
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The mother of James and John requested of Jesus special preference to be given to her sons in Heaven. Can one son sit on Your right and one sit on Your left? The other disciples murmured, appalled at such boldness. We all want to be "the disciple whom Jesus loved."<br />
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Like that wonderful frosted cake, there's enough grace and love for everyone. God passes out grace upon grace, and there is enough for everyone to be completely satisfied. One person may get more grace and love because he deserves more or needs more, but we all are satisfied.<br />
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Enough joy. Enough love. Enough grace. Enough. <br />
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As Mary Poppins says, "Enough is as good as a feast."<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city.<br />
- Revelation 22:12-14</blockquote>
You may also want to read: <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-pie-for-lynette.html">A Pie for Lynette</a>, <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2010/08/the-making-of-woman.html">The Making of a Woman</a> and <a href="http://titus2tea.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-happy-kitchen.html">The Happy Kitchen</a>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-12175404984269827552015-02-26T08:16:00.000-06:002015-02-26T08:16:15.943-06:00Comfort Zone <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The elderly man paused in the aisle of the market. Leaning on his cane, he spoke into his cell phone, English phrases, Chinese phrases. He was obviously weary and confused.<br />
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Our eyes met and we both left our comfort zones to smile. How hard it can be to cross barriers of gender, nationality, language and cultures. It's so much more natural to ignore a stranger than to risk embarrassment saying the wrong thing. <br />
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"Good morning," he said. "I have problem."<br />
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"I am a Christian," I said encouragingly. "I will help you. What is the problem?"<br />
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"Jesus-person? Yes?" <br />
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I smiled, relaxing, back in my comfort zone. "Yes. I am Jesus-person."<br />
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"Not Jesus-person," he replied. "Old person. Lost old person."<br />
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I helped him find his way to the front of the store where he could rest on a bench while he phoned his son for a ride home. He was back in his comfort zone, back in the familiar. <br />
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I shared a little bit about Jesus, but the barriers were too wide. There wasn't enough time, enough common language, enough opportunity to introduce him to Jesus. <br />
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While we were still lost, when we were "not Jesus-people", Jesus died for us. Now we are Jesus-people, and we find our comfort zone in His presence, singing and shouting our praises.<br />
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Shouldn't talking about Jesus with those who are still lost be our comfort zone? <br />
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Leaving this man in his lost state of "not a Jesus-person" was more uncomfortable than it ever could be to leave my comfort zone and say hello to a stranger.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-44419176104851415132015-02-23T05:05:00.002-06:002015-02-23T05:05:35.199-06:00Show Up <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether it was a concert, a new restaurant or a trip to the hospital to visit the sick, my dad used to say it was always worth the trip. He knew people regret more the things they didn't do than the things they did do. <br />
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You may show up for an adventure and be disappointed, but something valuable can always be achieved. Sometimes we win by being delighted in our adventure. Sometimes we win by learning a lesson. Either way, when we show up, we move forward in life. <br />
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A soldier-princess shows up every morning to take on whatever new adventure of mercy the King has promised for today. She shows up to represent Him along the way, to be His hands and feet, His voice and heart.<br />
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Show up every day to walk alongside Jesus in rhythms of grace. Watch Him to see what He does when He shows up to love the brokenhearted and weary. See a need, meet the need. The soldier-princess who refreshes others, will herself be refreshed.<br />
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"I have loved you with an everlasting love," the King says to the soldier-princess. "I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes."<br />
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We don't always want to satisfy the weary ones and refresh others. Quite often we would prefer to stay in our pajama pants and an old tee-shirt. We want extra coffee and more donuts. We want to let our work slide, doing just enough to get by. We prefer to languish. We prefer to not show up. <br />
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Prepare your mind for battle and your heart for action, soldier-princess. It's always worth the trip. <br />
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What does showing up to love in your life look like?<span style="font-size: small;"></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-67323957888435591392015-02-12T10:16:00.001-06:002015-02-12T10:19:46.860-06:00The King Never Quits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"I feel like a train wreck," I told my friend Lynn. "I'm completely tired."<br />
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She smiled. She, also, is a soldier-princess and she has been walking alongside me for years. She encourages me as only a close friend can do. She sends meals and gives me flowers. She sends texts and prays diligently for me. <br />
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As she coached me through our Pilates workout, I gained the surge of energy that would carry me through the rest of my schedule. No soldier-princess would fail to fight for her comrade, and Lynn faithfully spurred me on so I could continue to show up for love and good works. <br />
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A soldier is trained to hear the voice of truth and to obey marching orders without questioning, without doubting what the King is able to do. She has her sword, the Word of God, at the ready, her shield of faith is lifted against enemy attack and she continues to do the next right thing over and over again. The mind of a soldier stays focused on God during battles and there is peace.<br />
<br />
A soldier-princess never quits. She continues showing up to love alongside her King in enemy territory, in the trenches of the daily hard and in the unfamiliar dark wilderness where she feels afraid and inadequate. She keeps pouring herself out, laying her all on the altar of service to the King and she considers it an honor. A soldier-princess never quits.<br />
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When the energy gauge is on empty, when physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually she is poured out for the King, it is the King who recognizes the need for a soldier to rest. <br />
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When a soldier-princess "feels like a train wreck", defeated and exhausted, she learns to wait for the familiar voice of the King. She knows her King never quits. Though a soldier cannot always leave her battlefield, the King is able to lift her soul away for awhile. He carries His exhausted and broken princess in arms of love where only He can heal, sustain and pamper her. <br />
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After the whirlwind, a still, small Voice. "Come away to a quiet place." <br />
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Away from the noise and the fray, deep in the innermost being of the soldier-princess, pain and fatigue, brokenness and confusion, prisons and disappointments are left behind.<br />
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One fist lifted warns the enemy, "Back off. She's mine." One glance at the angel army and the battle is finished. One smoothing of His hand over her and the princess rests. He sings over her, a song no other will ever hear. He quiets her with His love, calls her by a special name only she will hear through all eternity. <br />
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"You look like you're running out of steam," a neighbor called as I was limping past her house. "Are you okay?" Most mornings I am happily jogging or running when she sees me. I call out and wave, but I am unwavering in my training and discipline. Today my heart and body were aching from the inside out so I stopped to visit a few minutes.<br />
<br />
"You need to go to a movie or even take a vacation. Or do what I do. Shut the bathroom door and have a good wailing session. Then take a hot bath and read a good book. Sometimes we just have to crash."<br />
<br />
She's not a soldier-princess and she wouldn't understand. I may feel like a train wreck, but I'm not. I am a child of the one true King and He would never let me crash. My name is engraved on the palm of His hand. I am the apple of His eye, His protected and treasured soldier-princess. I am my Beloved's and He is mine. <br />
<br />
A soldier-princess never quits, but neither does her King. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-62936123893106889392015-02-09T15:18:00.002-06:002015-02-09T15:31:13.658-06:00Sunlight on a Cloudy Day<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuF8kfIIdbY/TUxWfaCA89I/AAAAAAAAASM/eBdOKqWvnCM/s1600/snow%2Bheart" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuF8kfIIdbY/TUxWfaCA89I/AAAAAAAAASM/eBdOKqWvnCM/s1600/snow%2Bheart" height="150" width="200" /></a>
As I was leaving the store one December, I paused to encourage an elderly gentleman who was ringing a bell for the Salvation Army donation bucket. ><br />
<br />
A small boy dropped some pennies into the bucket, then handed me a paper snowflake he had made.<br />
<br />
"Thank you so much," I told the boy. "What a kind thing you are doing to give both your money and a snowflake to help other children."<br />
<br />
"My mom gave me the money, but I made the snowflake," he said softly. "Do you think some kid would like to have it?"<br />
<br />
I smiled at his "widow's mite" and nodded. "Very much. Snowflakes make everything better, don't you think?"<br />
<br />
He agreed and reached into his pocket. Sprinkles of glitter fluttered around us, a snow fall in a rainbow of colors as he pulled out a stack of paper snowflakes. "Would these help, too?"<br />
<br />
I glanced up and noticed tears in the eyes of the old gentleman still faithfully ringing the bell. I looked back into the bright, hopeful eyes of the young boy. With my hands full of paper snowflakes I began to sing, "Away in a Manger."<br />
<br />
The little boy grinned and began to sing along. The older gentleman joined in with a strong, cheerful bass voice. Then an elderly woman, waiting beside her cart for a ride, began to sing along. In moments, a crowd of strangers was smiling and singing Christmas carols one after another.<br />
<br />
The Christmas season has been left behind. February winds have blown in swirling, sparkling snow. Focus on giving has turned to complaints about the weather, a longing for spring as beautiful snow becomes dirty and tiresome. <br />
<br />
Sabbath heart, a heart set on things above, not on earthly things, is a heart with steadfast peace. Goodness and faithfulness are my focus. A Sabbath heart does not brood over circumstances, does not spread negativity. We are the sunlight on a gray, dreary day. We share the God-colors and God-light in a dark weary world.<br />
<br />
Let your light shine in such a way that others will see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. <br />
<br />
One small boy believed a paper snowflake could change his world...and it did.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-84165644568639741162015-01-22T08:00:00.000-06:002015-01-29T07:12:16.151-06:00Magenta Words <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My mother taught me to write words before I was old enough for school. With a treasured box of Crayola Crayons beside me, I grasped my favorite magenta crayon in awkward, eager fingers. I drew each letter carefully, writing "I love you", my first sentence, on a paper heart.<br />
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My mother encouraged me as I created one valentine after another. A plain white heart covered with magenta words became a thing of beauty to treasure, something precious to share. <br />
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I remember running up the steps and flinging wide the back door of my grandmother's house. Grandma knelt to hold me close as I showed off my words. <br />
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"She wrote this?" Grandma asked my mother, obviously pleased with my treasure. <br />
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My mother nodded. "She made it for you."<br />
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I smiled. My words had the power to change my world and bring happiness. Heady stuff for a preschooler.<br />
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God wrote "I love you" with His own blood on my ordinary heart. I am beautiful because I am His treasure. I am His special something to share. So are you.<br />
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On the front of my Bible is stamped in gold, "The Word of God". God's Words have the power to change my world and bring happiness. Heady stuff for an ordinary heart.<br />
<br />
<strong>He brought us to life using the true Word, showing us off as the crown of all His creatures. And I will treasure His words in my heart so that I will not sin against Him.</strong>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-69539913938596618562015-01-19T08:30:00.000-06:002015-01-20T09:01:28.618-06:00The To-Do List <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"A to-do list?" laughed Stephanie, "I always have one, but never finish it! Motherhood steps in and everything falls apart. I can't balance everything."<br />
<br />
Is there any among us who hasn't looked at our to-do list and wanted to stamp it: "Impossible. Going back to bed."<br />
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"Life isn't meant to be this hard, is it?" Stephanie asked. "My goals shouldn't be foes to conquer! They're supposed to bring joy, right?"<br />
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When life is full of joy, the heart is restful. Joy propels us forward. It pushes away thoughts of defeat and failure. The joy of the Lord is our strength. He is the great joyride with a never ending supply. When joy is flowing, we build momentum and motivation. We feel happy about who we are and what God is doing through us, in us. The to-do list looks possible.<br />
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"Nobody ever tells you how hard it is to maintain joy and peace with four children underfoot," Stephanie confesses. "My life is one giant interruption. I want to be strong. But I'm not. I'm just not."<br />
<br />
Jesus had a to-do list: <br />
1. Spend time with the Father. <br />
2. Show up to love. <br />
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People clamored and shouted and made demands for His attention. Joy spurred Him on to love and good works. But He, too, got tired, frustrated and stressed. He needed to get away just like you and I do. Oh, how He understands the mothers of young children! <br />
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The needs and interruptions were opportunities for love and grace. His life bore much fruit because of His habit to get away to a quiet place with the Father. His mind was set on things above.<br />
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Pull out that festive paper you bought for your to-do lists. <br />
1. Spend time with the Father.<br />
2. Show up to love.<br />
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<strong>Like a shepherd He will tend His flock. In His arm He will gather the lambs, and carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. -Isaiah 40:11</strong><br />
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Who better than the Good Shepherd to show you how to care for your young? Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-86958370840046635412015-01-16T08:20:00.001-06:002015-01-18T17:00:44.373-06:00Soldier-Princess: Thanks Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Burrowing into my soft robe, I snuggled under a quilt before the fire, a steaming cup of tea warming my hands. Soft jazz soothed my weary spirit. As I breathed in the lingering sweetness of gingerbread and glanced around at the photos of my healthy loved ones, I smiled. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">The cheerful surroundings called me to a thankful heart with relaxed ease. My heart, fueled by thanks giving, frequently bursts forth into song.</span><br />
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But am I truly thankful or am I reacting to creature comforts and happy thoughts? Am I thankful only when life is going my way?<br />
<br />
An avalanche of misery and suffering in the world can so quickly overwhelm us. Burrowing into a robe of complacency and snuggling under a quilt of happiness is a mistake, however cozy we can make ourselves feel. That sort of thanks giving is temporary and accomplishes little. We cannot sustain happy feelings in a world where life is hard.</div>
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There is a giving of thanks that is more powerful and steadfast available to us. It goes deeper than transient feelings because it comes from praising God's gifts rather than our own perception of circumstances.<br />
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Faith that moves mountains starts with being truly thankful in all seasons of life. The me I want to be is beckoning me toward a life of deeper faith, a faith fueled by thanks giving no matter what my circumstances. </div>
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Am I thankful when disease exhausts and disappoints? Am I thankful when my heart is broken? Does my thanks giving fade away when my hardship surpasses my strength? In my weakness, am I thankful for the opportunity to prove God's strength? </div>
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A soldier-princess is not surprised to find herself called into battle. She serves at the pleasure of The King and considers it an honor. She doesn't quit and she doesn't fall back until circumstances are easier. </div>
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When life gets tough, the soldier-princess turns into a warrior of thanks giving. She sees with The King's eyes and loves with The King's heart. Confident that joy will come through thanks giving, she picks up her sword, the Word of God, lifts her shield of faith, and follows The King into battle. </div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-50387523264812237082015-01-12T06:30:00.000-06:002015-01-20T09:06:59.220-06:00Oatmeal Moments<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate Ware, Flickr</td></tr>
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Who taught you how to make oatmeal?" Katherynn asks. "Are we going to have walnuts and raisins in it? I like brown sugar in mine. I don't think I want apples in it today. Is that cinnamon? Because I like cinnamon. Do you like stirring oatmeal? It looks fun."<br />
<br />
She watches as I stir oatmeal, memorizing my motions as if I were creating a gourmet meal rather than a simple breakfast.<br />
<br />
A child is a sponge, soaking in love and savoring life, one moment at a time.<br />
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I smile and hug Katherynn close. "I do like stirring oatmeal. Making breakfast for a little girl is one of the most fun things I get to do."<br />
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She grins as she spoons hot oatmeal into green bowls. "It's pretty, isn't it? And we can decorate it now!" <br />
<br />
Decorating oatmeal? Yes. I want to be a person who decorates oatmeal. <br />
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Seeing the beautiful in the simple, the extraordinary in the ordinary, turns my heart toward the God whose strength sustains me with joy when my own strength is spent. A heart trained to ponder what is good, what is worthy of praise, especially in the ordinary, is a heart that will more easily endure pain and suffering. <br />
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I don't know if Jesus decorated his oatmeal with honey and figs, but I know he was a little boy sharing life with a mother who treasured little moments with him. She surely trained him to be thankful for simple, ordinary blessings. <br />
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And, because she did, He had much to ponder that was good and worthy of praise when He had to endure pain and suffering, when he was exhausted by the noise and fray around him. <br />
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<b>"Let the little children come unto Me," Jesus said. "For of such is the kingdom of heaven."</b>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-17027921511552394372015-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-05T07:00:01.651-06:00Hoarding and the Inmate <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"There's so much to clean out of this house. Truckloads!" Shelby moaned. "I'm not exaggerating. How can we move? How will we ever get past the piles of...stuff?"<br />
<br />
Hoarders. We see them on the television and our eyes widen. How do they live like that? How can they not see their clutter is holding them back from a well lived life?<br />
<br />
I have a neighbor who cleans out her garage about once a month. She says she is determined to live a better life. She pulls everything out of her garage, rearranges it, then returns nearly all of it to the garage. If something doesn't fit her new arrangement, she piles it by her front door or has a garage sale. Most of it slowly returns to the garage until the next time.<br />
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In prison you don't have a lot of stuff. There may be a few possessions you have collected during your stay, but, your job income of 75 cents an hour in the prison only allows for necessities.<br />
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Hoarding is still a problem. Even in the prison. Not the hoarding of physical stuff, but the hoarding of sins. <br />
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Inmates do not have the luxury of ignoring their sins. They are offenders and their sins must be punished. A prisoner who longs for a better life must not only do the time, but redeem the time. Change that results from sorting through the clutter of sin is their only hope.<br />
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Many of us are in prisons of our own making. We make an effort to get rid of sins, to clean out the garage of the heart. But sin clutter mostly gets moved around, hidden behind walls or disguised with pretty words. If we can laugh about the sin, we lessen its importance. In the end, like my neighbor in her garage ,most sins receive a little more time to continue cluttering our lives.<br />
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It's easier to consider sin by the truckload. "I'm just out of shape" is somehow acceptable clutter so that we don't have to exercise or take good care of the body, God's dwelling place. Hiding anger, pride or laziness behind words like "I'm just tired" or "All moms yell sometimes" somehow makes it easier to walk past the sins rather than removing them.<br />
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Some hoarders recognize the problem, but, like my neighbor, merely rearrange their possessions. The possessions look valuable, helpful. It makes them feel prepared for a future day.<br />
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Pride can seem valuable. Greed can seem helpful. Selfishness can make us feel prepared for a future day. The rich young ruler walked away sad because he had many possessions. His "stuff" kept him from living by faith not sight. He had much but did not live well because his choices kept him from giving God first place in his heart.<br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Less of me and my stuff opens up room for more of Him. </span><br />
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"Just tell me what to do and where to start," a young prisoner said to me. She has seven children and one on the way. She's a new Christian and ready to rid herself of piles of sin clutter. We start the same way I unload my own truckload of junk. One sin at a time.<br />
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5915934903519645960.post-34039729915609572332014-12-18T06:09:00.000-06:002014-12-18T06:09:13.368-06:00The Gift of Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Eight years ago I began choosing one yearly resolution. The first one took a full year of focus and practice, but was worth every effort. "Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." Life is nothing without challenge, right? It became a life resolution and spurred me on toward love and good works in following years.<br />
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I tried an easier resolution the next year. "Learn to make excellent cookies." It turned into a year of opportunitites to meet children, elderly people, strangers and neighbors as I sought taste-testers for my cookies. I don't know when I've had so much fun learning in the kitchen as I did that year!<br />
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"Have more tea parties." This resolution was successful in a way I never could have expected. It was the catalyst for this blog and subsequently for Tuesday night Titus 2 Tea parties in my home. God took my resolve for change and with it opened the door of my heart and my home to people around the world.<br />
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Lights twinkle on the tree by our front window and stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Recipes are scattered across the counter and "White Christmas" is playing in the background. It's the season of ThanksGiving and Celebration, endings and beginnings.<br />
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I am learning, by focusing on one thing at a time, that there is always enough grace for even me. When I awaken every morning, I know God is not disappointed to discover the need for more refining in my life. From glory to glory He's changing me - just as He promised. <br />
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The opportunity to change one thing at a time is one of God's greatest gifts. Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01051128432110135181noreply@blogger.com0