tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91218792878240535962024-03-13T15:31:22.424-04:00This Little Light of MineLisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-20633901002783395642014-09-05T19:24:00.000-04:002014-09-05T19:24:32.964-04:00Lessons From EstherI am brushing off the dust and cobwebs here...I haven't been to this place in a long time. More reasons exist than I could tell, but primarily my walk with God was stumbling and I was in no position to write. Honestly, I was in a spiritual desert...I had nothing to give. Then, something amazing happened!<br />
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God used a situation that was painful in someone else's life to bring new life to mine. Like a moth to the flame I was drawn back home and here I am..jumping in with both feet..not sure I can swim these waters, but God said come and like Peter I jump...hopefully not like Peter, I will swim!<br />
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I welcome you to the <b> Good Morning Girls 'Blogging Through The Bible'</b> series!<br />
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This week, so far we have covered the Book of Esther, Chapters 1 to 6 and it has been an incredible experience. For starters, I am co-leading (for the first time) an International Group of about 32 and I can't tell you what an awesome experience it has been to see how the group has grown. Not just that, the entire forum for this study was buzzing with activity...still is! So many women around the world wanting to get into God's word and develop a closer relationship with him. Praise the Lord!<br />
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Esther has taught me so much about standing up for my faith, about courage, overcoming fear and waiting on the Lord. From Mordecai came the lessons on humility and standing up for my faith.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Wait on the Lord </span></b><br />
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<b><i>Psalm 37:7"Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act"</i></b><br />
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For a good portion of the book, Esther, like Judith, waited and was silent until the time came for her to take action. Perhaps in the silence she was listening to God. We do know that when the time came for her to take action, she went before him in prayer and fasting with the support of those close to her. What a great example of living out faith in our everyday lives! <br />
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We always need to be listening for God's small still voice in our hearts. We can't do that when we are rushing around, crazy busy and noise all around us. We have to find quiet time with Him. Then, we have to listen and be obedient to what He is telling us to do. Esther's directive came from God through Mordecai. Sometimes God will use other ways to communicate with us, another person, a book, a song.<br />
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<b><i> Proverbs 14:8 "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way"</i></b><br />
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Ah, but Esther didn't just go out and do what Mordecai said, she sought the Lord first. Another example for us.. This is what we are called to do as well. When we think that God is directing us we seek to confirm that before we go out immediately and act upon it. While she fasted and prayed, I believe that God gave her a plan. This is why she didn't immediately tell the king about Naman's treachery but invited them both to a banquet instead.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Obedience in Action/Overcoming Fear</b></span><br />
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<i><b>Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them , fo it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."</b></i><br />
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So Esther went before the King...did she tremble with fear? We are told she leaned upon her maid. She must have been weak from all the fasting and even those of us with faith would tremble before a lion (except maybe Daniel!) Some translations/commentaries hold that the king was not pleased at first to see her and when she beheld his countenance she fainted with fear.<b> It took a lot of courage for her to risk death to obey God</b>.<br />
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I had this same experience myself when I became pregnant with my fifth child and was told it would be a high risk pregnancy due to my other 4 c-sections. Was I scared? You bet...<i>I had made that choice to obey God and not control my womb and what if this meant I would die because of it!</i> Yes, all that crossed my mind and I bet that thought must have crossed Esther's mind as well... BUT, our God was still in charge and upon Esther's faint the king's heart was changed and he rushed to her side, pledging her anything she wanted. Thus, was God's plan put into motion by Esther overcoming her fear. God even used that fear to change the heart of the king. Isn't that amazing?!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Standing up for God/Trusting in Him</span></b><br />
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<b><i>Psalm 18:27 "You save the humble but bring down those whose eyes are haughty"</i></b><br />
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Let's look at Mordecai, He knew that Naman held great power and influence with the king. He must have known that his continued refusal to pay him honour could have cost him his life. Yet, he held fast to his convictions. His allegiance to God would not allow him to give honour to one of God's sworn enemies. Haman was an Amalekite.. a race God had sworn to always hold as enemies after they attacked the Israelites in the book of Exodus. God came first, man and man's laws next. So it should be for us as well. We should not compromise our values to fit in with the world. These days people are attacked for standing up for God. We see it everywhere..I don't even need to give you specifics! Mordecai's courage here is to be emulated. Let us pray that if we are called upon to take a stand for God we will be brave enough.<br />
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Mordecai also trusted that God would not allow Naman to destroy the Jews because of His promises to their race. He entrusted his life and that of Esther's to God in the fulfilment of His plan even though he did not know what that may have been. Yet he expressed to Esther that her elevation to the status of queen may have been orchestrated by God for this purpose.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life Lessons to take with us</b></span><br />
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God has a plan for you and for me...we may not know what it is yet, but we can keep on listening, try to discern His will and be faithful and courageous to act if we are called to do so. Whatever life is throwing at us, TRUST that God has a purpose and plan for this as well. When he calls you...be ready to act because God blesses our obedience. Remain humble and don't seek recognition...God will reward our good deeds in his own time and we all know that His timing is perfect!<br />
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Next week we'll be finishing the book of Esther and I'll be finishing this article..there is still more to come.<br />
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Note: The gorgeous pic above was taken by my sister in law Francine at the beach house we stayed in last weekend.<br />
<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-69167561419255471372014-02-03T16:59:00.000-04:002014-02-03T17:03:50.927-04:00Natural InclinationsHello, Happy New Year and all God's blessings to everyone. I apologize for the long absence...a whole year long! So much has happened in that time, I cannot account for it all right now, but first let me say that I have truly missed blogging and I am still without a computer. This post comes to you courtesy of my little kindle, so I hope you bear with any errors...it is tedious and very much not to the standard I hold myself to.<br />
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I want to thank Velia from my bible study group since it was her interest that prompted me to attempt this after not wanting to try...perfectionist that I am. Under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, I have come to the realization that my pride should not stand in the way of spreading God's love and His Word.<br />
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This post is about just such a tutorial and conviction from the Holy Spirit. Our bible <a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/">study</a><br />
this session is called Intentionally Focused. This is our third week.<br />
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It is leading us to become more intentional and passionate in our walk with God. Simultaneously, I am also doing a <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/chapter-7-marriage-in-the-age-of-media.jpg">book</a> study on Courtney Joseph's book "Women Living Well". I find that the two are complimenting each other very well. Check it out...I am learning so much!<br />
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This morning I prepared to have my quiet time with God and decided that I wanted the biggest cup of coffee I could have so chose a mug my husband had given me a few years ago with a scripture verse and proceeded upstairs. Before starting though I decided to strip my bed and somehow managed to let the tail end of my quilt knock the cup off my bedside table. Coffee everywhere...my cup chipped and my bed and pillow soaked. I was ANGRY...cursed the devil (for who else would want to disrupt my time with God) and decided to beat him at his own game by putting on some worship music while I cleaned the mess.<br />
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As I settled into a worship session with the music my tears fell and I could not understand why...now I know that the Holy Spirit was convicting my heart. I know that I seem to be rambling...I'll get to it...this lot of words is rather painful to type on a kindle let me assure you!<br />
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As I read the scripture for today (Romans 8:1-8), this leapt out<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"Those who live by their natural inclinations can never be pleasing to God." Romans 8:8</b></span><br />
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I had just finished begging God to help me with my weaknesses using those very words! As I read this I reflected on just what are those natural inclinations. Pride, selfishness, envy/greed, self-indulgence, laziness. Oh, the list is never ending! It is most definitely easier to give in to our weak and selfish natures, but scripture tells us that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we CAN control our natural inclinations.<br />
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We can conquer our pride with humility, our selfishness and self-indulgence with a desire to serve and give joyfully of ourselves.Through the Spirit we will hunger and thirst for godly rather than earthly things. God can help us to overcome our weariness with the zeal that the Holy Spirit will put into us. Fear will be replaced with boldness in the Spirit. One thing is clear.<br />
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<b>WE</b> <b>CANNOT</b> <b>CONQUER</b> <b>OUR</b> <b>SINFUL</b> <b>NATURES</b> <b>WITHOUT</b> <b>THE</b> <b>HOLY</b> <b>SPIRIT!</b><br />
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Yet, we foolishly try. I have been very foolish indeed in forgetting that and it is not surprising that I have felt weary and resentful, beleaguered and discontented. I did not have strength because I have failed to go to the one who is the source of my strength. My thoughts went to Philippians 4:13<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> and then to 2 Cor. 12:9</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>"And He said to me 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness..."</b></span><br />
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Yes, Lord, without you I can do nothing!<br />
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I ended my session and went about my chores, but when I picked up my poor coffee mug I saw that it is cracked and unusable, whereas I had thought it only chipped. I couldn't help but reflect that this is the sorry state of our souls too. Ah, but through our beloved Lord, we may be cracked and rendered useless to the things that we filled ourselves with before, but we can now be used in a different and better way. Just like my mug, which will now stay on my prayer altar as a reminder of this valuable lesson.<br />
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The events of this morning were all His doing, even the coffee spill and my cracked mug. How am I so sure? Well, the scripture verse on my mug is none other than 2 Corinthians 12:9. How's that for Holy Spirit power?<br />
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To Him be the glory...FOREVER AND EVER AMEN!!!<br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-69320721811105326752013-02-28T10:53:00.001-04:002013-02-28T10:53:14.214-04:00Life is like the OceanGreetings to all my friends out there! I cannot believe its been over a month since I last wrote anything here. Today is the last day in February and if I didn't write this piece I would have skipped the month entirely.<br />
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So much has happened to keep me busy, so many little trials and triumphs...life is very much like an ocean's surf (I share more on this below) constantly ebbing and flowing, never staying still. I have found myself more and more distant from cyberland...reading... less, writing...none!<br />
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So, let me just give you a quick update...that is if I have any readers left at this point!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">January</span></b><br />
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I began my bible study with the <a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/">Good Morning Girls</a> on the Book of Luke. In this month I also crossed my two-year mark as a blogger. No fanfare... but quiet revelations on my priorities. I began my blog from a transitional place, from a time of great healing and blessings from God. I wanted to share these things, to be a part of communities. I have come to question if I can be an effective blogger. I do LOVE to write...at this point, prioritizing my writing in the face of all else that is going on seems to be an issue for me. I also question my motives...do I write for attention or to glorify God? My small and spontaneous sabbatical is teaching me a lot, as is my bible study. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>February</b></span><br />
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A month that has been full of joy and full of pain. This month we celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary. It was also the first time we have had to remember my mother-in-law's birthday since her death last year. It has also been a time of much trial for us. I cannot begin to tell you how much our faith has been stretched, pulled, tested. In one weekend alone, our refrigerator went down, our water pump began to give trouble and my car's air-conditioning system stopped working. This is just part of all that has been happening...I have started to feel as Job must have felt.<br />
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In this season of Lent, I have vowed to spend more time with the Lord...He alone knows how much I need it! I have been doing partial or whole Holy Hours of Reparation, where I meditate on His passion and offer prayers of reparation and penance. During these quiet times, the Lord has ministered to me and here is something I got recently. This is written in the second person because this is how I received it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Life is like the ocean</b></span>...<i><b>it never stands still. You will never be in one place all the time</b></i>.<span style="font-size: large;"> <b>Sometimes there is calm and peace</b>.</span><br />
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These are the times in your life when you become complacent...everything is going well, so you don't feel that you need God as much. Do you pray as often when you are content? Do you think of sacrificing or offering anything to Him? Do you remember to say thank you during this time? It is easy to lie back and drift in the smooth undulating motion of the waves now.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then there are times when the waves get stormy and toss you about.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jesuspictures-photos.blogspot.com/2009/09/heart-touching-christian-wallpapers.html">Save me Lord!</a></td></tr>
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You cling to your lifesaver, Jesus. You cry out for help, you prostrate yourself begging to be saved. You are willing to fast and do not let a moment pass when a prayer of supplication is not on your lips.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Then there are the tides...at high tide, the waves rush to shore.</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">..</span><b>the beach may become impassable.</b> <b>The surf crashes upon the rocks violently.</b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://jesuspictures-photos.blogspot.com/2009/09/heart-touching-christian-wallpapers.html">The Lord is mightier than the noise of many waters...</a></td></tr>
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It is difficult to hear the voice of the Saviour then, you feel abandoned. You think <i>"Why isn't God hearing my prayer, why is it so hard to feel His presence</i>." It is during these times that you are vulnerable to a crisis of faith, when we listen to the enemy whispering to our souls. It is now that you question God "<i>Why, what have I done to deserve this? How much more can I possibly bear?" </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The low tide comes</span></b>... <b>the tide ebbs and leaves behind debris and treasures from the sea</b>. Ah yes, this is when the crisis of faith passes, you have come through to the other side. You can now walk along the beach and see what this time, this trial has brought to your life. Believe it or not...there ARE treasures there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treasures in the flotsam and jetsam?</td></tr>
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Trials are not meant to break you, but to make you stronger, to shape you and to make you grow in your faith. During these times, you must lean heavily upon God and not give in to the temptation to turn inward. Scripture says: <b><i>Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not upon your own understanding." </i></b> God loves us and knows what is best for us. If we could but trust in Him to see us through, He will make the way <i><b>Proverbs 3:6 "in all your ways submit to him and he will make your path straight."</b></i><br />
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How you react to trials and hardships is what determines the level of your growth. You must keep strong in the faith. Even in the darkness of these trials, there is the brilliant rays of His Divine Mercy and infinite love shining upon you. If you expose yourself to this light, you will blossom and grow as a bud that is slowly opening under the rays of the sun. Be joyful and give thanks and praise, even in the midst of suffering for nothing frustrates the enemy more than praising God!<br />
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<b><i>Psalm 34:1-3 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord, let the afflicted hear and rejoice! Glorify the Lord with me, let us exalt his name together"</i></b><br />
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So dear friends, in the light (or darkness rather) of all these trials I am finding my way slowly but surely and learning new things each day. As we say farewell to February, I hope that you are all well and wish you all God's blessings and, God willing, I will write more in March.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Linking with:</b></span><br />
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-28148007740181546902013-01-24T08:47:00.001-04:002013-01-24T08:51:24.404-04:00Sharing Faith in Marriage<br />
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I'm joining with a group of wonderful ladies in doing this Marriage Challenge over at Courtney's place. I find that one can never stop trying to create new life in marriages...especially when you hit the 23 year mark as we will next month! If you look over at the side bar you will see some other great marriage challenges that you can try. Its a new year...time for us all to try on some new attitudes!<br />
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This article was originally written for the Marriage Monday community on the topic of...<b>Sharing our</b> <b>Faith in Marriage</b>. If you would like to you can click on the link below to visit with the other MM ladies...lots of wisdom in this community!<br />
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When I pondered this, the first thing that came to mind is the many, many people who enter marriage in differing stages of spirituality. If anybody reading this can honestly say that you were on the same page...congratulations to you! You are one of the fortunate ones.<br />
<br />
During our courting days I realised that my husband did not have the same level of spiritual growth that I had, but I wasn't a burning ember myself so his wanting to stand outside of an afternoon Mass with no singing and me enjoying a two hour mass in my own parish didn't really phase me.<br />
<br />
Early in our marriage, my faith blossomed and grew and I became passionate for Jesus Christ, while my husband's remained like an unwatered seed. My zeal was tempered by the needs of my young and growing family and I stopped attending prayer meetings and praise and worship sessions. Some time later, my husband's faith bloomed and he was on fire for the Lord...I was in hibernation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img height="320" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/alphabets/flower/flower_7.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="190" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">www.clipartheaven.com</td></tr>
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I resented that he was able to grow in faith and had the freedom to attend meetings and serve in the Church and be part of a prayer group, when I had given it all up to put the family first. This really hurt our marriage for a while...it didn't help that his zeal blinded him to how much he was NOT giving at home. The children all felt upset that he was not there for them, but giving of himself to perfect strangers and I became all worked up every time I realised that he had an obligation outside of our home. Church became a dirty word in our house. <b>In case you didn't know it, this is a spirit of religion which causes people to be overzealous in their church activities while other aspects of their lives deteriorate</b>.<br />
<br />
One day, after a few years of this, we realised that we were supposed to be in a faith partnership, each one encouraging and helping the other along the road to heaven. I had felt left behind while he had forged ahead and this was not what God wanted at all.<br />
<br />
<b>I believe that each spouse has the responsibility to boost the faith of the other.</b> We may not worship in the same way, or serve in the same way...our spiritual walks are very personal ones, but we need to pray together and for each other.<br />
<br />
<b>We need to be united in the core of our faith in order to pray for our family, for our needs and to break any spiritual strongholds by using spiritual warfare.</b> My husband chooses to serve the Church in a tangible way...I like to be in the background. I'm not comfortable being in the public eye, so though we both may write a piece for our parish newsletter, I wouldn't put my name on mine but he is well-known for his articles.<br />
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<tr><td><img height="172" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/transportation/boats_&_ships/anchor_3.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
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As we all know, there are many ways in which marriage is tested and passed through the fire. It is faith that is the anchor in these times when life's stormy seas toss us about. There have been times when I am the weak one and it is my husband who will be the one to encourage and bolster my sagging faith. At other times, he is the one floundering and it is I who can be the strong one.<br />
<br />
In summary, though we may not walk the path in exactly the same way, by holding hands on our journey, we are stronger... by walking together and allowing God to be the center of our marriage, we have the key to a faith that will see us through. Standing on my own, I'm vulnerable, but with my husband's support I have accountability and stability and when you have the Lord as the Head of your marriage...you have a whole lot more! <b><i>Ecclesiasticus 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
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<tr><td><a href="http://www.godsknot.com/CordOfThreeStrands.aspx"><img alt="Cord of Three Strands" src="http://www.godsknot.com/images/ropes3_small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.godsknot.com/CordOfThreeStrands.aspx"><br /></a></td></tr>
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There are many in spiritually unequal marriages...your spouse either does not share your faith at all, or has so little of it that you despair that he will ever be the spiritual head of your home. <b>If somebody reading this happens to be in this position...do not despair! Keep praying for your spouse.</b> My mother prayed for my father for nearly forty years. His conversion came about shortly before he died of cancer...too late for them to enjoy it together but just in time for him! If you need a little encouragement, please consider visiting Lynn and Dineen over at http://www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com/. They are a wonderful duo of ladies in the same position and full of wisdom and encouragement for you.<br />
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Blessings to everyone until we meet next time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chrysaliscafe.com/2013/01/sharing-our-faith-in-marriage.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2Fchrysalis+%28C+++h+++r+++y+++s+++a+++l+++i+++s%29"><img height="169" src="http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h79/chrysaliscom/MarriageMondayHeader2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-50792993242781009462013-01-24T08:06:00.002-04:002013-01-24T08:06:48.678-04:00Blind Faith, Obedience and Surrender - Lessons from Luke<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello everyone!<br />
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Its been awhile and I meant to have this published last week when I wrote it. Life takes over...you know? I am yet to get back to some kind of order and my online time has been limited to my bible study. The Good Morning Girls have begun our study of the gospel of St Luke, with the theme of "Living Like Jesus".<br />
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So, let me share what I've been learning. What stands out for me in this first chapter are the themes of <b>blind faith, total obedience and surrender to God</b>. This is something I need to keep on growing in...its not easy, is it? This surrendering to God and giving up control...this trusting in Him when life seems to press around you from all sides. Let's take a look at what the first chapter has revealed.<br />
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We see Luke, himself, choosing to believe what was handed down by the true eyewitnesses on events that occurred about 60 years before. He sought after the<b> truth </b>so he could record the<b> truth</b> for others to believe. This, in itself, is a type of blind faith and brings to mind Jesus' words to Thomas in <b>John 20:29 "...blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe".</b><br />
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The most perfect example of this obedience, trust and faith, however, is Our Lady, Mary the mother of Jesus. A young girl who was too humble to believe she could be elevated in any way was addressed by an angel of God. She listened to Gabriel's message and she believed and immediately surrendered herself to God's will, wondering out loud how God would accomplish this in a virgin, but knowing in her heart that <b>"nothing is impossible for God".</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Annunciation by Fra Filippo Lippi c. 1450" height="142" src="http://freechristimages.org/images_BirthOfChrist/The-Annunciation-Fra-Filippo-Lippi.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.freechristimages.org</td></tr>
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What a direct contrast to Zechariah, who was punished with muteness because he disbelieved the same Gabriel when he visited him to tell him that his wife would conceive in her old age. Zechariah not only disbelieved but he laughed! An angel of God appears to a 'priest' and he is incredulous! Poor Zechariah! He did not believe in the promises of God until they came to pass, but Mary did.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Zacharias and the Angel" height="320" src="http://freechristimages.org/images_BirthOfChrist/Vision-of-Zacharias-James-Tissot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="182" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.freechristimages.og</td></tr>
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Mary is the role model of every Catholic woman who holds her up as the perfect example of womanhood. She was the first Christian and set a very high bar for the rest of us. She was wholly obedient to God, loving Him, serving Him, laying her life down for Him. Whatever came into her life, she had no Plan B...Plan A was always "do whatever He tells you". These may have been her words to the servants at the wedding in Cana (John 2:5), but they are also her words to us.<br />
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In my quest to emulate her in perfect obedience to the will of God, I will sometimes be called to my own following in the footsteps of Jesus. Mary suffered alongside her son for our redemption. What courage must any mother possess to see her son suffer brutality, humiliation and death and yet she remained at the foot of His cross. I too may have to suffer, be humiliated or have to put to death the things in my nature that keep me separated from Him and His will.<br />
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<i><b>I pray to humble and gentle like Mary...my wayward tongue often gets the better of me.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>I pray to be able to love the Lord with all my heart and to put Him first above all things...this age we live in has so many things to pull at us and take our focus from Him and I sometimes succumb to these temptations.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>I pray for the grace to surrender completely and to trust in Him...my desire to be in control often makes this difficult.</b></i><br />
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<i><b>I pray that I will be able to accept whatever He has for me, even a Cross...at times I shy away from situations with a fear of the unknown and willfully cling to my own decisions.</b></i><br />
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This is why I wish to emulate Mary, this humble, gentle yet strong and courageous woman who pondered things in her heart and chose to trust and be obedient. May we ponder things in our own hearts, being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.<br />
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What does God want of us? What does He want us to do? What does he want to heal in us? Where in our lives is He asking us to obey or trust in Him? Where is He calling us to have courage and step out in faith?<br />
<b>We can only know these things if we open our hearts in honest and deep communication with God.</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> He speaks...may our ears be attuned to the sound of His voice.</span></b><br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-33132197949993194572013-01-15T16:22:00.000-04:002013-01-15T16:22:52.301-04:00Marriage Monday : Sharing Our Faith In Marriage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Hello Marriage Monday sisters! I wish you all a Happy New Year and all of God's blessings. I am late with this post but that old adage of "better late than never" is still as relevant today as it ever was.<br />
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So, our topic this time around...<b>Sharing our</b> <b>Faith in Marriage</b>.<br />
<br />
When I pondered this, the first thing that came to mind is the many, many people who enter marriage in differing stages of spirituality. If anybody reading this can honestly say that you were on the same page...congratulations to you! You are one of the fortunate ones.<br />
<br />
During our courting days I realised that my husband did not have the same level of spiritual growth that I had, but I wasn't a burning ember myself so his wanting to stand outside of an afternoon Mass with no singing and me enjoying a two hour mass in my own parish didn't really phase me.<br />
<br />
Early in our marriage, my faith blossomed and grew and I became passionate for Jesus Christ, while my husband's remained like an unwatered seed. My zeal was tempered by the needs of my young and growing family and I stopped attending prayer meetings and praise and worship sessions. Some time later, my husband's faith bloomed and he was on fire for the Lord...I was in hibernation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="320" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/alphabets/flower/flower_7.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="190" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">www.clipartheaven.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I resented that he was able to grow in faith and had the freedom to attend meetings and serve in the Church and be part of a prayer group, when I had given it all up to put the family first. This really hurt our marriage for a while...it didn't help that his zeal blinded him to how much he was NOT giving at home. The children all felt upset that he was not there for them, but giving of himself to perfect strangers and I became all worked up every time I realised that he had an obligation outside of our home. Church became a dirty word in our house. <b>In case you didn't know it, this is a spirit of religion which causes people to be overzealous in their church activities while other aspects of their lives deteriorate</b>.<br />
<br />
One day, after a few years of this, we realised that we were supposed to be in a faith partnership, each one encouraging and helping the other along the road to heaven. I had felt left behind while he had forged ahead and this was not what God wanted at all.<br />
<br />
<b>I believe that each spouse has the responsibility to boost the faith of the other.</b> We may not worship in the same way, or serve in the same way...our spiritual walks are very personal ones, but we need to pray together and for each other.<br />
<br />
<b>We need to be united in the core of our faith in order to pray for our family, for our needs and to break any spiritual strongholds by using spiritual warfare.</b> My husband chooses to serve the Church in a tangible way...I like to be in the background. I'm not comfortable being in the public eye, so though we both may write a piece for our parish newsletter, I wouldn't put my name on mine but he is well-known for his articles.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="172" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/transportation/boats_&_ships/anchor_3.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we all know, there are many ways in which marriage is tested and passed through the fire. It is faith that is the anchor in these times when life's stormy seas toss us about. There have been times when I am the weak one and it is my husband who will be the one to encourage and bolster my sagging faith. At other times, he is the one floundering and it is I who can be the strong one. <br />
<br />
In summary, though we may not walk the path in exactly the same way, by holding hands on our journey, we are stronger... by walking together and allowing God to be the center of our marriage, we have the key to a faith that will see us through. Standing on my own, I'm vulnerable, but with my husband's support I have accountability and stability and when you have the Lord as the Head of your marriage...you have a whole lot more! <b><i>Ecclesiasticus 4:12 "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.godsknot.com/CordOfThreeStrands.aspx"><img alt="Cord of Three Strands" src="http://www.godsknot.com/images/ropes3_small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.godsknot.com/CordOfThreeStrands.aspx"><br /></a></td></tr>
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There are many in spiritually unequal marriages...your spouse either does not share your faith at all, or has so little of it that you despair that he will ever be the spiritual head of your home. <b>If somebody reading this happens to be in this position...do not despair! Keep praying for your spouse.</b> My mother prayed for my father for nearly forty years. His conversion came about shortly before he died of cancer...too late for them to enjoy it together but just in time for him! If you need a little encouragement, please consider visiting Lynn and Dineen over at http://www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com/. They are a wonderful duo of ladies in the same position and full of wisdom and encouragement for you.<br />
<br />
Blessings to everyone until we meet next time!Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-91461779368497971642013-01-10T08:19:00.002-04:002013-01-10T08:19:55.560-04:00Happy New Year to All!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello and Happy New Year to all of my friends out here in blogland! I have been on a long break...I know! When last I posted here I believe I mentioned that I would be heading to Florida for my daughter's graduation from university and its been quite a whirlwind few weeks for me...and it isn't going to slow down any time soon!<br />
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Remember, I mentioned doing a Bake Sale with my daughter? Here are some of the cookies we did. I was really proud of my daughter...she did an awesome job of decorating them. They also made some pretty unique Christmas presents which kept us really busy.<br />
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Last Sunday was the the 12th day of Christmas, the Feast of Epiphany, and so our decorations were not taken down until after that...in fact I'm still doing it a piece at a time and our Christmas tree is still up! I'll be rounding up the family on Saturday to take care of this(not my favourite task).<br />
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My children went back to school on Monday and I've been taking this week to get my life/house back in order and try to make some plans for what my goals are for this new year. It is very hard to think when the house seems to be bursting at the seams with noise and bustling. Any order went out the window quite some time ago and, being the somewhat lover of order that I am, I am itching to get back to some level of non-chaos.<br />
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So, let me share a little of what I've been up to since last we met. We flew off to Florida for my daughter's graduation and hoped to get in a little R&R at the same time. My husband was as excited as a little child for this 'vacation'. He and my employed daughter were the financiers of this trip and they wanted it to be the most wonderful experience for all of us.<br />
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Of course, things seldom go according to plan, but despite some hiccups and last minute stuff to do with my graduating daughter (like her shipping which was supposed to be organised weeks before!) we still managed to get in a day at Disney and a day at Universal Studios.<br />
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My daughter's graduation was beautiful...long (800 graduates) and you know I cried! I have been forbidden by the lady herself from putting up pictures under threat of dire punishment (in fact I've been warned about using pics of anyone in this blog except for my youngest and, of course, myself) but I figure if its blurry or faces unseen it doesn't count (crossing my fingers, toes and all that they see it that way too!). Having said that, I share with you a little of our adventures.<br />
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There she is, with her gold Honors stole and her red international one. How could a proud momma not want to share? Seeing that she's practically unrecognizable I hope she'll let this one pass!<br />
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Our days were hectic and fun-filled, exhausting but happy. It was cold! Well, it was for a Caribbean girl like me, but the rest of the family enjoyed it and three of them walked around in shorts and didn't complain once. Me? Well, I had to endure the indignity of wearing a Mickey Mouse sweater because that's all I could get in Disney World. I felt a little vindicated when my daughter caved and bought gloves and scarves the next day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting a piggyback ride (check out those cute ears!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being entertained by the Dr Seuss characters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil& Mom on Merry-go-round</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & Dad take a break!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cciWrhAGXOQ/UO5tMnGksAI/AAAAAAAAAWI/l24webwwUNE/s1600/Britt+Camera+2011+440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cciWrhAGXOQ/UO5tMnGksAI/AAAAAAAAAWI/l24webwwUNE/s320/Britt+Camera+2011+440.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil & her sisters on the Teacup Ride<br />
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The girls had a wonderful time(so did the parents) and my youngest surprised me with her lack of fear on the roller coasters and rides she wanted to go on. She (and the other girls) obviously has the genes of some adventurous ancestor since neither my husband nor I are thrill seekers. You should have seen the size of the roller coaster my girls went on at Universal...the Hulk! Maybe some of you are familiar with it? It looked like a heart attack waiting to happen... to me!<br />
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Lil met the princesses...the highlight of her day. Of course, she had to use the bathroom while we were in a long line waiting and, while Daddy took my place, I had to hop over some cords to get her there ASAP, whereupon I promptly fell trying to cross over one. Don't worry...nothing got bruised or broken...much! If you were in line waiting that day...yep...I was THAT mom! When we left the park that evening, she said "This was the best day of my life!" How happy that made her dad and sister, who paid for this adventure. (and to her momma who suffered a bruised ego...at least it was worth it!)<br />
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Of course, there is so much more that we did, but you have better things to do I'm sure!<br />
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I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and the good Lord blesses you and yours with health, strength and happiness for this new year. I'll be back to regular blogging soon...I have missed this little spot of cyberspace and I'll be coming by to check out your blogs as I catch up with each of you. Until then...be blessed!<br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-41574792791972825612012-11-28T09:08:00.001-04:002012-11-28T09:08:36.738-04:00Jesus is the Light that never goes out!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b>Darkness.</b>..the darkness of sin enveloped the earth when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Yet, even on that dark day, as God expelled them from the Garden of Eden and banished them to a life of blood, sweat and tears, He had a plan for salvation. Later He would make His people a promise...a promise of salvation...He gave them <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope! </b></span><br />
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<b>Darkness</b>...David descended into darkness when he sinned against God, but God's love prevailed. David repented and God also made him a promise...that His covenant with him would remain forever. <b>2 Samuel 7:12-16</b><i><b> "When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house in my name and I will establish his kingdom forever...your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me, your throne will be established forever."</b></i><br />
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<b>Jeremiah 33:15</b><i><b>"In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David's line; he will do what is just and right in the land"</b></i>. Another gift of <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope!</b></span><br />
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<b>Darkness</b>...it descends upon me too...whenever I choose to let my sinful nature prevail, when I feel trapped in the burdensome net of worry and doubt and fear, when I feel myself descending into despair or depression. Does it also descend upon you at times?<br />
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This week we started our beautiful Advent Study, but my heart was descending into that pit of darkness. My youngest daughter has been ill and at home. She is on medication that is adding hyper-activeness to her already active disposition. My heart was desperate for peace and instead I was thrown into a noise-fest. I tried to play my music, but had to turn it off because it was just adding to the noise level and my battered nerves could not endure any more. Closing around me in its death grip was anxiety about an upcoming bake sale my daughter and I are about to do for the first time this weekend(I'm desperately off schedule at this point and close to panic) a car that would not start and worry about our finances, to name a few!<br />
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Oh, but our God is so faithful...He continues to minister and teach lessons even in the darkness we occasionally find ourselves in. This morning I lit my candle....and it went out. This regularly happens to me because I ought to take it down from its stand first so the air does not have a chance to blow the candle out before it gets into its chamber. As I lit it again, the proper way, and hung it back on its stand, my heart filled with tears as I felt the peace invade my soul and the truth that shouted loud and clear:<br />
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<span style="color: yellow;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus is the Light that never goes out!</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">No matter how dark things may seem<span style="font-size: small;"> a<span style="font-size: small;">t times...ther<span style="font-size: small;">e is always<span style="font-size: large;"><b> Hope!<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jesus is that Hope! <span style="font-size: small;">He is that <span style="font-size: small;">Light<span style="font-size: small;">, that beacon, that guides me back to safety, to t<span style="font-size: small;">ru<span style="font-size: small;">th and to j<span style="font-size: small;">oy. It is to Him<span style="font-size: small;"> I must go to be refueled and refreshed. It is to Him <span style="font-size: small;">I must go to be</span> reminded that if I keep my<span style="font-size: small;"> e<span style="font-size: small;">yes on the Light, I will <span style="font-size: small;">see through the darkness that's threatening to blind me<span style="font-size: small;"> a<span style="font-size: small;">nd<span style="font-size: small;"> disable me. I don't <span style="font-size: small;">need to stumble through the darkness, lost and afraid and overwh<span style="font-size: small;">e<span style="font-size: small;">lmed...neither do you!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here is <span style="font-size: small;">a little piece of <span style="font-size: small;">the</span> prayer altar<span style="font-size: small;"> that is in <span style="font-size: small;">my bedroom. </span></span> There is my li<span style="font-size: small;">ttle light, a blessed tea light...small but it burns its w<span style="font-size: small;">ay into my<span style="font-size: small;"> heart. Do you see that rose beneath the candle? There<span style="font-size: small;"> is a little story about that rose. It was blessed about a year and <span style="font-size: small;">half ago<span style="font-size: small;"> on the feast day of <a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-02-11">Our Lady of </a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/calendar/day.cfm?date=2013-02-11">Lourdes</a>. For my non-Catholic friends, <span style="font-size: small;">you can click on the li<span style="font-size: small;">nk to <span style="font-size: small;">learn more if you like. When Father blessed these roses, he told us to <span style="font-size: small;">take<span style="font-size: small;"> them to those who were sick and pray with them. I had three roses, on<span style="font-size: small;">e for my mother and mother in law and one for my family. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last year, my husba<span style="font-size: small;">nd gav<span style="font-size: small;">e me roses for my birthday. Within a few days, their petals <span style="font-size: small;">began to fall and <span style="font-size: small;">soon I was left with only the stalks. This rose, on the <span style="font-size: small;">other hand, remains intact...not one peta<span style="font-size: small;">l has fallen off, <span style="font-size: small;">despite the fact that my air condit<span style="font-size: small;">ion unit blows directly onto this altar. Why hasn't it fallen ap<span style="font-size: small;">art too? I can only b<span style="font-size: small;">elieve that this is another little thing that God does to keep giving me <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope</b></span>. Hope so I can continue to trust in H<span style="font-size: small;">im, so I can continue to have faith in Him.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dear F<span style="font-size: small;">ri<span style="font-size: small;">ends...if <span style="font-size: small;">any of you are stumbling in the darkness<span style="font-size: small;">, do not de<span style="font-size: small;">spair. <span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Jesus is the Light that never go</b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>es ou</b></i></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>t</b></i></span></span> and I want to <span style="font-size: small;">be</span> mesmeri<span style="font-size: small;">z</span>ed by <span style="font-size: small;">Him. I want to be drawn in<span style="font-size: small;">, like a moth to th<span style="font-size: small;">e flame. I want the <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope</b></span> that He gives to me for a better tomorrow to light up my dark little world.<b><span style="font-size: small;"> This I pray for you as well.</span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">God's bl<span style="font-size: small;">essings to you and yours...may His Light <span style="font-size: small;">shine brightly<span style="font-size: small;"> u<span style="font-size: small;">pon the darkness!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></div>
Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-10647999835568778422012-11-23T14:15:00.001-04:002012-11-23T14:15:43.601-04:00Advent starts next week...come take a peek at what I'm doing to prepare.Hello everyone. I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful, blessed Thanksgiving this year. I know you are all now free to focus on Christmas. I can't believe how quickly the year has flown and, almost before we know it Advent is almost upon us! How are you preparing your heart and home for Jesus?<br />
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As I write this, I have a calendar and checklist of things to complete before we travel to Florida next month for my daughter's graduation. What needs cleaning, painting and washing...but that's just preparing my home.<br />
What of my heart?<br />
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Well, I want to share with you a few ways that I am trying to get my heart ready for Jesus too. First of all I am participating in Courtney's (of Women Living Well) Making Our Home a Haven Challenge. Everyday we have to light a candle and pray for peace in our homes. As the weeks go by, Courtney adds on other tasks, such as playing soft music (personally I like to rock the house with praise and worship...it helps me to keep the energy up you know!) <br />
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I am also going to be doing the Advent study with the Good Morning Girls...so much inspiration and encouragement there! As part of our study we have activities to do each week with our families, as well as our personal meditations. I am so excited to begin this! The study starts on Monday and I want to encourage you, if you haven't before, please join in. I promise you will be blessed. Just click on the image to download the e-book. You must subscribe to Good Morning Girls first.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2012/11/our-advent-ebook-has-arrived-free-for-all-subscribers/"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-7220" height="480" src="http://womenlivingwell.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/GMG-Advent-study-2012.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="GMG Advent study 2012" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
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One of the activities we will be doing, in the second week, is to have a Jesus Jar. I totally fell in love with this idea! Thank you to Jen from Good Morning Girls...who I believe is the author of this idea. As most of you know, I am a Catholic and I love Eucharistic Adoration. Each Christmas, the worshippers at the chapel I attend create a bouquet of visits to Jesus as a Christmas present.<br />
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Well, here's another way to give Jesus a present. Inside the Jesus Jar you will place random acts of kindness to others or various methods of charity and each day you and your family pull out one of the pieces of paper and do that act for the day. I am choosing to do this all Advent long...not just for the second week of the study because it is such an inspiring idea! The only thing different that I am doing is that I have two jars! In the second one will be placed all the things my family has given up or done for Jesus. On Christmas Eve, when my family gathers in the living room to pray and read the Christmas Story, we will present Jesus our little bouquet of offerings as a present for His birthday!<br />
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I began a new tradition with my youngest last year, courtesy the inspiration of another fellow blogger. Thank you <a href="http://www.blogger.com/This%20was%20taken%20last%20Christmas...and%20we%27ve%20all%20grown%20since!%20Some%20are%20greyer,%20some%20are%20taller%20and%20some%20are%20wider%20:)">Nicole from Just Like Mary</a>. I wrap Christmas-themed books (I try to keep them mostly about Jesus, but there are a couple more thrown in there) in purple and pink tissue to match the colours of the Advent candles...1st, 2nd and 4th weeks are purple and the 3rd pink. Each night, during Advent my youngest daughter, Lillie, and I will unwrap a book to read. Last year she was so excited by this because, not only does she love to read. just like her mama, but it was like opening a present every night!<br />
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I've never made a <a href="http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=545">Jesse Tree</a> before, but I'd like to see if I could this year. Of course, I may be biting off more than I can chew with all of the other things going on, but the beautiful symbolism of the tree is one that appeals to me quite a lot. Nicole had a lovely idea for hers<a href="http://justlikemary.blogspot.com/2011/11/jesse-tree.html"> last year </a>, one which I think is very doable so I'm going to give it a try, enlisting the help of my third born who does Art.<br />
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Lillie also has to make a creche as a project for school this year. She had this same project last year and I chose to make it very simply so that she could do some of the work herself. I printed out pictures of all the key people and animals in the Nativity scene and she coloured them, then we stuck them in to a shoebox, which represented the cave/stable.<br />
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This year, they want the creche to be all 3-D. This is going to be a bit more challenging. We'll be working on it together this weekend and she is very excited...especially since her creche goes on display next to our Christmas tree.<br />
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Here's our Advent Calendar. You can't see them but the middle scene has little windows which Lillie can't wait to start opening to count down the days to Christmas Eve. That is when we'll unwrap the figurine of Jesus in all our Nativity Scenes and remember what a wonderful night it was over 2000 years ago, when God fulfilled His promise of salvation.<br /><br />
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All of these things help to keep our hearts focused on the true reason for Christmas. I am so proud that my six year old daughter knows that it is not about the presents and the Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Don't get me wrong...she was super excited when we pulled out the decorations and went through each box, pulling out things exclaiming over each one. but I know that her heart is in the right place this Season. It helps that she is going to a school that encourages prayer and singing hymns.<br />
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Tomorrow, we attend her school's Christmas concert and she has been entertaining us for the last couple of weeks with all the carols (and accompanying choreography!) that she's been learning. Its been a joy to watch (except when she starts singing at 6:00am and the rest of the household are still trying to shake the sleep off!) That girl loves to sing!<br />
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I hope that you have been encouraged by reading about our own little preparations. I pray for all of you who read this blog...that God will bless your families and your homes and hearts as you prepare them for the celebration of His coming into the world...our Light and Salvation.<br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-1610386264735319022012-11-16T09:58:00.000-04:002012-11-16T10:45:14.191-04:00 More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Me - The Leibster Award<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Hello, sweet friends!<br />
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I have been nominated by Nicole at <a href="http://ndnman23.blogspot.com/">Seven Flowers</a> for the Leibster Award which is for the smaller blogs, like mine, to help us to grow a bit.<br />
<br />
Here are the rules:<br />
<ul>
<li>Post 11 things about yourself.</li>
<li>Answer the questions posted by the person who nominated you.</li>
<li>Create 11 questions you want your nominees to answer.</li>
<li>Pass this award to a maximum of 11 blogs.</li>
<li>Let them know that you've given them the award.</li>
</ul>
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So, here we go...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>11 Things About Me</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
1. I have always loved books and have fond memories of working as a Library Rep in my school and later in the library at my children's school. I love the smell of a new book and old leather covers (okay I'm weird, but if you're a book lover yourself you know what I mean!)<br />
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2. I wrote stories and poetry from my childhood and throughout my teens. I also wrote sappy poems to my hubby in our early marriage. I guess blogging is now my creative outlet.<br />
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3. As you will see by #1, my favourite thing to do is curl up with a good book...watching movies with my family is a close second. Well, snuggling with hubby supercedes them both ;)<br />
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4. I was a tomboy growing up and climbed trees, scaled walls and tried to keep up with my boy cousins every vacation we spent at my grandmother's. ( I refused to slingshot lizards though...a girl has to make a stand sometimes!)<br />
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5. As #3 might imply...I have never been a fashion plate. I prefer to wear what I feel comfortable in. That is not to say I don't like dressing up, but I'm drawn to classic style and not what's in. (I was probably labeled odd as a teenager by people who weren't my friends...who were odd too!) Jeans and a top is my uniform of choice.<br />
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6. When I was young I loved animals (more than I do now) and dreamed of living on a farm in some place like the English countryside or Scotland or Ireland. (Those books I read left a great impression on me!)<br />
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7. I always wanted to be a SAHM (I believe a psychologist may say this was because my own mother worked)...this desire was made absolute after I watched the movie "Baby Boom" with Diane Keaton in my late teens...does anyone else remember this one? I embraced the idea of making my own fresh foods, preserves and jams from my own garden and baking up a storm in the kitchen. Well...the reality is not what I thought it would be...but I did get my wish come true!<br />
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8. I really DO love cooking and baking up a storm in the kitchen.<br />
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9. I am a serious recipe hoarder.<br />
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10. I love the simple things in life...I'm a country girl at heart.<br />
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11. The thing I'm looking forward to the most right now is going to Florida to see my eldest graduate from college. Woo Hoo!! I'm so proud...can you tell?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Questions asked by Nicole:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">1. If you could have 3 "Do Over's " in life, what would you do over and why?</span></b><br />
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Firstly, this is a hard question. I've made a conscious decision not to look back at my mistakes of the past because I would find myself grieving at the outcome. However, my first do-over would be to put God first in all things. I think that would have made a huge difference in many of my choices early on. Next would be a different approach to my marriage. I honestly wish I'd had the benefit of the wisdom of older women, other Christian women. I had a lot to learn and I learned it the hard way. Now, I am dedicated to being a Titus 2 woman to my own girls and to whomever God leads me. The next thing I'd do differently would be to purge myself of all the negative childhood influences that shaped me and affected my own motherhood and other relationships.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">2. If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?</span></b><br />
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I would wish for the ability to really be who God calls me to be...to get past, once and for all, all the little insecurities and fears that hold me in bondage. I would wish for the resources to be a blessing to others more than I am right now. I would wish for my girls to have a clear vision of what God wants for them as they are all at crossroads in their lives where career choices are to be made. (all except the 6 year old that is) for her I would wish that she could just enjoy her childhood with innocence and purity...so easily robbed in this world today.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">3. What is the first thing you would do if elected President of the USA?</span></b><br />
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Oooh...that's a toughie! Especially since I am not an American national and not particularly knowledgeable of American politics. I will say though, as a Christian, I would do whatever was necessary to bring people's hearts back to God and make an intentional effort to bring the nation back to its founding principles, where laws were built upon God's laws and the motto "In God we trust" was actually lived out.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">4. If you had an all expenses paid vacation, where would you go?</span></b><br />
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Hmmm....I'm a Caribbean girl and so I would love to see some of the temperate seasons. I would love to experience a part of winter, (not so sure I could take the cold for long) just so I can actually see and play in the snow....though I love the look of fall. I know that doesn't really answer the question and I have to say that nothing beats the idyllic ambience of a beach in the early morning or late afternoon and I can get that close to home ;-)</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">5. What was your first babysitting experience like?</span></b><br />
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When I was growing up babysitting wasn't very prevalent where I live...it still isn't actually. Folks around here mostly ask grandparents or aunts and uncles to babysit. I guess I'd have to say when I took my husband's two year old nephew along with us for the ride as we did some shopping for our wedding one Saturday. I remember holding his sleeping body and being at once thrilled and nervous.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">6. Did you have your wedding all planned out as a young girl?</span></b><br />
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Actually, I didn't. I didn't start fantasizing about marriage until my late teens and even then I didn't really think about what I wanted...except that I wanted roses for my bouquet and my favourite colour blue.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">7. How old were you when you went on your first date?</span></b><br />
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Pretty old by modern standards...17 when I went to the movies with my friend and her older brother (that romance was nipped in the bud by my father) and 18 when I went on my first official date.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">8. Any siblings? Are they local? Do you get along?</span></b><br />
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I have two sisters and we live about 12 miles from each other. It pains me to say that sibling rivalry can continue on into your 40's :)</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">9. Do you get along with your Mom, your MIL?</span></b><br />
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My MIL passed away earlier this year. We took a few years to come to an understanding of each other...my husband's upbringing and mine were so different. We did become close later on and she came to support me even more than she did her son, my own husband (that one could get me in trouble!) My mother and I do not share the kind of relationship that I have with my daughters, but we don't bicker and fight either.</div>
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">10. Do you get along with your Father, your FIL?</span></b><br />
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My father passed away thirteen years ago. We had a rocky relationship and it is one of my regrets that I didn't do more to overcome his reserve but as the saying goes 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree'. My FIL is very quiet and doesn't talk very much....after 22 years of marriage I still don't know alot about him, except what my MIL has shared.<br />
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<b><span style="color: yellow;">11. How old were you when you first born again? Who led you to Christ?</span></b><br />
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Well, I'm a cradle Catholic so God was always a part of my life. I came to a deeper relationship with Jesus, though, when I was anointed in the Spirit after I did a Life in the Spirit seminar when I was 25. I will always be grateful to my sister, who encouraged me to do this with her. I guess that is the moment I was 'born again' into a life in the spirit.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My Questions to the Nominees:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
1. Why do you blog?<br />
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2. What do you think is the best thing about blogging?<br />
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3. What are you most passionate about?<br />
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4. Do you have any dreams you would still like to pursue?<br />
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5. What is your favourite childhood memory?<br />
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6. What did you want to be when you grew up?<br />
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7. What do you do when you need to re-energize?<br />
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8. What is your absolute favourite thing to do?<br />
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9. Do you have any pet peeves?<br />
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10. Were there Titus 2 women in your life to inspire and guide you?<br />
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11. What do you consider to be necessary to you for a happy life?</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The blogs that I have chosen to nominate are:</b></span></div>
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Keri @ http://www.growinginhisglory.com<br />
Laura @ http://www.wedoersoftheword.blogspot.com<br />
Jean @ http://www.healthyspirituality.org<br />
Marissa @ http://www.forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com<br />
Kelly @ http://www.imperfecthomemaking.com<br />
Beth @ http://www.footprintsinthemudblog.blogspot.com<br />
Nicole @ http://www.justlikemary.blogspot.com<br />
Joy @ http://www.adventurousbeginnings.blogspot.com<br />
April @ http://www.countrymomto4.blogspot.com<br />
Donna @ http://www.simplethingssweetlife.blogspot.com<br />
Beth @ http://www.messymarriage.com<br />
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I wish all you ladies prosperity in growing your blogs...I am always blessed when I visit you. A great big thanks to Nicole for nominating me!<br />
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God bless you all and your families!</div>
Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-55949223618433790862012-11-15T08:59:00.000-04:002012-11-15T12:19:58.009-04:00What If You Truly Believed?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I met an old friend in the supermarket
recently. I had not seen her in ages, though we were very close at one time. In
the course of the conversation she said to me “You know I’m Anglican.” I
actually had not known that. I had seen her at Mass a couple of times with her
son and his family. During our friendship, which began when we worked together,
we had never discussed religion, faith yes, but
not religion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She continued “I have a question for you. Do
you think it’s wrong for me to receive Communion?” I was blown away by this question and
struggled to answer. I know that our faith is particularly strict with regard
to the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ. A person receiving Him must
have been baptized and instructed in the Catholic faith and received the rite
of First Holy Communion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is my friend…I want to encourage her, not
beat her on the head with all the rules and regulations. I did not know how to answer. She then said “I truly
believe that I am receiving the Body of Christ.” My heart soared upon hearing
this. Is this not what the faith really is? I wonder how many Catholics truly
believe this. Though she followed up with the statement that she felt no need
to convert to the Catholic faith, I gave her the name of a priest to talk to and
prayed that she would be open to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This made me contemplate more deeply the
question I had been turning over in my mind for a long time. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do we Catholics really believe in the
real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Several years ago, I had a conversation with a
close family member in which she stated that she would not receive the Blood of
Jesus because of the number of mouths that touch the chalice and the inevitable
saliva which may find its way in it. I responded that if she truly believed
that she was receiving the Blood of Jesus, which is meant to heal and sanctify,
how could it do her any harm. Catholics...do you
really believe that Jesus is present in the Holy Eucharist? Do you believe that
He is present in the tabernacle?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If
you truly believed, would you:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dress better?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be more attentive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Be more reverent and respectful?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember as a child hearing the story of a
non-Catholic woman who declared that if she could truly believe that Jesus was
present at a Catholic mass, she would walk on her knees to receive Him. That has always impressed me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I truly regret that the Church has no longer
considers it mandatory to receive Jesus on our knees and on our tongues. I
feel there is so much irreverence in how people receive Holy Communion. It hurts
me to see so many saunter away after receiving Our Lord, staring all around and
chewing irreverently. How must Our Lord be offended!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recently I have noticed some converts from the
Hindu and Muslim faith. They are easily recognizable. They remove their shoes
upon entering the church and I am reminded of Moses on Mount Horeb. <b><i>Exodus 3:5 “Come no nearer. Remove your sandals from your
feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.</i></b>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">They also bow several times and kneel to
receive Jesus, regardless of the stares they receive from others. It makes me
think, would I have the courage to place my love and worship of God before the
opinion of others? I do admire their faith, courage and zeal. To them the
Church is a holy place and they are before God, therefore they pay Him homage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Would
that all people would so give to God his due!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What makes a Catholic Church, to a Catholic, more
than just another building? It is the
belief that there, in the tabernacle, resides Our Saviour. It is why we make
the Sign of the Cross outside of our churches, why we genuflect upon entering
and leaving. It is why we kneel at once upon entering our pews. We are
acknowledging and worshipping the presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have, many times before, stated my absolute
belief in the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. I have received
both emotional and physical healing just by being in His Presence in the
Blessed Sacrament Chapel. When I receive His Body and Blood I believe that it
heals, sanctifies and nourishes me with the graces which I need to grow
spiritually. This is the basis of the
Catholic faith…it is what defines us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/blessed-sacrament.html"><img src="http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/images/Monstrance3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ourcatholicprayers.com/blessed-sacrament.html">Monstrance used to house the Eucharist for adoration</a></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
we really believe?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can you imagine sitting under a tree at the
feet of Our Saviour, pouring out your broken heart and receiving His embrace
and consolation? Can you picture yourself walking with Him in a garden, conversing with
Him, receiving the benefit of His wisdom and counsel. Do you see yourself,
kneeling in worship before Him at the foot of His Throne? What about sitting
under His Cross, where He pours out His Life for you, crying tears of bitter
remorse in reparation for the offenses by which He is so wounded? When I visit the Blessed Sacrament, I close
my eyes and I am in any of these places because I sit or kneel in His real
presence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is said, that each person who visits Our Lord
receives His Kiss. He stays in the tabernacle longing for us to visit, longing
to pour out upon us His Love and Graces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If you are a Catholic…do not delay. Such riches
await those who would spend time with Him. Remember His words to the disciples
in the garden in <b><i>Mark 14:37 “…could you not watch for one hour?”</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My question for you…Catholics and non-Catholics…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What
if you truly beli</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">eved?</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face', serif; font-size: 19px; line-height: 21px;">Linking today with: </span><br />
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-36817300093096503982012-11-08T16:53:00.002-04:002012-11-08T17:02:11.700-04:00Count Your Blessings..really count them!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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Though we do not celebrate Thanksgiving in my country, I will certainly be celebrating it with my American friends in my heart. After all, who could deny the opportunity to give thanks to our Creator, our Saviour, our Paraclete?<br />
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Thanksgiving is something that is so essential to maintain joy in our hearts. If we look around us there is always something to be grateful to God for. </div>
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Today I want to share with you the awesome ways in which God has shown His love and faithfulness to me and my family...so that you can believe how awesome His love is..for YOU and for YOUR FAMILY as well!</div>
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I also want to stress our belief in the words of scripture: Luke 6:39 <b><i>"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" </i></b> NIV </div>
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To put it rather bluntly, money has been very tight in my household. We have been plagued with many things to drain our finances in the last few months. Last month alone, we had car trouble and illness in the family. We are also trying to save money for our trip to Florida in December for my daughter' s graduation. So far, everything we managed to save was drained. Depressing? Yes, but God has been faithful and we continued to get a few little orders for cupcakes and cakes so, even if we weren't saving, we were also not using as much credit.</div>
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Last Sunday, I sat in church and listened to a member of my husband's prayer group asking for support for a fund-raising concert they were holding at the church that evening. Burning a hole in my purse was the cost of one ticket...$100 we had managed to save from some cookies we'd sold the previous week. I felt strongly in my heart that I needed to purchase a ticket and give support to the worthy cause of assisting those in our community who are in desperate need. I listened to this lady say "Brothers and sisters we never know when we may be in a similar situation" and my heart grew full. <b>"But for the grace of God go I!"</b></div>
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I whipped out my $100 bill and gave it to my husband to go and buy a ticket. He came back with this envelope in his hand and a strange look on his face. The envelope contained $200 that a prayer group in another part of the country had donated to him for giving a talk on their behalf.<b> Oh glory be to God!</b> He went back and bought another ticket. <b> I was blown away that in the very instant that I decided to give up my $100, we got back $200!</b></div>
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<b>On to another story:</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_378176538"><img height="158" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/kids_stuff/toys/car_1.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">www.clipartheaven.com</a></td></tr>
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Previously, on the Friday, my car had been stuttering as if it would shut down. My husband had been out of the country and I anxiously made the two trips into town to collect my children, coaxing it along in the traffic. On Monday my husband followed me to the mechanic's house and we left the car there for him to check on it. When he called to say that it was ready, I asked him how much I owed him and his reply was...nothing! Oh Praise God!!! I'd been juggling around the budget, trying to figure out how to pay for the repairs and he didn't charge me for his time, even though he had gone through the car and found a hose that had become detached and checked for an oil leak too! </div>
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<b>Cost to fix my car : 0$</b></div>
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The following day, I was sitting in the car outside my daughter's school, waiting to pick her up. I had just counted out $50 in cash which was to be my next fill up at the gas station. I was reading my bible study and someone knocked on the glass. There was this lady selling some chocolates, 4 for $10. She looked as if she didn't expect me to buy any...she must have been rejected a lot. My heart was moved to pity...she had resorted to walking the streets to try to make some money. I took $10 from my purse and bought some chocolates. "Okay, Lord," I thought, "maybe I can get by with $40 next top up."</div>
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<b>Then came the next incident:</b></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_378176524"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/health_&_medical/cartoons/dentist_&_patient_4.gif" width="255" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">www.clipartheaven.com</a></td></tr>
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A filling had fallen out in my youngest daughter's mouth and it was developing an abscess. It is a pretty deep hole and I knew that it would cost between $400 and $500, plus the cost of an antibiotic. Once again, I was juggling my budget to figure out where I could pull this money out from. </div>
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So off I went to the dentist...my daughter was pretty well-behaved and I was thanking God for that! I handed my insurance form to the doctor and jokingly mentioned that they probably wouldn't let me claim for this again, since this was the second or third time she'd filled this tooth. She laughed and told me to meet her outside. Her assistant came to the window and said, "No charge for today." My jaw dropped "What? No, she has to charge me for at least the material... its so expensive" I protested (Or was that my pride speaking?) </div>
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The doctor herself came at that point and said "No, its okay. She behaved so well today...no charge" </div>
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<b> The cost to fix my daughter's tooth... $0</b></div>
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<b>The moral of these stories..</b>.</div>
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Sweet sisters...and brothers... do not be afraid to share even in your dire circumstances. Share generously of your time or your talent. Give what little you can afford from your meagre funds. God blesses each gift given with a generous and loving heart.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_378176534"><img height="320" src="http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/holidays/thanksgiving/history_of_thanksgiving.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.clipartheaven.com/">www.clipartheaven.com</a></td></tr>
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I hope my little stories encourage you and illustrate how great God's love is for us. As you celebrate Thanksgiving, may you celebrate it in your heart and find the means to give to the less fortunate. What better way to give thanks than to be His feet, His hands, His heart...right here in a world that needs Him so much. </div>
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If you are looking for a wonderful way to count your blessings,. check out this beautiful Thanksgiving Tree over at <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/11/a-christian-family-thanksgiving-activity-the-thanks-giving-tree-free-printable/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+HolyExperience+(Holy+Experience)">A Holy Experience.</a></div>
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Blessings to all of you!</div>
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-44691500324654248232012-10-17T08:17:00.002-04:002012-10-17T08:17:28.393-04:00All or Nothing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;">Good
Morning Jesus…I know I ought to worship You because morning has broken. I hear
the birds singing…</span><i style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;">they</i><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;"> are praising
You. But I cannot stop, you see…I have to get the family out the door on time
and then I have to wash the dishes, make the beds and put on a load of laundry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Just
a few more minutes, ok Jesus? I know you’re there, but I know you’ll
understand. After all, I want to go to Church this morning. I don’t have time
to give you right now…you’ll just have to wait until I get there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy";">The stupid
neighbours who blocked me in… the stupid driver in front who wouldn’t go beyond
20 mph this morning! Now, I’m late and I won’t have time to reflect before Mass
starts and I won’t get the seat I want. Grumble, grumble…. I’m on my knees, yet I
cannot focus on You. Sorry, Lord…please take away my distractions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“Lord I am not
worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and I shall
be healed”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy";">Not worthy…not
worthy! Is my heart a fit place for You
Lord? Even when I ask you to come and make it so? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy";">Am I
giving you my all…my everything? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
have gone to Church, I have said prayers, I have received the Eucharistic Lord…yet
what of my heart? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://womenshealth.gov/heart-health-stroke/heart-disease-stroke-prevention/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://womenshealth.gov/heart-health-stroke/images/heart-in-hands.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">“These
people honour me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. They worship
me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” Matt 15”8-9</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">For
me, this is the main focus of my study of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St
Paul</st1:place></st1:city>’s letter to the Colossians this week. Colossians 2:16-21 is all about St Paul’s
warning to the people about losing their focus on Jesus and concentrating on
the externals…the feast days and the legalities of the law on appropriate food
and rituals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">The
Jewish Law had many rules and regulations, which were all so burdensome and did
not encourage the people to render their hearts, but to perform some outward
action that supposedly demonstrated their devotion to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">St Paul</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> is very clear in
stressing that no external action must be superior to the glorifying of God
with the heart!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">I
am reminded of how Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees and warned people not to act
as they do. See Matthew Chapter 23. </span><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;">Further on in this chapter in vs 27, Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are like whitewashed tombs, beautiful on the outside, but inside full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
you remember the story of the rich, young man in Mark Chapter 10? When he asked Jesus
what he could do to enter the kingdom of heaven, he couldn’t do the one thing
Jesus asked him to do...to give up everything and follow Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">This
young man obeyed all the commandments, in his own words “from my earliest days”,
yet he would be denied heaven because he would not give his everything...his heart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">What
does this mean to me? Well, look back at the beginning of my post. If I am going through the motions, routines
and, yes, even going to church, if I am obeying every commandment but my heart
is lukewarm…then I am only honouring God with my lips. I am no better than the
Pharisees whom Jesus chastised. I </span><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;">am
no better than the rich young man… it’s a bit scary to think that heaven could
be denied me!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Heavy'; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus wants my all...with Him its all or nothing. Lukewarm doesn't cut it! Halfway is midway to nowhere! In her diary, <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=510">St Faustina</a> writes that Jesus cannot bear a lukewarm heart. It offends Him even more than a cold one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><b>Well…today
is a beautiful new day! </b>A new chance to begin again, to try harder, to lean
heavily into His grace. If you find yourself, like me, struggling to keep the
fire burning in your heart for Him…do not despair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> Let us take St Paul’s advice in <i>Colossians 2:6-7 “So then, just as you
received Christ as the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and
built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing
with thankfulness” and in Colossians 3:2</i>
“Let your thoughts be on things above, not on the things that are on the earth.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Heavy"; font-size: 14.0pt;">May
Jesus fire us up with love for Him so that our hearts may never be lukewarm,
but always on fire, a blaze that never goes out.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-44872348343012796492012-10-10T16:28:00.001-04:002012-10-10T16:28:37.165-04:00The Spider and the Fly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is always interesting to read the different biblical translations. The wording evokes different degrees of meaning for me. For instance, while studying Colossians 2:8, I came upon these:<br />
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<b>Jerusalem Bible</b> : "Make sure that no one captivates you with the empty <i><b>lure</b></i> of a <i><b>"philosophy"</b></i> of the kind that human beings hand on, based on the principles of this world on not on Christ." <i>Here philosophy is in inverted commas to show that St Paul mocks this kind of thinking.</i></div>
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<b>English Standard Version</b>: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty <i><b>deceit</b></i>, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world,and not according to Christ."</div>
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<b>King James Version</b>: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and <i><b>vain</b></i> deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."</div>
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<b>New International Version</b>: "See to it that no one takes you captive by <b><i>hollow</i></b> and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world, rather than on Christ."</div>
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The words that I have highlighted give me a different clue as to what St Paul means here. This one little verse gave me so much to contemplate and I thought I'd share it with you here.</div>
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<b>"Will you walk into my parlour?", said the spider to the fly</b></div>
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<b>Tis the prettiest little parlour that you ever did spy...</b></div>
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Does anyone remember this poem from school days? The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt. If you've never heard of it, check it out<a href="http://poemsandprose.blog.co.uk/2008/06/25/will-you-walk-into-my-parlour-4360565/"> here</a>. This poem is, for me, a graphic illustration of what St Paul is talking about.</div>
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The spider starts working to break the fly down. He does the typical bait and trap manoeuvre. He promises all kinds of wonderful things and appeals to the vanity of the little fly with deceitful flattery. He confidently spins his web and waits for her to succumb...which she does.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>First of all, let us agree that subtlety is the devil's tool of choice</b>.</span> </div>
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He works just like the spider. He sets a seed and waits for it to grow. Many a Christian is lured away gradually, it is seldom a sudden thing. An infiltration of thought, suggestion and the breaking down begins.</div>
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<b>Seduced is a very good word to use here.</b> We are seduced by so many things. We get caught in the trap of popular thinking. Well...popular doesn't mean right. Check out these common sayings meant to justify our actions:</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If it feels good/right, then do it</span></b></div>
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Something doesn't have to feel wrong for it to be so. Our own walk with the Lord and the depth of our communion with Him is usually a good barometer to measure this by...but, even so <b>feelings are deceptive! </b>The surest way to know right from wrong is to look at the Word.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>You deserve to be happy</b></span></div>
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At what cost and could we ever truly be deserving of God's great love? How do we pursue happiness, what does it look like in the world? Scripture tells us in<i> <b>Mark 8:36 "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" </b></i><b> </b>God didn't promise us happiness on this earth, but an eternity of joy with Him in Heaven. Doing His will is the only thing that will bring lasting and true happiness. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Everyone else is doing it</span></b></div>
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Sometimes we can feel that we're the cheese that stands alone.Its hard to stand up for our values when we are one out of many. This is especially hard on young people. My own children have questioned whether we are the ones who are wrong...after all how could so many other people be wrong and just us be right. Sadly, this is more the norm than ever in today's world. <b>More often than not we are alone...so was Christ. We have to seek our strength in Him.</b></div>
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These are just some of the ways we can begin to dilute our faith and be broken down. This is what St Paul is warning us about in such strong language. <b>Beware, see to it, make sure...</b> we have to guard against this gradual breaking down. How? Like this...</div>
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<i><b>Colossians 2:6-7 "So then, as you received Christ as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."</b></i></div>
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<b>We have to remain in Christ, when we are grounded in Him He is our foundation.</b></div>
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The world cannot easily shake us and break us down. When we are so deep into His Word and have an abiding relationship with Him, He builds us up, not the world.</div>
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<b>He builds us up. </b></div>
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When He builds us up...we allow Him to transform us, to guide us and teach us with His Wisdom. We are less susceptible to the winds of life and do not seek the love and approval of the world...those "elemental spirits of the world" that St Paul speaks of. </div>
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<b>We are strengthened by Him</b></div>
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He is the source of all strength. We could never do this tug of war with the world without Him. He gives us the advantage. Isn't that a wonderful thought? An all-powerful God has got our back in battle!</div>
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Last, but my no means least... </div>
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We must never cease to be thankful for all that He has done and continues to do for us. Gratitude has a way of keeping us humble and focused on what is important. As you leave me today, I want to give you this thought:</div>
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<b><i>There is no room in a grateful heart for discontent. Let us always be grateful to God and perfectly satisfied because His Grace and Love are sufficient.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: yellow;">Blessings to you and your families. May God protect, guide and provide for you as you continue to do this tug of war in His service.</span></i></b></div>
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-85115958486383333492012-09-30T05:25:00.002-04:002012-09-30T05:42:34.542-04:00Feast of the Archangels and a Testimony!Today, 29th September, the Catholic Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels, St Michael, St Gabriel and St Raphael.<br />
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For my non-Catholic friends, you may remember that Archangel Gabriel was sent to the young virgin Mary to announce her being chosen as the mother of the Messiah. You will also find St Raphael in the Book of Tobit, as the angel who accompanied young Tobias on his journey. St Michael, of course, is the angel who rallied the angelic troops to defeat Satan and throw him and his minions from Heaven and who, in the Book of Revelation, is the one who will lead the angelic forces once again as Christ comes to claim His Bride on Judgement Day.<br />
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Click on the pictures for more detailed information on these Archangels from the catholic culture website.<br />
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Each one of these archangels has its own beloved place in our hearts but St Michael has always been a favourite in our household. My youngest has had a devotion to him from a young toddler and would make me play a youtube video of the St Michael prayer daily before I took he to pre-school. I wrote about this last year in <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2011/04/do-you-believe-in-angels.html">this post</a> giving a testimony of how I had personally felt the protection of an angel or angels in my life.<br />
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Today, I have a more recent testimony and a very timely one which I want to share with you. If you could ever be in doubt about the protective services of our guardian angels, I hope you will change your mind after your read this.<br />
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A few years ago, during a painful trial in my life, I was turning to God more and more, absorbing myself in His Word, the Eucharist and daily, lengthy visits to the Blessed Sacrament. It was in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel that I felt that I was being instructed to place myself and my family under the protection of St Michael and the Blessed Mother. I purchased St Michael and Miraculous medals and gave to each member of my family. <br />
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Last week my husband was away on a business trip. I had to drop everyone to work and school and to pick them up in the afternoon as well. This meant three trips into town with our 'vintage' car. By Wednesday afternoon, when I had parked the car after my second trip to pick up my youngest from school, I heard a bubbling in the radiator. When the car had cooled down, I checked it and realized that my radiator was empty! With some alarm, I topped it up with water and some little voice prompted me to check all of my car's fluids. I discovered that my power steering fluid was also empty! I topped that up too and headed out for my third trip, which was rather lengthy since I had two stops and had to wait half an hour both times for my girls to come out.<br />
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The following morning, I should have checked the car, but in my haste to leave on time, I didn't. When I returned home, I decided to leave the car out of the garage and check the floor to see what had leaked out of it. There, all over the garage floor was coolant. I waited for the car to cool down and sure enough, the radiator was empty again!<br />
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I called my mechanic and explained the situation. He he told me that something was definitely wrong, I was losing water too fast and to top it up and bring it over to him, which I did. (He lives a short distance from my own home.) After checking, he told me that a water jacket had burst . In reply to my asking if this meant I shouldn't drive the car, he said "You CANT drive this car" and instructed me to take everything I needed out of it and he would drive me home. He also told me that my power steering pump was leaking badly.<br />
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I arrived back home in a daze, mentally calculating what this would cost me and how much of a setback it would be to my finances this month. I absentmindedly began scrubbing the gunk off the floor and spotted a shiny object where the car had been parked.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There on the floor, where it had no right to be, was a St Michael Medal</span></b>.<br />
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Suddenly, like a ton of bricks it hit me! <b> </b>It all fell into place for me at that moment. I had driven my car into town, a distance of 10 miles from my home, in awful traffic conditions at least three times and had waited over half an hour twice...<b>WITH A BURST WATER JACKET</b>. (I don't even KNOW what that is!) Those words "You CANT drive this car." echoed in my brain. I'm no mechanic and I didn't do Physics, but my common sense tells me that my car could and probably should have shut down anywhere during that time and I would have had to have a tow truck take me to the mechanic. Another thing...why in the world would I decide to check the Power Steering fluid? I have learned to check my water and oil after some mishaps but not that!<br />
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I only have one answer friends. Finding that medal (which by the way is not one that my children use so it cannot be easily explained how it would get underneath my car) is a reminder to me that God has his special angels protecting me and that, in my turning to St Michael's protection in those prior years, I am still the grateful recipient of his vigilant guardianship.<br />
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<b>Praise God and thank you St Michael!</b><br />
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If you would like to read testimonies of how angels are daily protecting and guiding God's faithful you can subscribe to the weekly newsletter by Joan Wester Anderson <a href="http://www.joanwanderson.com/">here</a> and you can also read her wonderful compilations by ordering them <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=joan+wester+anderson&x=0&y=0">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Hope you enjoyed reading and may the angels walk with you!</b><br />
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Footnote: I DO NOT receive any commissions for recommending these books. I just happen to be a fan and wanted to share my love of them with you.Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-2273574352803999042012-09-26T10:02:00.001-04:002012-09-26T10:02:20.331-04:00The Kingship of Jesus<br />
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The Kingship of Jesus is stressed in many places throughout the New Testament. In this second week of our study in Colossians I found myself pulled towards these truths:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Jesus is King of All Creation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Colossians 1:16 tells us that" in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><br />
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Colossians 1:18 says :<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is a King? What is a Kingdom?</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dictionary Definitions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">King - Male sovereign or monarch, chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, country or tribe, usually be hereditary succession.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kingdom - A country or state headed by a king and/or queen, a monarch with a king or queen as head of state.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Let's take a look at some ancient history:</b></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kings (and queens) have always been treated with a certain amount of respect.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A king's subjects paid taxes towards his upkeep.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His decrees/edicts were absolute and carried out under punishment of death.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">His subjects served Him, were loyal to him and defended him to the death.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wore outward signs of their allegiance, especially in times of battle.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />Now, though the general respect for modern day royalty is not what it used to be, their sovereignty also not what it used to be...let's take a look at how most people respond to a visit from members of the British royal family:</span><br />
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<li>They line the streets for hours, waving flags, tossing flowers and other tributes of their affection.</li>
<li>No expense is spared to host members of royalty.</li>
<li>Heavy security is called out.</li>
<li>Though there are some who despise anything to do with the monarchy, the majority consider themselves lucky and blessed to have been able to get close enough to see them.</li>
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<span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, let us consider this question:</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do we treat Jesus as a King?</span></div>
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do we consider His laws and commandments as absolute, under punishment of death? Or do we find ways to water them down and make them fit into the lifestyles which we choose and the choices we make?</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this is true of many people. They make excuses for not doing things their faith tells them they should do or for doing the wrong things by saying "God understands.", or "I cannot believe that a God who loves me would ask me to xxx". We often justify our actions based on the fact that 'it feels right'. Many are saying that the Church needs to modernize. What would Jesus say if He walked the earth now, in modern times? God doesn't change...His laws do not change...right and wrong do not change. This could mean not sticking them could mean our death...an eternal death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Are we loyal to Him, would we defend Him/our faith to the death, if necessary?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">How many of us stand up for God when others are blaspheming against Him in our presence? Would you? Would you be afraid of alienating others or, worse, victimization? Would you continue to go to Church, worship or hold bible studies in public if it were dangerous to you? I think of those who are being persecuted for their faith, right now in these modern times. If you thought this is ancient history, read <a href="http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/290498/global-persecution-christians-conrad-black#">this article</a>...watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXjlkaM-ikY"><span id="goog_1092429853"></span>this video<span id="goog_1092429854"></span></a>. Praise God that most of us still have the freedom to worship our God, but a frightening trend is beginning to take hold of our world. In the name of 'political correctness' or 'freedom of rights' and many other names, the supremacy of God, the absolute infallibility of His laws is being undermined and threatened. Where are we going to stand if the time comes to make a stand?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Are we willing to wear our faith as outer garments?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Do people look at us and see that we are Christians? Are we bold enough to proclaim it? I have often seen those bumper stickers on cars saying things like 'Prayer is the answer.', 'Choose Jesus!' or 'Jesus is my co-pilot'. Sometimes the people driving were less than considerate users of the road and I have thought to myself "This is why I will never put one of those on my car". Hmm...am I making excuses for myself...afraid to be advertise my faith? Perhaps an outward sign such as this would encourage me to drive courteously on the roads.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">What of t-shirts that have signs or slogans that may not be popular opinion? A few years ago we participated in a walk against abortion and purchased t-shirts that said 'Abortion is murder'. After the walk, I put mine away, reluctant to wear it out in public...telling myself that it was because I did't want to many anyone else feel uncomfortable. After all, who knows which person one may encounter may have made that choice. Hmm...am I just making excuses for not standing up for my beliefs?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Do we pay our 'taxes' for His support?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Okay...so God really doesn't want our money, but His churches do...to feed and clothe the poor, the homeless and ill. Are we feeding His Body by tithing...not just our money, but our time and talent too? Even the widow's mite was welcome...you may not be able to give much but every little bit counts. Many times it is the 'human resource' that is most needed. Someone to carry out the actual 'feeding', 'clothing' and visiting. Maybe your church needs someone to usher, or do collection or sing in the choir. There are many ways to 'pay our taxes' and serve God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Our King will come to claim His Kingdom</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Some day our King will come again in glory as is told in the Book of Revelations. He will come to separate the goat from the sheep. Who will He pick as His loyal subjects? Who will He consider worthy to share in His Kingdom? When that day comes, I pray that we will all have had the fortitude to have lived our lives in a manner pleasing to Him so we can enjoy a blissful eternity praising and worshipping God.</span><br />
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-28118536891310722512012-09-25T09:26:00.000-04:002012-09-25T09:27:33.345-04:00My Top Ten Things I Love About My HusbandToday, I'm linking up with the series Top 10 Tuesday over at Angie's place, Many Little Blessings. Its my first time linking up but I've been following Angie's blog for a while now and I think you'll find it a place you feel much at home.<br />
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I've been following, but not actively participating in, the Revive Your Marriage Series which is taking place on four of my favourite blogs simultaneously. This is actually the fourth week, but I thought it was high time I took some active participation.<br />
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This week's topic is on reviving our appreciation of our husbands via praise. The challenge this week is to list five things you love about your husband. I have decided to list ten. I recently had a birthday and requested a letter from my husband on why he loves me as my gift from him. He went above and beyond so now its payback time!<br />
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<li>You always try to make me smile...you always did and you still do!</li>
<li>You always encourage me...you support me in my crazy endeavours. It was upon your encouragement that I started my blog (which you always read).</li>
<li>Even though I often look like something the cat dragged in, you're never ashamed to hold my hand in public.</li>
<li>You prefer to be at home with us than anywhere else...thank you for placing family first!</li>
<li>You work hard to provide for us and you've NEVER EVER told me I ought to get a job...believing that God wants me to be a homemaker and that He will provide our every need.</li>
<li>You've tapped into that little romantic guy that's been sleeping inside you all these years...what a gift he is to me...I love him so!</li>
<li>You've been willing to make the changes necessary for our marriage to grow and our relationship to deepen, both spiritually and emotionally. I KNOW how hard that is for you.</li>
<li> You share with me and ask my thoughts on things. This is so important to me, that you trust my judgment and are willing to listen to me.</li>
<li>I feel safe when I'm with you...my world is right and I know that whatever comes we will face it together, with God's help.</li>
<li>Just because you are you...God made you for me and me for you and my body, soul and mind recognizes its mate. Being with you makes me happy. No matter what life throws our way, no matter if we disagree or hurt each other sometimes. My life is with you and I wouldn't have it any other way.</li>
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<b>If you'd like to check out the Revive Your Marriage Series, click on the link below. I promise you'll be blessed.</b><br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-83874964210975554592012-09-19T11:40:00.002-04:002012-09-19T11:40:46.249-04:00Learning to be Christian...Lessons from Colossians<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are into the first week of the study of the book of Colossians. So far we have done Colossians 1:1-10. I have to say that these first three days of the study has been focused, for me, on the reminder of what being a Christian entails:<br />
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<li style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Praying constantly </b></span>- Prayer is the doorway of communication between us and the Holy Spirit of God. It is by prayer that we maintain a relationship with Him. A relationship that allows us to grow in wisdom and knowledge and understanding. Through this relationship, we can receive all the tools and gifts of the Spirit that we need to live this life here on earth in such a manner that we can enjoy eternity forever in Heaven. Somehow I am reminded of the promises made in Baptism, the Covenant we make with God on that day, where He marks us as one of His own and our destiny is to be with Him in Heaven. <b>We must do our part to fulfilling that destiny by abiding in Him. </b></li>
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<a href="http://freechristimages.org/biblestories/jesus_and_john_the_baptist.htm"><img alt="Baptism of Jesus, John The Baptist, Matthew 3:13, John 1:29" height="320" src="http://freechristimages.org/imagesJesusChrist/Matt3-_13-Baptism-of-Christ.jpg" width="236" /></a><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer for others</b></span> - As Christians we have a responsibility to lift each other in prayer, just as St Paul lifted the people of Colossae, praying for their continued growth in the Spirit. We should be praying, not just for those who we love and are close to, but for those who are far from God, those who daily offend Him, those in authority - our spiritual and governmental leaders. We should be praying for our enemies and those who annoy us - tough to do, but that's what Christ calls us to! <b>Matt 5:44-45 tells us "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your father in heaven..."</b></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Hope, Faith, Love, Grace</b></span> - These are the themes that I received from these first verses of 1 Colossians. We are reminded that our <b>hope</b> is in the promise of everlasting life through Jesus Christ. We are reminded to <b>love</b> all as He did and to keep alive our<b> faith</b> in Him and the <b>Grace </b>that He continually offers to us in the form of forgiveness, provision, protection...the list is endless. I believe that we ought to be extending this grace to others as well...to forgive those who offend us, to be more tolerant and thereby show His love to one and all. When He walked the earth, these are the things He taught and He exemplified, by His actions. If we are to be like Christ, we must emulate Him.</li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Evangelization</b></span> - I feel strongly reminded that I have a duty to do what I can to bring about the Kingdom of God right here on earth, in whatever way I can, in whatever season of life I am in. Some of the wonderful GMG ladies are missionaries, spiritual leaders etc. We are each called to spread the Good News in our own circumstances...to our spouses and children, to whosoever we encounter in the course of our days. The way we treat others and the way we act will speak of our faith and spiritual walk with God. We may not all have an active role in official evangelization, but we were all given this mandate by Jesus... <b>Matt 28:19 :Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."</b></li>
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The book of Colossians promises to be a rich and rewarding study. Already, in just a few days, my heart is convicted and my spirit yearns for that deeper relationship with God. If you haven't already, why don't you join us? Just click on the link above to the Good Morning Girls website and you will find all the details there on how to sign up and download your resources.<br />
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May God's blessings be upon all of you!<br />
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Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-63751197108871958202012-09-14T11:41:00.002-04:002012-09-14T11:41:38.085-04:00Dear Me - A Letter to My Teenaged Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is my birthday...I'm now officially on top of the hill...assuming I live to be 90 I'm firmly in the middle ages right now! :P<br />
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What a perfect time to link up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky where she is hosting a most intriguing blog party. I learned about this through my dear friend<a href="http://www.ponderingsbykris.blogspot.com/"> Kris</a> who participated and decided to take part myself.<br />
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Emily recently wrote a book for teen girls entitled <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/graceful-for-young-women/">Graceful</a>. To celebrate the release of the book she is hosting a linkup which features letters written by our 'mature' selves to our teen selves. As the mother of four daughters, I think this is a beautiful venture and I look forward to sharing with them what I discover here.<br />
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So, with no further ado:<br />
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<i>Dear Lisa (you've gone by quite a few names over the years from Lili to Lisedewise and the much-hated Liza Minelli to what most folks call you today...Lise)</i><br />
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<i>I wish I could step into Doc's souped up <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Back_to_the_Future_(franchise)">DeLorean</a> and slip you a little note when you were about 13. What a year of changes for you! I guess you were always in that strange place in between the uncool and the wannabes. Your search for who you were made you try on so many different cloaks. That's natural I guess, but it sometimes took you away from who God wanted you to be. </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>You were always a tomboy growing up... in the teen years it became a balancing act between wanting to look glamorous (remember when you and your bf read cover to cover the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Dreams-Fashion-Book-Spending/dp/0553232932">Sweet Dreams Fashion Book) </a> and giving in to your own natural tendencies. Remember how you and you friends and sisters used to play dress up and model for the camera? You had to have fun somehow right? Pretending to be models and the Solid Gold dancers...unfortunately deep down inside you didn't believe you could measure up...your body didn't look like theirs. Ah, but if only you knew that you were beautiful to God and an heir to His Kingdom, you'd have know you were a princess and it didn't matter if you could dance in high heels or you were too big in certain places!</i><br />
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<i>Even though you tried on the class clown cloak, the serious side of you won out and you ended up a class prefect in your senior year...boy did you lord it over those younger ones. Power definitely did not suit you at all...if only you had worn that mantle of authority with humility and gentleness...as God would have wanted you to. Alas...wisdom comes with age!</i><br />
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<i>You always knew that God was there with you, but I wish you'd embraced Him and loved Him more fully in your youth. You were so lucky, He was always such a good shepherd to you and you know full well you were saved from the consequences of many scrapes!</i><br />
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<i>Like the time you and your bf read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Popularity-Plan-Sweet-Dreams-S/dp/0553203258">Sweet Dream's Popularity Plan</a> (anybody else remember this?) and decided to concoct your own with the boys in the school play and ended up getting the wrong boys' attention? </i><br />
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<i>You wanted to feel loved and accepted, if only you'd realized that He was all the love you needed all wrapped up in one precious gift. You could find complete and unconditional love and acceptance in Him. Perhaps then, you wouldn't have been so insecure growing up.</i><br />
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<i>I know you felt the severity of your father's restrictions and his harsh discipline all the way to your soul. Someday you will appreciate how he protected you and if only you could have looked beyond his stern exterior you would have seen a man who wanted affection too but didn't know how to give it as it hadn't been given to him. Someday you will also struggle to give this to your children. What a pity that you never had the courage to reach out to him first...what a difference that would have made!</i><br />
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<i>You were so insecure in yourself...your body growing so fast you wanted to hide it and the unwanted attentions it brought, your ability to make others like you or love you. Everything falls into place in time and someday you'll be loved for who you are... flaws and all. Meanwhile, you'd savour the unconditional love of your pets...bleeding heart animal lover that you are. How many injured birds did you rescue...even taking one with you from the beach to nurse back to health, crying when they didn't make it. You know what? Someday humans will become more important than those animals you love so much now (and let me just whisper in your ear that at least a couple of your future daughters are going to be just like you...so bear it with a smile and remember your own days)</i><br />
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<i>Your love for reading and writing...that was awesome, but it kept you locked away from your family. I know it was your way of dealing with your teenage drama, but it was a bit selfish.</i><br />
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<i>In fact, you sometimes were so wrapped up in yourself that you didn't pay attention to your sisters and you got upset when they came into your room. Funny that...your future eldest daughter is going to do the same! </i><br />
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<i>Looking at everyone else's freedoms, you felt the sting of what you couldn't do and have. My dear, if only you had appreciated what you DID have, but that's the way of youth. The grass always seems greener on the other side. If I could have slipped you a note about one thing it would be this:</i><br />
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<i><b>EVERYTHING IS NOT ABOUT YOU! WHAT YOU LIVE NOW, IS BUT A DROP OF WHAT IS TO COME.</b> </i><br />
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<i>You were always anxious to grow up, to escape, to live. You felt caged in and you longed to have the freedom to discover what was on the other side of the fence. Life goes by so quickly, if only you had savoured that time of innocence and freedom...yes freedom! You didn't know it yet, but you WERE free...free of responsibility, debt and all the baggage that comes with growing up. </i><br />
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<i>You know, despite you father's strictness, you would have a lot of fun growing up. You always had cousins about and the vacation days at your grandmother's home while both your parents worked provided a lot of room for freedom. Your father graciously allowed your best friend to spend many weekends at your house so you could study and have some fun together. You didn't think anything of it, but it was his way of bending a little...he wouldn't let you go out, but you could have a friend to share some time with.</i><br />
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<i>Oh, and what about that school play you took part in when you were 15? That was one of the greatest times of your life...you really loved the drama! Maybe that's why one of your daughters loves it so much now. That took alot out of your father to drop you to rehearsals and pick you back up when you lived so far away from school. Of course, you wouldn't see that until you become me, the grown up.</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There you are, with your bad self, diamond drawn around your eye, acting as a gang member for the school play</td></tr>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">My dear, if I could, I would tell you to slow down, give more of yourself, appreciate what you have, give more grace to others and most of all...cling to the Father and let him mold and shape you. I would tell you that the most important thing in the world is...how you love!</span></b></i><br />
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Why don't you join in the fun and write a letter to your teenaged self? Link up at the site below. Its a very enlightening experience. Warning...introspection required.<br />
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<br />Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-43107192363884671812012-08-08T08:19:00.000-04:002012-08-08T08:19:33.691-04:00Lessons from the Valley - The Doctor<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Another blogger friend has written about 'falling down the rabbit hole' and his struggle to just live, to process the reality or unreality of what life had become for him. I'm trying to do the same after feeling as if I've been tossed and tumbled in a huge tornado. <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/08/another-seasonlessons-from-valley.html">Parts One</a> and <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/08/more-lessons-from-valley.html">Two</a> of my ponderings are here if you haven't read them before. Today I'm going to talk about how God proves His love and faithfulness through the doctor.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I had never met Dr Gordon before…by some strange coincidence it turns out that our daughters were in school together. I don’t think that this had any bearing on his treatment of me…I think that God was at work here too.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">As I mentioned in a previous post…my husband and I had been praying for a good ob/gyn since my previous doctor had migrated. I was seeing my GP for a short while and he was going to help us to decide which doctor to see. Ultimately though, we were trusting that God would lead us to the doctor He had chosen for us.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">We ended up seeing Dr Gordon as an emergency. I do wonder if it hadn’t been under those extreme circumstances, whether he would have seen me. He is one of the more prominent doctors in my country. I worried about how much it would cost to see him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">My loving Father...always my provider had that covered too. </span></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Let me stress here that I am not sure what faith this man possesses. Without prejudice (and I hope I don’t sound biased) I know that he divorced his wife after he met someone else years ago. I saw no signs of religious affiliation in his office. My first inclination would be to think that he is not a man of faith…especially since he asked about testing the fetus for genetic problems. (He also asked me what I thought about being pregnant at my age and I responded that when asked that question I refer the person to the One above.) As I lay on that table in his office…I wondered how many women may have gone there and made the decision to end the lives of their babies.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><b>Yet, our all-powerful God is in every place, every situation</b>.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> He was there with me and I do believe He touched the heart of this doctor. This man saw me no less than five times between Monday and Saturday last week...twice in one day and even coming into his office just to check me before he went to his hospital appointments. He used his equipment on me and did several internal examinations…all with the purpose of avoiding the expensive D&C procedure and to ensure that I was okay.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">He only charged me for two of those visits, which included ultrasounds, internal examinations, and internal scans. <b>The total cost of my experience…less than US$200!<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">He could have charged me for each visit….he could have sent me to the hospital in which he works right away to do the D&C… he would have earned more money that way.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I can only see the hand of my loving and almighty God in this! Was His purpose that this doctor should be touched by our faith in Him? Would he experience God’s love through us? </span></i></b><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Well, my friends, I will never know the answers to these questions, but I will be praying for Dr Gordon. I do believe that He was hand-picked by God, who orchestrated all the events that happened according to His Divine Plan…</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">whatever that Plan may be…</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 18px;">should I question it?</span></i></b></div>
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In the midst of this it was abundantly clear that our finances would not accommodate a heavy hit at this time. We had just scrimped all we could to provide our daughter with money to go back to school. It was a pretty anxious time, since after two days of waiting, my womb was still not clear enough and the doctor said he would have to perform the D&C if things did not improve by the third. </div>
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It was at this point that I sent out a prayer SOS to my Good Morning Girls family and to precious friends who all lifted their hearts with mine in prayer and God leaned down and breathed His healing upon me. My womb was clear enough to satisfy the doctor and once again the Lord proved His faithfulness in providing for us.</div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><b>"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><i><b>He supplied the doctor, he placed compassion upon that doctor's heart and He also worked a miracle of healing in my body so that we would be spared an expense we could ill afford.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR ALL HIS GLORIOUS WORKS! I WANT TO THANK HIM AND PRAISE HIM, NOT JUST FOR THE DOCTOR AND THE MIRACLE, BUT ALSO FOR THE BEAUTIFUL FRIENDS WHO PRAYED AND STILL PRAY FOR ME AND FOR MY FAMILY. MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL ABUNDANTLY!!</i></b></span></div>
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</div>Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-25969708731955032952012-08-07T10:05:00.001-04:002012-08-07T10:05:18.275-04:00More Lessons from the Valley<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Today I will
continue my <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/08/another-seasonlessons-from-valley.html">ponderings of yesterday</a> ...the lessons to be learned from my stay in the Valley of Shadows.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As I mentioned…I wondered from the moment
of discovery, where God was leading me with this pregnancy. After four
c-sections, I know that further pregnancies are risky. I’d been warned enough
by doctors. There was fear, yet I had to trust in God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I shared
with my mother…who naturally was concerned for me, that I wondered if God’s
purpose wasn’t for me to actually have a full-term pregnancy. Perhaps he was
just testing my faith to see how obedient I would be. At my age, there is even more risk for things
to go wrong and I have had one doctor ask me if I would want to test for
genetic defects. <b>This is the way of the
world! What would I do if something is wrong…abort it? If something is
imperfect we discard it? All life is precious to Him, imperfect or not!<o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how I
questioned God’s purposes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>If He took me
to the end, He would protect me…I trust in Him! And yet…when I say “Thy will be
done”, does that not mean I must also be prepared that His will could be that I
sacrifice my life as well? What of <a href="http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=6985">St Gianna…</a>? Is my fate meant to be the same?</b></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps He was testing me to see if I
would remain obedient and disregard any medical advice given to me to prove
that I had faith in Him to deliver me and my baby safely through<i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Now, I wonder if the true test was not
in the acceptance of the pregnancy and the faith to go through it, but in what
comes now.</b><i> </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My friends, I feel so fragile
and vulnerable at this moment…I am afraid of going through what I have already. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fresh in my
ears are the warnings of professional medics and the fears of family and
friends and <b><i>my own children </i></b>imploring me not to put myself in this position
again. Fresh is my own fear and doubt.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, I do
believe that the true testing of faith comes now. I can almost hear His voice
saying <b><i>“Now is the time to show your
mettle. Do you listen to the voices around you or to mine? Do you stand firm
upon your faith in Me, or will you give in to your human fears and weakness?
Will you trust Me and my covenant with you…or will you crumble into the dust?”</i><o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>I must saturate myself in His Word again...I must sink deep into Him to regain that deep faith and abiding trust.</b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Now, back to the valley of shadows... the Lord is not yet done with my lessons...He would show me yet again how he is Jehovah Jireh. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tomorrow I will tell the tale of the Doctor…</span></b></span></span></i><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Coincidentally, <a href="http://www.growinghomeblog.com/2012/08/children-are-blessings-inspiring-new.html">Jacinta at Growing Home</a> is doing a series on Children are Blessings. I am finding much inspiration from the testimonies there. Please visit her and be blessed by these beautiful stories of God's glory worked in the lives of women just like you and I.</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-58754988658569300392012-08-06T13:09:00.000-04:002012-08-06T13:59:04.158-04:00Another Season...Lessons from the Valley<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My dear friends…it has been quite a while and I have had a
very eventful summer so far. Let me fill
you in. I wrote <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/07/life-gets-crazybut-there-is-always-god.html">this post</a> last month and I had some shockingly exciting news. <b>Today’s post is about yet another season…another
valley in the shadows.</b></span><br />
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<b><i>"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..."</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Last week, I
discovered that I had lost my baby. This was no ordinary miscarriage though. I
began spotting and over the weekend the bleeding became heavier so I called my
GP. He arranged for me to see an Ob/gyn on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scan
revealed that there was no baby at all.
The amniotic sac was empty. What?! Did this mean that I had had a false
pregnancy? No, the doctor assured me that there had been a baby, but that at
some time in its development, it had just stopped growing and was
expelled. I had spent the weekend eating
myself alive with worry that I could be losing my baby and there wasn’t even a
baby to grieve!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I cannot
begin to explain how confused, shocked and traumatized I was at this news. I
wasn’t even thinking clearly at this point. In some weird place in my consciousness,
I was GLAD that I didn’t have to look at a dead baby on that screen…the memory
of the last miscarriage, which I had ten years ago, is still vivid. That moment when
the screen showed clearly that my baby was no longer attached to the placenta
and was, in fact, dead was a moment of the deepest despair as I let go of the fragile hope
that it was all just a strange hiccup in my pregnancy and that all was well.</span><br />
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<b><i>"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul"</i></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">To cut a
long story short, the doctor induced labour to rid my womb of the placenta and
sac. My friends, I have had the pain of miscarriage…which to my memory lasted
only a couple of hours. <b>I have never
experienced labour and I must commend all of you who have endured this to bring
forth your precious babes.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> For my part, I endured without the prospect of
a beautiful babe at the end of it and it was the most torturous thing I have
ever endured. The agony was two-fold, physical as well as emotional. I thought
of our Lord’s passion as I began walking this threshold of pain, but soon no
coherent thought would form in my mind for hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many of you,
I know, have experienced pain and suffering of all kinds, loss and grief. Our
journey here on this earth is filled with peaks and valleys, highs and lows…all
with the single purpose of ascending that final mountain to our loving Father’s
arms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes we are tempted to question God’s
purposes…when we are in the darkest of places we sometimes feel all alone. This
is far from the truth because He is never far from our sides. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I just love
the well-known poem </span><a href="http://www.footprints-inthe-sand.com/index.php?page=Poem/Poem.php" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Footprints in the Sand”.</a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It illustrates so clearly the truth…the
reality…that when we are at the end of our strength, He is there carrying us.
When we feel alone, abandoned, despairing…He is actually lifting us, comforting
us, loving us. If only we could see clearly with our spiritual eyes when we are
in these dark valleys of life. </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If only
we could remember not to turn inward but to look up</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><i><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />"For yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me; thy rod and they staff they comfort me."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Many times
throughout the last few weeks, I have failed to look upward. Many times, I have
questioned, wondered out loud and allowed my thoughts to roam far from Him. From
the moment I discovered that I was pregnant, I have wondered where God was
leading me…what His purpose was. I have wondered what the cost of my obedience
would be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I
ponder this, I know I have a lot more to share and I hope that you will come
back tomorrow for the rest. God is
almighty! We are not to question His ways…and yet</b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/125x125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.raisingarrows.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/125x125.jpg" width="150px" /></a></div>Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-82722536140070963542012-07-27T11:10:00.000-04:002012-07-27T11:10:15.860-04:00Five Minute Friday...Beyond!<br />
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Its been a while since I participated in Five Minute Friday...to tell the truth its been a while since I participated in much of anything. <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/07/life-gets-crazybut-there-is-always-god.html">There's been so much going on around here</a>. When I saw today's prompt though, it resonated with what's been happening to me and I believe it is the perfect vehicle to give a wonderful testimony. So, here goes...<br />
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<b>BEYOND</b><br />
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What an awesome God we serve! He reminds me that His Grace is sufficient...it goes<br />
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BEYOND my fears<br />
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BEYOND my weaknesses<br />
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BEYOND my insecurities<br />
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BEYOND my human capabilities<br />
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BEYOND my SELF<br />
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Two days ago, I lost my cheque book. I'd taken it with me to the doctor, but when I opened my handbag to pay him...IT WASN'T THERE!!<br />
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It wasn't in the car, it wasn't at home...I was so anxious about what had happened to it. I could only think that it had fallen out of the car into the road and I hadn't seen it. I felt awful...how could I be so careless?<br />
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This morning, I went out with my husband and opened my handbag to get a tissue....there was my chequebook, stuck in the middle of one of my journals!<br />
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Okay, let me be specific here...this journal is an old one from 2010..its a record of my meditations with the Lord and has some powerful Word in it. It has resided on my bedside table, in a drawer since I put it there.<br />
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How did it get into my handbag? How did the cheque book...which my husband and I had searched for frantically...end up in there?<br />
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God is so wonderful! I took this miraculous turn of events to mean that He was sending me the message that He is taking care of me...ALWAYS...<b>BEYOND the boundaries of natural law. HE IS THE GOD OF THE IMPOSSIBLE!</b><br />
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<b>STOP!</b><br />
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Just a little note to verify...all that wonderful Word I had received...well, I really needed to read it all again...right here, right now, in this particular season. GOD IS GREAT!!Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-81280486765709636142012-07-13T09:15:00.001-04:002012-07-13T09:15:11.787-04:00Life gets crazy..but there is always God! (An Announcement)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lw9CcLGjouM?fs=1" width="459"></iframe><br />
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Hello there my friends. It has been quite a while. So much has happened and as I sit here writing this I'm still a bit overwhelmed by how life can spin in crazy cycles sometimes. The one thing that is true and forever unchanged is our God.<br />
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The lyrics to this song are very dear to me. I had wanted to share them with my mother in law before she died as I knew she was in her darkest hour but I never worked up the courage to. Now these are my own words as I have passed through the valley of the shadow of darkness myself.<br />
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Yesterday was the 40th day after the death of my mother in law and we celebrated Holy Mass in her memory, as per Catholic tradition. I just want to dedicate this song to her now and to ask the Lord to have mercy on her soul and pray that she rests in peace in His arms.<br />
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<b>Now for the announcement:</b><br />
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I always say that the Lord has a tremendous sense of humour...or something! In an incredible, crazy, yet somehow perfect timing I found out that I was expecting a baby just days after we laid my mother in law to rest! Talk about shock! I don't know how my husband's heart survived it...hot on the heels of grief we were supposed to feel joy and excitement.<br />
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Truthfully, I was on an emotional roller coaster (hormones added...can you imagine?) I planned a blog post with the cute title of "The Lord Giveth, the Lord taketh!". I told my family with a determined sense of "I've got the faith to do this! Don't question it!" but I was really like jello inside...and then... I fell.<br />
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Now, for those of you who have known me for a while, you know that my husband and I have trusted in the Lord completely and<a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2011/04/surrendering-completely-to-god.html"> surrendered my womb to Him.</a> You may also know that I have had four c-sections already and therefore this is a high-risk pregnancy. I also no longer have an ob/gyn since the first one died and the second one migrated.<br />
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Put all this together and I found myself in a web of fear, anxiety, depression and in a place that was far, far away from the One who sustains me. Other people were excited and happy for us and I just felt numb, just falling short of saying "Why God?!"<br />
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What an awful, dry and barren desert I've been in! Unable to pray, unable to get into the Word and purposefully staying away from His House in a mixture of self-pity and pride...yes pride! I worried about what people would think about this almost 45 year old woman being pregnant. I felt fat...nothing fit me anymore and it seemed as if overnight I was swelling up. Pride people! Awful, ugly sinful pride! <b>I put my own self before God and failed to trust Him!</b><br />
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Oh,I could make excuses about morning sickness and fatigue, a period of illness that required antibiotics and even the small window of opportunity to get online...but ultimately what weighed me down and kept me prisoner was SELF again! <b>Thank God for His Grace! He NEVER abandons us and keeps on pursuing His lost sheep.</b><br /><br />
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The thing about our enemy is that he WANTS us to buy into the lie that once we're down we have to stay down. Did you ever notice that? When you're down he puts his foot on top of you and crushes you further with all sorts of mind games! <b>Oh yes, the battlefield of the mind is as old as the history of mankind!</b></div>
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<b>God reigns victorious though! Satan cannot have the upper hand!</b><br />
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I went before the Throne of Grace and confessed my sin...now I am free to be joyful, to trust in Him implicitly. <b>He has a plan...for me, for my husband, for this new little light in my womb. </b>The world says we're crazy, we should have been more 'responsible', more 'careful'...even people close to me who are afraid for me have, in their fear, said similar things . I know I'll get my ear chewed off by the doctor who attends to my case, but <b><span style="font-size: large;">I DON'T SERVE THE WORLD! I serve an Almighty, All-Powerful and loving Father who knows what is best for me and my family.</span></b><br />
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My dear friends, I humbly ask for your prayers, for a good doctor, for my husband and I to have the strength, courage and faith to continue to be obedient and to abide in Him,despite our human weaknesses. Please pray for this little one to be born safely. <br />
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I want to thank all of the friends who knew of my situation and have been praying for me. I have so appreciated all of you and it has indeed been a barren time since I also abandoned my time online and ultimately denied myself your encouragement and friendship. I have truly missed you all.<br />
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<b>May God bless each of you abundantly!</b><br />
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<span style="color: yellow;"><b><i>Thank you sweet Jesus for your infinite love and mercy, that though I don't deserve it, you always rescue me from the pit and lead me to peaceful waters, restoring my soul!</i></b></span></div>Lisa Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17357560782423451224noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9121879287824053596.post-8011423737456507342012-06-12T18:35:00.002-04:002012-06-12T18:35:36.310-04:00To Everything There is a Season<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven".</b></i></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello dear friends. To everything there is a season and my family and I are currently in a season of grieving, hence the lengthy silence from this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is with great sadness I want to let you all know of the passing on of my mother in law, Joan, for whom many of you have been praying faithfully. She passed on a week ago last Sunday and was buried on Friday 8th June. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As tradition demands, the family hosted 9 nights of prayer for her soul and the house was full of relatives and friends who stayed on to share a meal, talk and reminisce, which made for some hectic days and long evenings.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The funeral service was beautiful and the packed church gave testimony to how well beloved Joan was to so many. There is no greater tribute that can be given to a person than by how he or she was loved by all. The grandchildren did a eulogy by collating all their thoughts which was heart-wrenchingly beautiful and brought everyone to tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I previously wrote about <a href="http://shinebrightlyforjesus.blogspot.com/2012/05/joans-legacy.html">Joan's Legacy,</a> but this eulogy put my own thoughts to shame. I'll just share the basics with you. She had eleven grandchildren, 6 girls and 5 boys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The girls shared that Gramma taught them that beauty on the outside means nothing if there is no beauty on the inside and the difference between loving and cherishing. They shared that Gramma was always a light to them and a pillar of strength, that she believed in their dreams and encouraged them and was always there when they needed her. They remember her ability to light up a room with her presence and how her smiles and laughter filled them with joy and how she always stood for truth. The youngest, my own five year old, simply remembers that Gramma "loved her plenty, plenty".</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>The boys shared that she was the heart of the family who kept us united, who pushed them to excel, taught them the difference between friends and acquaintances and cared enough to give endless lectures.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For my own part, I have been very fortunate to have a mother in law who did not resent me or my relationship with my husband as so many do and did not view me as a threat in any way. There was, of course, a period of adjustment in my early married years, but I couldn't have asked for a better mother in law. She was always supportive and encouraging, she never asked but simply gave when she felt we needed. I am so comforted in knowing that one of the things she said to me in the last few months was that she was proud of us for accomplishing so much on so little, for our values and for our relationship. She told me that she could never have wished for a better wife for her son. Wow! I was just blown away and i</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">t still brings me to tears.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mom, you will be sorely missed. You leave a huge and unfillable void in our lives. I pray that you rest in Jesus' arms and find eternal peace and happiness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>My very grateful thanks to all of you who have been supporting us in prayer. May God bless you all!</i></b></span><br />
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<center><a href="http://findingheaventoday.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i960.photobucket.com/albums/ae88/jenfergie2000/BloggButton.jpg" /></a></center> <center><a border="0" href="http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/" target="_blank"><img src="
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