tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31008489369628126822024-02-19T21:01:04.562-05:00Enjoying The ProcessLorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.comBlogger183125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-63677807270001386272013-04-08T12:44:00.001-04:002013-04-08T12:44:27.415-04:00I have chosen you...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZIPGEQuAqcsfttmh6RuqCS7Zbad_I-bDx0chyphenhyphenMH3lddYB3R2EqDlrzFnHD08KtpUI9r1mVl7E21BCiXOoJilyCBhc2FbD_PcFBGSNShUGgOQOujNGqDkiX_zGc_3c7V5yIFR1wY4ppf2/s1600/Daffodils+Chosen+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZIPGEQuAqcsfttmh6RuqCS7Zbad_I-bDx0chyphenhyphenMH3lddYB3R2EqDlrzFnHD08KtpUI9r1mVl7E21BCiXOoJilyCBhc2FbD_PcFBGSNShUGgOQOujNGqDkiX_zGc_3c7V5yIFR1wY4ppf2/s400/Daffodils+Chosen+web.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Monday!</span></b></center>
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The sun is shining (for a change) and it's the beginning of a new week.</center>
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Today's #hellomornings passage was Isaiah 41:8-10. </center>
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Just about every time I've read that passage, I've stopped and found such hope in verse 10 - "Fear not, for I am with you". It is just so comforting. As believers in Christ, He is truly with us and we have nothing to fear (only fear itself). After all, "No weapon formed against us can prosper." Right?</center>
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But today. </center>
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Today, I stopped and enjoyed the second half of verse 9, the Promise that come before the "Fear not". </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"You are my servant, I have chosen you </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">and have not cast you away:"</span></i></b></center>
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I find such pleasure in being a Servant of God...<b><i>co-laboring with Him to see His purposes and plans accomplished here on earth as they are in Heaven.</i></b> I don't see it as a "servant" in the sense that I am the "hired hand". I mean sometimes it may feel like that, but we can't trust feelings now can we?</center>
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But the very next phrase is what is blowing my mind... <i><b>"I have chosen you and have not cast you away."</b></i> <b>He. Chose. Me</b>. <b>He chose you</b>. He saw so much potential in us that He chose us for the specific tasks and circumstances we find ourselves in this very day.</center>
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We can't take that lightly.</center>
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And example from today...</center>
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When I went to sleep last night, I had every intention of spending today working on my blog. I knew I had the whole morning to write, tweak, etc. Then daylight hit, and so did laundry, kids heading back to school, #helloexercise - walking 2 miles, and the phone calls that needed to be made. All stuff that needed to get done before a lunch date at 1pm.</center>
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I have two responses to this scenario. The first is frustration. Not getting to do what I had planned, what I wanted was frustrating. I'm not gonna lie I may even have pouted a little.</center>
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The second just struck me actually, through these words: </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"I have chosen you and have not cast you away..."</span></i></b></center>
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I have <b><i>been chosen</i></b> for this day and hour.</center>
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I've <i style="font-weight: bold;">been chosen</i> to create atmosphere in my home.</center>
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But I've also <b><i>been chosen</i></b> to write here in this space I call home. </center>
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He didn't cast me away, and neither did the cares of life this morning. He loves me too much for that.</center>
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It simply gave me something to think about and share with you, dear reader.</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Have you felt left behind or cast aside lately? </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Take heart - He has chosen you and has not cast you aside. </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">He loves you too much for that!</span></i></b></center>
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Have a great week!!</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-80375602465581818772013-04-05T10:26:00.000-04:002013-04-05T10:26:51.484-04:00After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSAQc_lm3khpKRakkVeMmtrRC2TRRVyJ6iYR32Pc1hqHqaVCU6_mJr6LXRwhrykLZ0-v-KfAFs8KnsDXF_oC8Bhv4yXIEzISuTndAlF43uzKEP_86H9lgNJ-Bf0UMTR5C6TtOKOT-pi_2/s1600/Gold+Finch+Collage+web+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwSAQc_lm3khpKRakkVeMmtrRC2TRRVyJ6iYR32Pc1hqHqaVCU6_mJr6LXRwhrykLZ0-v-KfAFs8KnsDXF_oC8Bhv4yXIEzISuTndAlF43uzKEP_86H9lgNJ-Bf0UMTR5C6TtOKOT-pi_2/s640/Gold+Finch+Collage+web+wm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes the build up of expectations leads to a dramatic let-down...<b><i>After</i></b>.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I've seen it so many times. Experienced too many times to count. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The struggle just to enjoy the moment...the planning...the actual moment...not fearing or worrying about the <b><i>After</i></b>...the clean up...the what comes next thoughts.</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I used to be a wedding coordinator and one of the things I constantly reminded my brides was just that...<b><i>enjoy the moment. Enjoy the feeling of that moment...enjoy the joy and anticipation.</i></b></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The after will take care of itself. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Will there be things to deal with? Sure. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Will there be struggles and disappointment? You betcha. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But in this moment...enjoy it. </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The after will take care of itself. </span></center>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, </i></span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">for</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> tomorrow will worry about its own things.</span></i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Sufficient</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">for</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> the day </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">is</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> its own trouble. Matt. 6:34</span></i></span></center>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That's how I try to view <b><i>After</i></b> now. Enjoying, the moment, knowing that God sees everything I am facing and that I will be facing, and He has all things worked out for <b><i>my</i></b> good.</span></span></center>
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Linking up with<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/04/five-minute-friday-after/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader"> <b>Lisa-Jo and the Five-Minute Friday Writers.</b></a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-73617559390297907182013-04-01T19:57:00.000-04:002013-04-01T19:57:01.890-04:00Hello Monday!<center style="text-align: left;">
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Hello Monday, April 1st!</span></b> Can someone explain to me how that might have happened? April already? I know that the prophets are all talking about acceleration in this hour, but c'mon - April? Already?</center>
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Hello Easter Weekend</span></b> - and the end of the Lenten Season. It was different this year. I think it may have started back in January when our church did a corporate fast - so many things changed...in me. </center>
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THEN, I was blessed to get to read though <b><u><i>Holey, Wholly, Holy</i></u></b> by <a href="http://alwaysalleluia.com/">Kris Camealy</a>. Ahhhh...it truly changed my thought process and set me up for an awesome Easter Week. By the way, I highly recommend this book! Kris has such a beautiful way of weaving thoughts on refinement together - it's like you're sitting talking to her over a cup of tea and she's putting words right to the thoughts in your heart. Honestly, it's a book that was meant for the Lenten Season, but it's applicable anytime you're ready to go to the next level with Jesus. Pick it up at Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B0GLQ74/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00B0GLQ74&linkCode=as2&tag=alwayallel-20">here.</a></center>
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Friday evening, Good Friday</b>, we went to a wonderful celebration in our region. Only about 15,000 people joined in for a night of praise and worship, a few sermonettes by various local pastors, and communion together. It was tremendously special. </center>
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<b>
Then Sunday, Easter,</b> was a wonderful family day. We spent the morning at church with our church family, and then we came home. It was just us, and it was lovely. We followed through on a few traditions...baskets (which I actually made this year aren't they adorable?), a photo shoot after church on our back porch, a nice lasagne dinner, and naps...</center>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Hello Spring Break </span></b>- you wouldn't know it by the temperatures, and the snow flurries every so often, but the calendar says it's spring and the kiddos are home for the week, so it must be.</center>
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Hello my first Twitter Party!</span></b> I joined up with a whole bunch of ladies last night for my first Twitter party! It was a hoot - I got to meet several new ladies, and even pick up an early bird ticket to the<b> <a href="http://www.raisinggenerationstoday.com/">Raising Generations Today - Hope Conference next Spring</a></b>. Woot Woot! </center>
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I'm saying <a href="http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/blog/hello-monday/hello-monday-barn-sale"><b>"Hello" over at Lisa Leonard's</b></a> today!</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-21934017819910291332013-03-22T12:17:00.003-04:002013-03-22T12:17:53.946-04:00Do You Remember? #FMF<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Remember?</span></i></b> </center>
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After 18 years together, My Man and I, we say that a lot.... </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Do you remember...?</span></i></b></center>
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-how sunny it was before and then the massive amount snowfall after, on our wedding day?</center>
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-the way we tried to sneak off early in the morning to deliver our first babe?</center>
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-or how only 11 weeks later we packed up everything we owned and move 2000 miles away?</center>
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-or how we moved back home only weeks before the birth of baby #2?</center>
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-or how we moved 9 times in 8 years?</center>
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-or how many job transitions it took to find out we should run our own business?</center>
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-or how about home-, private-, public- and even charter-schooling our kids?</center>
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And through it all - Do you remember how incredibly faithful God has been? </center>
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How we have never lacked for anything?</center>
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<b><i>I remember...</i></b></center>
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Linking up with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/03/five-minute-friday-remember-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Five Minute Friday</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-79720516364856260632013-03-20T15:58:00.001-04:002013-03-20T15:58:56.994-04:00My return to intentional living...#oneword<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep, that's my One Word for 2013. <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Intentional.</span></i></b> </center>
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You really wouldn't know it by looking here at my little ole blog would you? </center>
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Even this post is a little late.</center>
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These past two weeks have actually set me up for this post though. I call it ...</center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">"My Return To </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Intentional Living"</span></i></b> </center>
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Because somewhere along the way, I lost my way, <u><a href="http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/2013/01/2013-year-of-intentional-living-oneword.html"><b><i>my intentional way</i></b>.</a></u> Maybe it was caring for the child with the fractured knee who was immobilized and on crutches for five weeks. </center>
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Or maybe it was caring for the same child who caught a horrible case of the flu and was out of commission for a week. </center>
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Or maybe it was the sinus infection I had for <b><i>a month</i></b>, the same one I shared unknowingly with my daughter. </center>
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I'm not sure where, but along the way, <b><i>all intentional living went out the proverbial window</i></b>.</center>
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And here I sit. Looking at dust thick enough to write in, and plants dry as a bone. Laundry done only sporadically and ironing stacking up yet again. It's truly been a season of "putting out the fires" instead of preventing them.</center>
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But last week I had an aha moment. It was that moment of realization - just how far off we had gotten. Nothing earth shattering, <b><i>just not intentional</i></b>.</center>
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So I "took stock" and made a list of where things had gone astray...</center>
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Sadly, at the top of the list - <b><i>My Quiet time and <a href="http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-daily-life-pattern-hellomornings.html">#hellomornings routine.</a> </i></b> Sickness had robbed me of sleep and my time in the mornings.</center>
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<b><i>Meal planning. </i></b> What's that again? It's been so long, I'm not sure I remember what to do. I've been in the "oh we need that? I'll stop on my way home" mode for weeks now.</center>
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<b><i>Family finances.</i></b> Oh man. This one makes me cringe. Thankfully, my haphazard receipt tracking has not caused any late fees or penalties, but all I can do is shake-my-head.</center>
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<b><i>Blogging. Reading. Household Projects.</i></b> All undone.</center>
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Looking at that list, I could get a <strike>little</strike> lot depressed and even more discouraged. </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">But instead, I'm choosing grace. </span></i></b> </center>
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I'm choosing to see this as yet another season, and <b><i><span style="color: #351c75;">another opportunity where I can learn to extend grace to myself as well as those around me. We all need it. Desperately. Intentionally.</span></i></b></center>
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So I've stated the problem. Here comes the solution....</center>
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<b><i>This week was a #hellomornings restart!</i></b> Yay! I've pulled my tail out of bed three days in. a. row. and studied the Word, connected with my Twitter #hmcsm group and more importantly, started the day with my Daddy.</center>
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<b><i>I'm working on getting the kids back into a groove with chores.</i></b> We have a system set in place, we just have to get back into intentionally working said system. Same with me and the dreaded menu.</center>
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<b><i>Family finances are up to date as of this afternoon.</i></b> Now I just need to keep them that way...</center>
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<b><i>I'm working on the writing/blogging aspect. </i></b> I've been writing posts by hand in my handy dandy composition notebook. (Sounds like Blues clues - is that still around these days?) That way I can carry it with me and have it while I am in carpool, etc. </center>
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<b><i>I'm also working on the principle of 30 minutes</i></b>...setting a timer and reading or working a project for 30 minutes and then moving on. It's amazing what you can get done in 30 minutes.</center>
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<b><i>And probably the most important change. Bedtime.</i></b> For several days, I've worked hard to get myself in bed at 9:30pm so I could wind down and read for a few minutes before turning out the light at 10pm. I NEED sleep, and with all that has gone on around here, my sleep cycle has seriously suffered. </center>
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<b><i>It's truly amazing what you can do when you are rested.</i></b></center>
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That my friends in my <b>"<u>One Word Update for March.</u>" </b> It's truly a picture of my word - Intentional.</center>
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How about you - how are you doing?</center>
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I'm linking up with Melanie for the<b> <a href="http://www.onlyabreath.com/2013/03/monthly-one-word-linkup-party-march/">One Word Linkup Party.</a></b></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-82918761701923065842013-03-13T14:08:00.001-04:002013-03-13T14:10:03.359-04:00Five Things Happening Right Now...<span style="text-align: left;">Here's a five things that are happening right now....</span><br />
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**The <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">business</span></u></b> is booming, which is good. It means Hubs is very busy, but also very happy!</center>
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**Both <span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>kids</u></b></span> are running at full throttle all. the. time. Which means we spend an inordinate amount of time in the car. Thank goodness we like our vehicles. Baseball hasn't even started yet either...oi!</center>
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**Actually, I just filled out the<u><b><span style="font-size: large;"> family calendar </span></b></u>with the events <i>I am aware of</i> through the end of June (when both kids are done with school) and Lord have mercy, it's about to get CRAZY up in here!!</center>
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<a href="http://www.declareconference.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Declareconference.com" height="200" src="http://www.declareconference.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Declare-Im-Going-button-pink.png" width="200" /></a>
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**<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">I just bought my first ticket to a Women's / blogging conference!!</span></b></u> WooHoo!!! I'll be heading to the<b> <a href="http://www.declareconference.com/">Declare Conference</a> </b>at the beginning of August, and I'm terribly excited. and nervous. and excited. </center>
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I know virtually no one, well except the ones I know virtually, so this is going to a stretch for this quiet, introvert. But I'm going to get everything I can out of it. Advice on preparation? Anyone?</center>
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**I'm reading <u style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">It Starts with Food</u>. It's enlightening and scary what we put into our bodies on a daily basis. i was in the grocery store yesterday and though I am only on chapter five or something of the book, I find myself reading more labels and wondering what some of those additives really are...</center>
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I'm seriously contemplating doing the <b><a href="http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/">Whole 30</a> </b>elimination diet. I really think that I need a "reset" in my system. The headaches are back regularly now, and I just feel icky overall.</center>
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Okay, so that was kind of a stream of consciousness kind of thing. </center>
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But hey, at least I wrote something... </center>
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What is going on in your world? </center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-30712042155757996352013-03-06T09:51:00.000-05:002013-03-06T09:53:14.217-05:00An Influential Women Linkup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm so excited to be linking up with the ladies over at Influence today for </center>
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<b><u><a href="http://www.theinfluenceblog.com/"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>AN INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LINK-UP. </i></span></a></u></b> </center>
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I think it's such a cool idea to be able to get to know one another like this, and build community between members before the conference in the fall. </center>
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<b><i>...This is me...</i></b></center>
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<b><i>Three things get-to-know me things:</i></b></center>
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1. I've been blogging for awhile - since 2009.</center>
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BUT it's only been in the last few months </center>
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where I've caught on to what God </center>
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2. I love the color purple...not sure why, but I do...</center>
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3. I laugh. Alot. Loud. My Husband & kids say that's how they locate me at social functions...they follow the laughter.</center>
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What really drew me to the <b><u>Influence Network</u></b> was the concept <b><i>of like-minded women who come together to support one another as each one endeavors to "make their online life mean something." </i></b></center>
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It's such a cool concept! </center>
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But actually becoming a member? That was God's idea...and I went with it! </center>
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And I'm so excited to <i>meet</i> a whole bunch of you through this link-up!</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-13249684699181342642013-03-04T11:12:00.000-05:002013-03-04T11:12:19.075-05:00My Re-Branding Process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDNbQS-XTQ8sYmgonsgW5ER1R-T8lKU9LXCDKphrYu-v6ERc-3lT6v0U6ZduCMeRNyWsysO8gUdzR7K7h77wAf4cCi95U3Jf4494QWOYb3JvTRoL5F6i8Iw9RLpEuSiMiq-XwZfZOuMTM/s1600/th_200X200Button.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvDNbQS-XTQ8sYmgonsgW5ER1R-T8lKU9LXCDKphrYu-v6ERc-3lT6v0U6ZduCMeRNyWsysO8gUdzR7K7h77wAf4cCi95U3Jf4494QWOYb3JvTRoL5F6i8Iw9RLpEuSiMiq-XwZfZOuMTM/s200/th_200X200Button.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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Re-branding, Re-working, Re-designing...I don't really know what to call it, but after much work, I feel like this little blog here has some direction. WooHoo!</center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Background</span></u></b></center>
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Back in 2009 when I started <b><i>Enjoy The Process</i></b>, it was designed primarily to keep long distance family apprised of goings-on in our household. We had a 10 and 12 year old a the time and things were changing quickly for us. Over the years, the look or design has changed on a regular basis. I think I thought if it was cute enough or looked just right, that it would be successful. What I didn't grasp until recently was that it's what is behind the scenes that is the heart beat. I've run hot and cold from day one, never really finding "my voice" and always ending up frustrated. Until recently...</center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Re-Design</span></u></b></center>
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Late in 2012, I decided I needed to "invest" a little bit in my blog. To date, I had always used free templates and <b><i>did what I could</i></b>. I learned ALOT, don't get me wrong. But now, I really felt like I needed to invest some money in it...<span style="background-color: white;">where your (treasure) money is, is where your heart is. (Matt. 6:21) </span></center>
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So I contacted <b><a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/" target="_blank">Amanda @ Royal Daughter Designs</a>. </b> She did a great job of setting me up with a design that is clean and simple and suits me.</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuSwMxiQqsHD6YVnvfxwrdw34YY-tGsMbhES-HvB4A2AYm7zJUse0M_9wojAPQpLfUj0PG65pM3Aqkj3G7t_lwMslOoE8rgu8wVRegz7qEzVV30AzrDTka4sYM45yjCAxjd96YLLL1A__/s1600/OneWord2013_intentional150+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXuSwMxiQqsHD6YVnvfxwrdw34YY-tGsMbhES-HvB4A2AYm7zJUse0M_9wojAPQpLfUj0PG65pM3Aqkj3G7t_lwMslOoE8rgu8wVRegz7qEzVV30AzrDTka4sYM45yjCAxjd96YLLL1A__/s1600/OneWord2013_intentional150+copy.jpg" /></a></div>
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Early in 2013, I joined the "movement" if you will, to choose <b><u>One Word</u></b> for the year. Don't you know, God chose Intentional for me. Since then, I've still run a bit hot and cold - only posting sporadically, and never really feeling comfortable with what I was doing. Until...</center>
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Until I began to pray. Yep. I began to pray for my blog. And the readers. And my voice. And His purposes for all of it. And because He is who He says He is, and He loves me so much, He answered me...a couple Sundays ago in church...during worship. You can read about it <a href="http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/2013/03/i-give-myself-away.html"><b>here.</b></a></center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">VISION</span></u></b></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Using my voice on Enjoy The Process </i></b></span></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>by Him and for His Purposes.</i></b></span></center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Re-Working</span></u></b></center>
That of course led to this post, and a re-working of m<span style="background-color: white;">y <a href="http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/2013/02/about-me-page.html" target="_blank"><b>ABOUT</b></a></span> page. I also re-worked, updated the <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://enjoytheprocess.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank"><b>Me & Mine</b> </a></span>(Family page) which was way out of whack for some reason. And finally, I even created a couple of buttons for the sidebar. See, I'm getting there....</center>
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All that brings me to this weekend. I was poking around<b> <a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank">The</a></b><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://theinfluencenetwork.com/" target="_blank"><b> Influence Network</b></a> </span>and came across a thread about creating an "Elevator Pitch." I'd heard of it, but never put much thought into it. But I distinctly felt a nudge from God to work on it.</center>
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What I ended up doing as I put word on paper was actually to create my mission statement, which really began with my tagline - Living Well, Laughing Often. Loving Much.</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa1fyNgu19_s-RgTG65Xm6HGV1WJYnsSIHNoVIDobdUv9pLlBwqfg_CxR8CUrNecwvmhh9nK8Jq1RcAnWb2U3r_8AMvDoz2YABgZx0iVRj7uXek3FZhhQZtSHiZfPDC-Lg_gQ0pMPqGuV/s1600/ETP+Post+Divider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="20" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWa1fyNgu19_s-RgTG65Xm6HGV1WJYnsSIHNoVIDobdUv9pLlBwqfg_CxR8CUrNecwvmhh9nK8Jq1RcAnWb2U3r_8AMvDoz2YABgZx0iVRj7uXek3FZhhQZtSHiZfPDC-Lg_gQ0pMPqGuV/s640/ETP+Post+Divider.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">MISSION</span></u></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mine is a Christian lifestyle blog with a heart to encourage families (esp. moms) to Enjoy The Process of everyday life by:</span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Living Well</u> - maintaining good health</span></i></b></center>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text 1Cor-6-19" id="en-NKJV-28487" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? </span><span class="text 1Cor-6-20" id="en-NKJV-28488" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span>and in your spirit, which are God’s." 1 Cor. 6:19-20 NKJV</span></i></span></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Laughing Often</u> - laughing is not only a form of praise, but His joy is our source of strength</span></i></b></center>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span class="text Ps-126-2" id="en-NKJV-16118" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Then our mouth was filled with laughter,</span><span class="text Ps-126-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And our tongue with singing.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Ps-126-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Then they said among the nations, </span><span class="text Ps-126-2" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> has done great things for them.”" Psalm 126:2 NKJV</span></i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"The</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">n he said to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">m, “Go your way, eat </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> fat, drink </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">this</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> day </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">is</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> holy to our </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. Do not sorrow, for</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">joy</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">of</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-variant: small-caps; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> is your strength.”" Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV</span></i></span></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Loving Much</u> - he who is forgiven much loves much...</span></i></b></center>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">"Therefore I say to you, her sins, which </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">are</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> many, are forgiven, for she loved </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">much</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. But to whom little is forgiven, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">the same</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">loves</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> little.”" Luke 7:47</span></i></span></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">It's my hope and desire that by sharing our story, families would be strengthened, encouraged and learn to enjoy their walk with Him as they pursue His Purposes in their daily lives.</span></i></b></center>
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Now, I have to admit there is a phrase here that I am not altogether comfortable with. </center>
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"Christian lifestyle blog" seems so overdone or over-used maybe, but through prayer it came down to the fact that that is what this is...a blog about Christian life. God said to use it. So I did.</center>
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Then I reduced that down to a simple statement...my elevator pitch...</center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">ELEVATOR PITCH</span></u></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy The Process is a Christian lifestyle blog designed to encourage families to LIVE well, LAUGH often and LOVE much while pursuing His Purposes in their daily lives.</span></i></b></center>
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So, what do you think?</center>
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Do you have a Vision / Mission Statement or Elevator Pitch? </center>
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Let me know in the comments, I'd love to see yours...</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-23985999261824750842013-03-01T10:46:00.003-05:002013-03-03T19:48:56.133-05:00What is Ordinary? {FMF}<center style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ordinary.</span></b></center>
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<b><i>What is ordinary?</i></b> </center>
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I ask myself that question all. the. time. Because I <b><i>feel</i></b> so ordinary sometimes. </center>
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But maybe that's what I'm supposed to be. </center>
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After all <b><i>I am fearfully and wonderfully made.</i></b> </center>
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<b><i>I am the daughter of a King</i></b> - a princess to be sure. </center>
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<b><i>I am the wife of a fabulous man, and two wonderful people call me mom.</i></b></center>
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Sometimes I struggle with it "being enough". Usually when I'm looking at others and their "ordinary."</center>
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Sometimes I struggle with it "being too much". Usually when my focus has left the One who created me for this time and season. </center>
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Ordinary. Yep, that's what I am...</center>
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Linking up with the Flashmob of Writers known as <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/03/five-minute-friday-ordinary-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday @ Gypsy Mama's</a>.</center>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-79487966929388711332013-03-01T10:27:00.004-05:002013-03-03T19:49:23.332-05:00I give myself away...<center style="text-align: left;">
Worship during a Sunday morning service seems like a strange time to get the vision for my blog (and maybe even my life), doesn't it? Well, that is what happened a couple of weeks ago. This is the song we were singing...</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ewIovI33TRz2DbQ6ofxiEm02zwLdbJAlGXouRHCuISY7dPi-QxO1OCAVogHt5KCyp961EB6J-75FBjQ5CioANpS_yEmAzsqKYIeHwXQ7tmkWJg1mo2t52lQPWZdYQ7mqzoSHuJz5cPbO/s1600/Give+Myself+Away+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ewIovI33TRz2DbQ6ofxiEm02zwLdbJAlGXouRHCuISY7dPi-QxO1OCAVogHt5KCyp961EB6J-75FBjQ5CioANpS_yEmAzsqKYIeHwXQ7tmkWJg1mo2t52lQPWZdYQ7mqzoSHuJz5cPbO/s640/Give+Myself+Away+web.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
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I've been praying for weeks about what direction to take with my blogging. I came to a point where I was a mere button push away from deleting the whole thing. I just couldn't do it...push that delete button.</center>
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Then I realized that the reality of it was this - <b><i>I liked the idea of being a blogger</i></b>. I liked the community aspect and the wisdom exchanged in the blogosphere is tremendous, but I found what I was really reckoning with was - <b><i>whether or not I wanted to put in the work it takes to be a blogger.</i></b></center>
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I am keenly aware and understand fully the principle of "we make time and space for things that are truly important to us," so this bit of truth hit hard. Real hard.</center>
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I've struggled for quite some time with "not finishing" things. Projects, crafts, scrapbooks, photos, etc. I have stacks of things that have gone undone...unfinished. And I've just not wanted blogging to be added to that pile. And by deleting it, that's exactly what would have happened. </center>
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In the long run, it's really much less about what I want and desire and more about simple obedience to what God has said - what He has quickened in my heart. <b><i>It's about giving myself so that He can use me in whatever way He sees fit.</i></b> It may be my words on a screen, or a comment I make. It may be a hug and a prayer with a real life friend who needs them. </center>
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<b><i>Whatever He desires is really my desire</i></b>.</center>
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I look back and when I was standing there singing those words with hands lifted high, I truly understood the vision of my life and my blog. I've always understood the words, but now I know the truth, the reality of it. </center>
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<b><i>My life is about giving myself away in such a way </i></b></center>
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<b><i>that I can be used by Him for His purposes - </i></b></center>
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<b><i>so that His Kingdom is advanced here on earth. </i></b></center>
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It boils down to this - it's a choice. Am I going to walk down this path of writing with all of its vulnerability and human-ness, building community so that God's purpose and plan can be achieved in the lives of myself and others? </center>
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Or am I going to be content to wonder what could have been? </center>
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Am I willing to step up and "punch fear in the face" as Jon Acuff says, and write? Just write, comment, and interact...not for me, but out of simple obedience to the One who has called me to this place in time? It's an honor really. To be chosen for such a time as this to affect the sphere of influence HE has given me...</center>
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It's really an act of my will, this writing challenge (and every other area of my life)...</center>
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<b><i>My willing and intentional response to His call to "give myself away so that He can use me." </i></b></center>
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Linked with:</center>
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<a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-26/" target="_blank">Fellowship Fridays</a></center>
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<a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/2013/02/28/desire-to-inspire-24-identity/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RoyalDaughterDesigns+%28Royal+Daughter+Designs%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Desire to Inspire</a></center>
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<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2013/02/the-first-blog-i-ever-followed-a-link-up-party/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WomenLivingWell+%28Women+Living+Well+%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Women Living Well</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-61413077351465815472013-02-27T12:48:00.001-05:002013-03-03T19:49:33.597-05:00What Mom & Daughter Wore...<center style="text-align: left;">
This is the post where I tell on myself <i style="font-weight: bold;">and then</i> enjoy the happy photo find! And somehow I connected both What I Wore and What Works For Me.... another happy connection...</center>
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<b><u>First the tell on myself part...</u></b></center>
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I have a love / hate relationship with the digital photography realm. One the one hand, I love the instant gratification of seeing the photo you just took and knowing what it looks like and whether or not you want to take another.</center>
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But what I really dislike, and can't seem to get a handle on, even after all these years of taking digital photos is the "processing" of them. No, I'm not taking that little roll of film to the store to have it developed, but <b><i>there is still a process</i></b> - unloading the sd card, filing the photos, editing, and backing them up.</center>
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Friends, it's confession time - I stink at this process. I'm pretty good at getting them off the sd card, but once they enter my laptop, <b><i>forget about it</i></b> - literally. And the backup - mama mia I can't tell you the last time...I know.... {sigh}</center>
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Case in point - I switched laptops in the fall... about 4 months ago, and just now have I begun to put the photos on my new laptop. Part of the problem is the learning curve with iPhoto - SO, if anyone has any tips on using this program, and wouldn't mind helping a sista out, I'd be terribly grateful!!</center>
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<b><u>Now the happy photo find...</u></b></center>
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But I digress..... In the uploading I just finished <b><i>I was pleasantly surprised to find a photo shoot</i></b> I did with my Dollie last fall. It was a sunny Sunday afternoon after church and we both looked cute, or so we thought, so we had some shots taken...</center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew1JGw5WRXU5v-Qn9IH3ilbWi42VeSEQ7MrOp6PZw3qNIaC9zjseA_69URipLRj3aAFk7XiAt4s_kBjCpGvtYVjOY3-FuXgoeO5mZHJNjLSYiLFLUKLxc_PAPIqOnwT9qk5nhbP9rKePT/s1600/Fall+Clothes+collage+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiew1JGw5WRXU5v-Qn9IH3ilbWi42VeSEQ7MrOp6PZw3qNIaC9zjseA_69URipLRj3aAFk7XiAt4s_kBjCpGvtYVjOY3-FuXgoeO5mZHJNjLSYiLFLUKLxc_PAPIqOnwT9qk5nhbP9rKePT/s400/Fall+Clothes+collage+web.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These outfits are really typical for the two of us. I love the skirt, boot, top look for fall and winter and <b>it works for me,</b> so I go with it. She is really into the blazers/jackets right now.</center>
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My outfit - black skirt: Macy's, print top: Macy's, boots: Famous footwear</center>
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Her outfit - not sure - black jeans: Macy's, top & jacket: Charlotte Russe, boots: Famous Footwear</center>
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Linking up with:</center>
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<a href="http://thepleatedpoppy.com/category/what-i-wore/" target="_blank">What I Wore Wednesday</a> @ The Pleated Poppy</center>
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<a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/02/wfmw-my-daily-happy/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wearethatfamily%2FGaiB+%28We+are+THAT+Family%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Works For Me Wednesday</a> @ We Are THAT Family</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-68246727720486085812013-02-25T11:13:00.004-05:002013-03-03T19:51:11.529-05:00About Me Page...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQrj11_ZKMVWb9Y2pYYmCNwOTkgeh5x6fttFAOjH56i1SaIzxrMQIrRtJIhPuK2w_49hk2O1TBmPaIYhfay_QRxVKEZEXsTPd4cbwLAfQaw9k0lXxEr2tHAAHEZEbdvXIl5Fvg2kOumrQ/s1600/IMG_2859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuQrj11_ZKMVWb9Y2pYYmCNwOTkgeh5x6fttFAOjH56i1SaIzxrMQIrRtJIhPuK2w_49hk2O1TBmPaIYhfay_QRxVKEZEXsTPd4cbwLAfQaw9k0lXxEr2tHAAHEZEbdvXIl5Fvg2kOumrQ/s200/IMG_2859.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to Enjoy the Process, </span></b>where I endeavor to share my story ~ </div>
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First & foremost, I'm a Jesus-girl, a sinner saved by grace, walking everyday by His empowerment! I'm married to the Man of my dreams - literally, and together, we are raising two teenagers.</div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">My life is all about Living well, Laughing often, & Loving much, so that is what I share. Things like...</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<li>our gluten-free <strike>diet</strike> lifestyle, including recipes and links I find helpful...</li>
<li>our teen-raising challenges and triumphs (as much as I can post without embarrassing them)...</li>
<li>our marriage and parenting successes and not-so-successes...</li>
<li>the insights that the Lord is sharing with me...</li>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Bottom line? </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">I have a heart to share my story in the hope of encouraging & moving others forward in theirs.</span></i></b></blockquote>
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<b><u>A Few Random Facts about me...</u></b></div>
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1. I had a dream about my wedding and the groom even before we were dating.</div>
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2. I am a Guillain-Barre miracle recovery story.</div>
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3. Purple is my favorite color.</div>
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4. I work part-time for our church doing everything from weekly bulletins to social-media.</div>
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5. I have a love/hate relationship with Apple i-products.</div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-52443380310739646482013-02-20T12:08:00.002-05:002013-03-03T19:51:00.221-05:00Taco Seasoning Mix {WFMW}<center style="text-align: left;">
This morning I was mixing up a batch of <b><u>Taco Seasoning Mix</u></b> and I had the thought - "doing this takes so little time and <b><i>yet it so works-for-me</i></b>." Then I had a slap-my-forehead moment when I realized I should share it with the masses on <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/02/wfmw-what-were-eating/" target="_blank">Works For Me Wednesday</a>. </center>
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I only wish I had made a note of where I originally got the idea and the recipe, though we have tweaked it over the years.</center>
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It's easy to make. </center>
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It's easy to use.</center>
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It tastes great.</center>
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And you know exactly what's in it...unlike the envelopes...</center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TACO SEASONING MIX</span></u></b></center>
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1 Tbs. Chili Powder</center>
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2 tsp. Onion Powder</center>
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1 tsp. Cumin</center>
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1 tsp. Garlic Powder</center>
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1 tsp. Paprika</center>
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1 tsp. Oregano (optional)</center>
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1 tsp. Sugar</center>
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1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt</center>
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Mix together. </center>
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Store in an airtight Container. (My TW snack cup holds a double batch.)</center>
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I believe one batch is about the same amount as one of those envelopes, but honestly, I just eyeball it.</center>
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I also typed up the recipe and put it on the fridge so I don't have to look for the recipe when we run out. (Because I'm efficient like that...)</center>
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Linked with We are THAT Family - <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2013/02/wfmw-what-were-eating/" target="_blank">Works For Me Wednesday</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-12300262579042902732013-02-15T09:59:00.004-05:002013-02-20T16:33:30.552-05:00My heart is full...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>"I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine" Song of Solomon 6:3</i></b></span></span></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This week my heart is full. </span></i></b> </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Monday we celebrated 18 years of marriage.</span></i></b> Eighteen! Someone please explain how that is possible?!? Seems like only yesterday we walked into that church on such a beautiful, sunny February day - only to come out a little while later to a blizzard. Ahh February in NY! </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Thursday we celebrated Valentine's Day.</span></i></b> I use that term celebrated loosely, because around here our love is not reserved for just one day, <b><i>but for everyday. </i></b> We have always purposed to show it and be it on a daily basis. For each other. For our kids. For our Heavenly Father.</center>
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But <strike>yesterday</strike> this week, <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">my Man went all out</span></i></b>. This whole week has been an extra special showering of gifts and flowers, candy and hugs. For me and our kids. Truly amazing how he knocks my socks off again and again!</center>
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And tonight..<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">.tonight we celebrate big, with a night out.</span></i></b> It's been awhile since it's been just the two of us. We usually go out with the kids - we like spending the time with our teenagers and they with us. But tonight, it's just us...and a host of other couples from church, all dolled up ready to eat, dance, and enjoy our way through the evening! </center>
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It's our evening to celebrate one another and the love formed over time. </center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">This week, my heart is full.</span></i></b></center>
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Linking up with Lisa Jo and a host of others at<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/02/five-minute-friday-beloved/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"> Five Minute Friday!</a></center>
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Also linking up with<a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/fellowship-fridays-24-facebook-page/" target="_blank"> Fellowship Friday</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-89558124930533791972013-02-11T08:55:00.000-05:002013-02-11T08:55:01.475-05:00Happy Anniversary!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Thank you sweetheart for 18 unforgettable years! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>There have certainly been ups and downs, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>but through it all, God has been faithful </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>and we have grown! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I cannot imagine my days without you! </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>I love you more than I did on that sunny/blizzarding day back in 1995!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Happy Anniversary!!</b></i></span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-84118568064021371402013-02-10T17:57:00.001-05:002013-02-10T17:58:08.228-05:00Winter {Sunday Community}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4DpsxUa2aU5YqDpJ5HEaUBNoMjgQX0mXvfaAXt10eX-ZtnYZP9hw8cXiQ-Jo2bQwM0H6LeIZEL4wM6AlB_nYDHUB7d_PlK9JNalhREyw1Zhg57ruD0EF3H5HB3Z4999Ov0QkoHGs7RJ6/s1600/Winter+Tree+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv4DpsxUa2aU5YqDpJ5HEaUBNoMjgQX0mXvfaAXt10eX-ZtnYZP9hw8cXiQ-Jo2bQwM0H6LeIZEL4wM6AlB_nYDHUB7d_PlK9JNalhREyw1Zhg57ruD0EF3H5HB3Z4999Ov0QkoHGs7RJ6/s400/Winter+Tree+web.jpg" width="378" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“As long as the earth endures, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">seedtime and harvest, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">cold and heat, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">summer and </span><b style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">winter</b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;">, </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">day and night will never cease.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Genesis 8:22</span></span></div>
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Linked with: <a href="http://www.deidrariggs.com/2013/02/09/sunday-38/" target="_blank">The Sunday Community</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-11261601127220473312013-02-06T10:56:00.001-05:002013-02-06T10:56:04.313-05:00A daily life pattern {#hellomornings}<center style="text-align: left;">
<b>I'm a work in process. </b> Sometimes I enjoy it and sometimes I don't. These past several weeks - not so much. I could give you a list, but what would that accomplish? </center>
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Suffice it to say that I KNOW God is at work. </center>
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How do I know that? Because He does things like shake up my life - all of it...marriage, kids, work, school, finances, business, everything. </center>
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Yeah, <b><i>He loves me THAT much.</i></b> </center>
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Know what else? He urged me to sign up for the Winter - Hello Mornings Challenge. I didn't look into it...I just went and signed up. What are we studying you may ask...Why, Job of course.</center>
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Job. </center>
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Go figure. I love the Bible. And I know it's God's love letter to me. </center>
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But really God? Job? </center>
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Now, in this season? </center>
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Yes daughter, in this season.</center>
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<b>He loves me SO much</b>, He's reminding me how a man, a regular man, with a wife, 10 kids, and all of the stuff that we deal with on a daily basis, dealt with a boat-load of adversity.</center>
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We finished the first chapter today. Yep, just the first chapter...</center>
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Actually, I could have parked there for weeks. So much. So real. So life.</center>
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Let me share a few of my "take-aways" from this first chapter...</center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. </b></span> <b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Job was a regular guy</u>. </span></i></b> </center>
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He had regular issues. He had a wife and kids - 7 sons and 3 daughters. </center>
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I'm sure he had some sort of job because verse 3 lists his possessions and ends with "this man was the greatest of all the people of the East." He was a busy and important guy.</center>
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His lifestyle wasn't wrapped up in that though. Verse 1 indicates that <b><i>Job was "blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil."</i></b> My Bible has a great footnote that says because Job was blameless and upright doesn't mean he was without sin, it means <b><u>his daily life pattern was toward righteousness and away from evil.</u></b></center>
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<b><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">A daily life pattern</span></i></u></b>. Toward righteousness. Away from evil.</center>
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In verse 8, <b><i>God describes Job as blameless and upright.</i></b> </center>
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Now, who on earth wouldn't want Almighty God to say that about them?</center>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><i>2. Job was not exempt from trials.</i></u></b></span> </center>
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We all know the book. We may even know some of the trials he faced. But have we stopped to think that he was a regular guy facing these trials?</center>
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Now, God was aware of what was happening - He always is. In verse 12 - He even put a limit on what satan could do - he couldn't "lay a hand" on Job - he couldn't touch his physical body.</center>
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So satan did what he does - what he still does to this day. He used people - the Sabeans and Chaldeans as well as natural elements - fire and wind to take away Job's children and possessions. </center>
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<b><u><i><span style="font-size: large;">3. Job's response was exactly what God expected.</span></i></u></b></center>
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Verse 20 <b><i>"Then Job arose, tore his robe, shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshipped."</i></b> WHAT? His kids, his stuff it's all gone and he's worshipping?!?</center>
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If only I could say that that is my response to trials. I can't. More often than not, I complain, cry, moan and groan but I don't set my heart to worship in those times.</center>
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And finally, verse 22 - <b><i>"In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong."</i></b> Again, I wish I could say this is my response, but honestly, this Jesus-girl has a long way to go when it comes to dealing with trials. </center>
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In my mind, I can almost imagine Job in the midst of his worship saying something like...</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">"This - all of this is not God's fault. </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">And because it's not God's fault, </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">I'm going to worship Him through these situations, </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">because I KNOW that I know HE is faithful, </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">HE is true, and HE loves me."</span></i></b></center>
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I don't know about you, but I want that to be my response in all matters, my prayer at all times. I want to become a woman who lives her life <b><i>toward righteousness and away from evil</i></b> - daily - creating a daily life pattern that is pleasing to God - so pleasing in fact that He can't help but take notice...</center>
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What do you think? Are you reading through Job too?</center>
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How do you handle trials?</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-3811773257527467522013-01-18T14:15:00.000-05:002013-01-18T14:15:11.558-05:00Cherished {#FMF}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's Friday again - how does that happen? </center>
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And that can mean only one thing - <b><i><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/01/five-minute-friday-cherished/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>,</i></b> where a group of women come together to write just for the sake of writing. It's five minutes - who doesn't have five minutes, right? </center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Cherished</span></u></b></center>
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I saw the word this morning and immediately thought a specific conversation many moons ago.</center>
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I was pregnant, probably about 6 months or so. </center>
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One day, I was having a conversation with a lovely yet very lively (older than me) lady at church. </center>
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All of the sudden she put her hand on my swollen belly and with tears in her eyes, she said these words </center>
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I'll never ever forget... </center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">"Don't take any of it (parenting) for granted. </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">Cherish every minute. Don't even blink, because if you do, </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #674ea7;">you'll open your eyes and she will be 18 and off to college."</span></i></b></center>
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I was stunned her words. After all, I hadn't even labored or borne this babe, and here she was talking about college. Well, she must have been right. </center>
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I blinked. </center>
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That babe is going to be a junior in high school next fall. </center>
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She'll be taking four college credit courses...her junior year.</center>
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I blinked. </center>
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But honestly,<b><i> I've cherished it all</i></b>...every minute, every milestone, every season. </center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-41863759654009248462013-01-16T10:17:00.001-05:002013-01-18T14:21:30.759-05:00Holding My Peace...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever gotten out of bed in the dark of the morning only to look back at it wondering, wanting to climb right back in and pull the covers over and call it a day? Right then and there, before the day even began? </center>
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That was me this morning. </center>
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Getting up was extra tough. I'm tired, physically, mentally and emotionally. There are situations facing us right now (I'll spare you the details) that <i>we simply have no control over.</i> Yet we have to walk through them. We have to persevere. We have to press. </center>
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And it's hard. It's hard sometimes to remember that <b><i>He is the Alpha & Omega, the beginning and the end, and that He already knows the end.</i></b> (Is. 46:10)</center>
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It's hard to remember that <b><i>He knows the plans He has for us, and that they are for good and not evil. </i></b>(Jer. 29:11)</center>
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It's hard, but not impossible to remember these things. <b><i>They are the reality</i></b>. The situations are facts.</center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #93c47d;">How I long to cling to the reality...to Him. </span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #93c47d;">But sometimes it's just plain hard.</span></i></b></center>
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I've been reading Exodus 14 for several days now. </center>
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It's so full of wisdom, and encouragement and that's where He has me right now. </center>
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Because I need it. The wisdom and the encouragement.</center>
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The chapter is all about The Crossing of the Red Sea. These people were in the midst of some circumstances, and <b><i>their faith had to go to a whole new level</i></b>. </center>
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There was no hiding under the covers - the Word says they went out with boldness (v.8), even as they were being pursued by the the Egyptians. That doesn't mean they didn't want to go back...(v11-12). </center>
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They did some serious complaining, but in the end, <b><i>they went forward</i></b>. </center>
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<b><i><u>Going backward was not an option (v15).</u></i></b></center>
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That's how I feel. </center>
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<b><i>We HAVE to go forward</i></b>, but backwards is so much easier, more comfortable and familiar. </center>
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<b>BUT GOD</b> in all of His wisdom, knew we'd have <strike>days</strike> seasons like this so He made a couple of promises here...</center>
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v. 13 - "Moses said to the people, "<b><i>Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today."</i></b>"</center>
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v. 14 - <b><i>"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."</i></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Don't be afraid. </span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Stand still. </span></b></center>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Hold your peace.</b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #93c47d;"> </span></center>
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All wonderful promises from an AWESOME God! </center>
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Sometimes, and maybe it's just me, but sometimes they are a little difficult to walk out in the midst of life. Am I alone here?</center>
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When life appears to be crumbling or at least wavering a bit. </center>
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<b><i>Don't be afraid.</i></b></center>
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When we want to fix all of this stuff that is going wrong. Surely I can come up with an answer. </center>
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<b><i>Stand Still.</i></b></center>
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If I think enough. If I pray more. If I talk about it a little more surely we'll find an answer we didn't think of before. </center>
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<b><i>Hold your peace.</i></b></center>
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That's the one that really gets me. Hold your peace. Our peace (in Him) is the key. Our peace (in Him) is the key to our joy. And our joy (in Him) is the key to our strength. </center>
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So today, I'm challenged. </center>
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Challenged to hold onto my peace. </center>
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Challenged to not allow the circumstances of the day to rob me of my peace, my joy or my strength. </center>
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That's my challenge. And it is a challenge, because circumstances look big. </center>
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<b>BUT GOD.</b></center>
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<a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/clajgray/RDD%20Blog%20Design/?action=view&current=EJFinalSignature.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/clajgray/RDD%20Blog%20Design/EJFinalSignature.png" /></a></center>
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Linking up with <a href="http://newlifesteward.com/the-wip-wednesday-link-up-26/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+newlifesteward+%28New+Life+Steward%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">New Life Steward - WIP Wed</a></center>
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and also with <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/2013/01/17/desire-to-inspire-18-online-alliances/" target="_blank">Amanda - Desire to Inspire</a></center>
Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-9971956145344644292013-01-14T13:09:00.001-05:002013-01-14T13:09:17.312-05:00Do You Dare? {#PrayerDare} <div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Hey Friends!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>I'm so excited! I am working with a a group of women to launch #PrayerDare under the leadership of Amanda over at A Royal Daughter! It is a project that holds so much promise in the way of changing our lives as we pray on a daily basis, the lives of those we are praying for on a daily basis, and also the community we are accountable to, on a daily basis! Amanda has written a beautiful introduction she has asked each of us to post, so I'll let her do the rest of the 'splainin....</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hi y'all. My name is Amanda and I blog at <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/" target="_blank">A Royal Daughter</a>. I'm really not here to talk about me, so if you want to know more, head on over to <a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/meet-amanda/" target="_blank">my little space on the internet</a> and say hi!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been working with a handful of amazing, godly, praying women, and together we are excited to announce the launch of a brand new, year-long community initiative: <span style="color: #087a71;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/PrayerDareGraphic-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/PrayerDareGraphic-1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #087a71; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>What is</b> <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a>?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a> is: an online community initiative with the goal of <u>equipping</u>, <u>encouraging</u>, and <u>holding women accountable</u> to practice the daily discipline of prayer. Each month, the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a> community will dedicate the entire month to praying for a specific topic. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a> will launch on February 1, and we'll be spending the "month of love" praying for our husbands<span style="font-size: x-small;">*</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">*</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you who are not married, PLEASE don't feel excluded. In fact, we want to extend a special invitation for you to join us one of two ways:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Join us by spending 28 days praying for a man in your life who holds special importance, but is married to someone else. We're talking about guys like your dad, brother, pastor, or maybe even your best friend's husband. The point is, they need to be prayed for, and there's nothing that says it can't be you praying for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. If you do not feel called to singleness, why don't you consider joining us by spending 28 days praying for your future husband? We know that God's not bound by time or circumstances, and spending a month praying for your future husband is probably one of the best things you can be doing for your future relationship.</span></div>
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All the Single Ladies....</div>
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...please join us!<br />
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<a href="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/Equipping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="48" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/Equipping.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">The first goal of </span><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> is to </span><u style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">equip</u><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;"> women to practice the daily discipline of prayer. On February 1 we will be providing free downloadable prayer cards on <a href="http://aroyaldaughter.com/">aroyaldaughter.com</a>. The prayer cards are intended to serve two purposes:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. A daily reminder - After downloading the prayer cards (they will be available in black & white and in color), print them, cut them out, and place them somewhere in your home where they will serve as a daily reminder to spend some intentional, quality time in prayer. Maybe you can put them on your refrigerator, or bathroom mirror. Or you can put them in your Bible or quiet time journal. Just don't put them in file 13. They're no help in file 13. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. A daily guide - The Lord told us that His Word will not return unto Him void (Isaiah 55:11). Each prayer card will offer a concise and specific prayer that is based on the Word of God. The prayers that we've written are meant to guide you as you begin (or continue!) to practice the daily discipline of prayer. We'd recommend writing your own prayers, or prayer requests, on the back of each card. They will serve as a sort of testimony to your prayer life, and will allow you to go back and see how God has answered your prayers.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/Encouraging.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="47" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/Encouraging.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our second goal is to encourage women to practice the daily discipline of prayer. We'll be building our community of praying women primarily on Twitter and Instagram, using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a>. Following the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare hashtag</a> is an easy way to connect online without having to get involved in <i>another</i> website or follow <i>another </i>blog. We know you're busy, so are we! But we're not too busy to spend a few minutes each day praying, and then connecting online and encouraging others to join us.</span><br />
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<a href="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/HoldingAccountable.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="42" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/HoldingAccountable.png" width="400" /></a><br />
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Our third goal is to hold women accountable to practice the daily discipline of prayer. This is the doozie, right? We think that having someone (or a few hundred someones) holding us accountable is exactly what a lot of us need. So how are we going to do that?</div>
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Using the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a>, we want <b>you</b> to check in with the community every day. You can tweet, "Hey #PrayerDare sisters! I'm just checking in - have a great day!" or you can be more specific: "I love teaching my kiddos how to pray for their daddy. #PrayerDare" <--- <u>It doesn't matter how you check in</u>, just that you do. And here's where it gets <i>real good</i>, friends. Our idea is that if you miss a day or two or three, someone is going to notice. And it's <i>their responsibility</i> to reach out to you and make sure you're okay.</div>
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Did you see that? In order for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23prayerdare&src=typd" target="_blank">#PrayerDare</a> to work, <u>each and everyone of us has to take responsibility.</u> We have to be responsible for ourselves: that we check in each day. But we also have to be responsible for others. We need to be actively encouraging other women to pray, and reaching out to them if they slack off. And we need to do it with loads and loads and loads of grace. </div>
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<b>FAQ:</b></div>
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<b>I'm not on Twitter or Instagram, how can I connect?</b></div>
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We've created <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePrayerDare" target="_blank">a Facebook page for #Prayer Dare</a>. However, please keep in mind that the primary location of the community will be happening on Twitter and Instagram. So if find yourself on the Facebook page, <b>you</b> might find yourself in a leadership role right away! Feel free to take the reigns and get that community growing!</div>
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<b>How do I follow a hashtag?</b></div>
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You can't actually follow a hashtag, so we'd recommend a two-fold system to stay in touch with each other:<br />
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1. Search for the hashtag #PrayerDare.</div>
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2. Create a list on Twitter for #PrayerDare. As you see new people in the community, add them to your #PrayerDare list. </div>
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<b>How will I find people in the community?</b></div>
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Well, you can start tweeting and using the #PrayerDare hashtag! Get the word out there, we don't mind! And on February 1 we'll be hosting a link-up so all those who want to be a part of the #PrayerDare community can link up their Twitter or Instagram accounts. That will be a quick and easy way to make connections!</div>
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<b>I'm not really active online, how can I participate?</b></div>
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While the original idea of #PrayerDare was to be an online-community, we DO NOT want to exclude those of you who aren't very active in the virtual world. You are more than welcome to print off the prayer cards. In fact, print as many as you want as often as you want. You can even use them to start your own #PrayerDare community in your local church, MOPS group, gym...you get the idea. The point is: if you do not want to be a part of the online community, make it happen in your own personal sphere of influence. </div>
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<b>Can we share prayer requests?</b></div>
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Yes! In fact, if you're comfortable sharing prayer requests, <i>please</i> do. You'll have at your fingertips a whole community of women who will be able to pray for you at a moment's notice. You might want to take advantage of that!</div>
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<b>How can I get the word out?</b></div>
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We're glad you asked! Start tweeting using our official hashtag, and it would be super helpful to point your followers to this post. Feel free to share in any way your heart desires. If you plan to join us, you can also put our badge on your website or blog. </div>
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<div align="center" style="padding: 5px;">
<img alt="A Royal Daughter" src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/200X200Button-5.png" title="A Royal Daughter" /></div>
<pre style="background: #ffffff; border: solid 1px #4f4f4f; color: #636363; display: block; font-size: 90%; height: 50px; margin: auto; overflow: auto; padding: 10px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 90%;"><div align="center"><a href="http://www.aroyaldaughter.com/prayerdare/" title="A Royal Daughter"><img src="http://i1227.photobucket.com/albums/ee423/RoyalDaughterDesigns/200X200Button-5.png" alt="A Royal Daughter" style="border:none;" /></a></div></pre>
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If you have any questions that haven't already been answered, please contact us!<br />
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We can't wait to see you on February 1!<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><b><i>So what do you think? Wanna join us? We'd love to have you!</i></b></span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-44087245730970802432013-01-11T11:45:00.000-05:002013-01-11T11:45:10.247-05:00Diving In... {#FMF}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALT2Z5egn9fF2lL9BBqgsVWAIqcLVhOQIx-r82mLQlRMDeOvdBMZpIB9kLc-fhrQIZs_QC09UnkTBCajcDzSZEWfjZJ1Cu1AavsNGRktTOdj_65rXvHEM3a6dFJatcNwGGMg43j47f1Ky/s1600/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALT2Z5egn9fF2lL9BBqgsVWAIqcLVhOQIx-r82mLQlRMDeOvdBMZpIB9kLc-fhrQIZs_QC09UnkTBCajcDzSZEWfjZJ1Cu1AavsNGRktTOdj_65rXvHEM3a6dFJatcNwGGMg43j47f1Ky/s200/5-minute-friday-1.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
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One of my favorite times of the week is when a flash-mod of women get together with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/01/five-minute-friday-dive/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b><i>Lisa Jo</i></b></span></a> and write. Just for the sake of writing. It doesn't take long, and it fills me up. really, it does.</center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></center>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">This week the 5 Minute Friday prompt is DIVE.</span></i></b></center>
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I'm not a diver. Truth is, I'm not much of a swimmer either. </center>
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I don't really care much for the water. </center>
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I like the beach - sitting there watching the waves, listening to them, </center>
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and enjoying the warm sun.</center>
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As I type those words, I realize that is pretty much my life too. </center>
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I'm not one to jump right in and get involved. </center>
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I wait. I watch. I look & listen. </center>
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Sometimes I enjoy this process and sometimes not. </center>
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But seldom do I just dive right in. </center>
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I like the sideline. I like the view from here. </center>
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But I like to be involved as well. It's a weird dichotomy. </center>
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I think maybe that is why God gave me the word INTENTIONAL for this year. </center>
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I need to be intentional about not sitting on the sideline all the time, but maybe </center>
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taking a few risks...getting involved...diving in...</center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-37571814580316242912013-01-11T11:14:00.001-05:002013-01-11T11:31:17.198-05:00Coffee Date {1/11/13}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday!</span></i></b></center>
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I just love Fridays! It's really the one day of the week I get to sit and write. Just. Write. And for weeks now I've wanted to join up with <a href="http://ragstostitchesblog.com/coffee-date-friday-10/" target="_blank"><b><i>Alyssa and have a Coffee Date</i></b></a>. So won't you join me?</center>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">If we were having coffee today...</span></i></b></center>
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...I'd probably be having water with lemon. As much as I might like something like the picture to the left, iIt would be the No-Coffee - Coffee Date for me. It's ok though. We are doing a corporate fast at church and I chose all things "refined" which includes sugar. I just can't bring myself to drink coffee without sugar and creamer...preferable flavored creamer! I can enjoy the fellowship with out the actual coffee.</center>
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...I'd probably struggle not to throw my long list of crazy right out there on the table, because friends, my life is pretty crazy right now. Doctors appointments galore, teenage angst, husband traveling, the list goes on. But through it all I've learned a lot about <b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">GRACE.</span></b> That's my for for the week...Grace. Maybe it should have been my word for 2013.</center>
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...I'd really have to brag on my 13yo son. He is really a trooper. He hurt his knee in gym class the Monday after Thanksgiving. Walked on it, in pain for over 4 weeks. Diagnosed with a fracture in the growth plate in the knee two days after Christmas. Wearing an imobilizing brace for 6 weeks and walking on crutches. Still in a great deal of pain, and he has a better attitude sometimes than I do. </center>
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...I'd have to ask what your word for the year was, and how it was going, 10 days in. Mine is INTENTIONALITY, and well, it's a struggle already. I really have to figure this schedule/blogging/life thing out, because it's getting on my Type-A nerves. </center>
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<b><i>Think maybe God is getting at a few things during this fast?</i></b></center>
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...I'd also ask what your plans were for the weekend. Me? Tomorrow is Girls Day Out with my fave girl! She has some money and wants to shop, lunch, and see a movie. And lucky me - she wants me to come tag along with her and her good friend. Should be a super-fun day!</center>
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I guess that's it! </center>
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<b><i>Have a fabulous weekend friends!</i></b></center>
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I'm also linking up with <a href="http://christianmommyblogger.com/getting-it-together-fellowship-fridays-19/" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">Fellowship Friday @ Christian Mommy Blogger.</a></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-39279073982564286292013-01-06T08:23:00.002-05:002013-01-06T08:25:10.517-05:00As White As Snow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Isa-1-18" id="en-NKJV-17673" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“Come now, and let us reason together,”</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">“Though your sins are like scarlet,</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">They shall be as white as snow;</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Though they are red like crimson,</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">They shall be as wool.</span></span></i></center>
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<span class="text Isa-1-18" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Isaiah 1:18</span></i></span></center>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-40228285337535931242013-01-05T17:14:00.005-05:002013-01-05T19:17:30.814-05:00My 2013 Reading List<a href="http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/clajgray/?action=view&current=ReadingList.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" height="244" src="http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i218/clajgray/ReadingList.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's 2013 and I'm planning on reading more this year and I'm being <span style="color: #674ea7;"><i><b>Intentional</b></i> </span>about it by composing a list of books I already have in my possession either in print or on my Kindle. I recognize that as the months go by, I will probably add to it...</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I was making the list, I decided to break it up into a couple of categories, just to see what I'll be focusing on. I think I need to find a few more fun books dontcha think?</span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Education</u></b> </span>{the action or process of educating or of
being educated}</span><o:p></o:p></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <u style="font-weight: bold;"><i>Family:</i></u></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Spiritual Mentoring of Teens</b> by Focus on the Family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Five Love Languages of
Teenagers</b> by
Gary Chapman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b style="text-decoration: underline;"><i>Blog / Time Management:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Carolyn 101</b> by Carolyn Kepcher<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>21 Days to a More Disciplined
Life</b> by Crystal
Paine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>31 Days to Find Your Blogging
Mojo</b> by Bryan
Allain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Tell Your Time</b> by Amy Lynn Andrews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Reach</b> by Laura Krokos & Angie
Pratt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Quitter</b> by Jon Acuff<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Margin</b> by Richard Swenson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">The “Do What You Can” Plan</b> by Holley Gerth</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Edification</span></u></b> {to improve
especially in moral and religious knowledge}</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> <b><u><i>Small Group Teaching:</i></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Cry God Hears</b> by Barbara Yoder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> <u><i>For ME:</i></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Grace For The Good Girl</b> by Emily Freeman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One Thousand Gifts</b> by Ann Voskamp<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Wrecked</b> by Jeff Goins<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Kingdom Journeys</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by Seth Barnes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Desperate</b> by Sally Clarkson & Sarah Mae {due out in Jan.}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> </b><b><u><i>Prayer / Spiritual:</i></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Circle Maker</b> by Mark Batterson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Praying Circles Around Your
Children</b> by Mark
Batterson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Crushing the Spirits of Greed
& Poverty</b> by
Dr. Sandie Freed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Jezebel Yoke</b> by Dr. Sandie Freed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Entertainment</span></u></b> {amusement or diversion provided
especially by performers}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Divergent</b> by Veronica Roth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Insurgent</b> by Veronica Roth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Coming Home</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> by Karen Kingsbury</span><span style="font-family: Ayuthaya; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, what are you reading this year? I'm always looking for ideas... {hint hint}</span></div>
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Lorihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00094518438750546894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3100848936962812682.post-81935221259664306692013-01-04T11:02:00.000-05:002013-01-04T11:38:03.622-05:00A Missed Opportunity. {FMF #1}<center style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's baaaack!</b></span> <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2013/01/five-minute-friday-opportunity-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+thegypsymama+%28thegypsymama%29&utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank"><b>Five Minute Friday with Lisa-Jo at Gypsy Mama.</b></a> Woohoo! This is just what I needed for my quiet Friday morning...to write. just write. because that's what we do. for five minutes.</center>
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Here goes...</center>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Opportunity.</span></u></b></center>
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I knew when I woke up this morning that I had missed it. </center>
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I had missed an opportunity with God.</center>
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You see, last night when I went to bed, I asked Him to use even my sleep time for Him, in whatever way. And when I woke this morning I know He'd talked to me, shared some things with me, and I didn't get up. I didn't record it. I missed that precious opportunity.</center>
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<b><i>But God. My favorite thought...But God...it holds so much promise!</i></b></center>
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He is so tremendously faithful and so full of grace. I know we will have many more conversations - maybe even at night and now I'm ready. I have a new little notebook next to my bed along with a pen. </center>
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I'm ready for that next opportunity, because I know that His mercies are new every morning.</center>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="text Lam-3-22" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="text Lam-3-22" id="en-NIV-20377" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Because of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s great love<sup class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-20377A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> we are not consumed,</span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-22" style="position: relative;">for his compassions never fail.</span></span></i></b></div>
<b><i><span class="text Lam-3-23" id="en-NIV-20378" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><i><span class="text Lam-3-23" id="en-NIV-20378" style="position: relative; text-align: -webkit-auto;">They are new every morning;</span></i></b></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: transparent; text-align: left;"><i><span class="indent-1" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Lam-3-23" style="position: relative;">great is your faithfulness. Lam. 3:22-23</span></span></i></b></div>
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