tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84881522703262215182024-03-05T00:31:55.559-06:00My Nuggets of TruthMy heart's desire is for you to realize how valuable and precious you are, to know that you are a dream of God come true. While raising six children, I have had to depend on the Lord to give me certain nuggets of truth and insights into being a child of God. I would love to share these nuggets with you, hopefully bringing you closer to Him and a life filled with joy and peace.Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-12178237616587940412017-07-30T10:50:00.001-05:002017-07-30T11:55:26.840-05:00How My Daugher Wowed MeI came to Florida to stay with my daughter and son in law in the last days before the birth of their first child. Being here with them and observing them so closely, I was blessed to see the deep love and support they share with each other. As a parent, there's nothing more fulfilling than seeing your children building their own lives, leaning on each other for support and encouragement. I got to see that up close and personal and I couldn't be more thrilled and proud. Before this visit, I just thought I knew and loved my daughter. I discovered that I know and love her even more now. What I thought was stubbornness and determination, turned out to be strength of character and grace shown in the most painful circumstances.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOnaJ-Wa0W7FSQGjmsO8szGdGx2jMMEOD7qlk7RozGTgVGuDWCkyFpI6hMJnB0mCLq7m4ENy5EfRrEBQTCYi76JvnfNOYWe-ZlIZ3xbTQ1sPCuvM5fg298gIpwCDALRhWXGx4aUs0ywky/s1600/fullsizeoutput_262e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1029" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKOnaJ-Wa0W7FSQGjmsO8szGdGx2jMMEOD7qlk7RozGTgVGuDWCkyFpI6hMJnB0mCLq7m4ENy5EfRrEBQTCYi76JvnfNOYWe-ZlIZ3xbTQ1sPCuvM5fg298gIpwCDALRhWXGx4aUs0ywky/s200/fullsizeoutput_262e.jpeg" width="128" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laboring at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the days leading up to my granddaughter's birth, I watched closely as my daughter's mood shifted in preparation of her daughter's arrival. She busied herself around the house, making sure everything was ready. She grew quiet and introspective. We walked and talked and laughed about what was to come. We could have never guessed what the next few days' journey would bring. During that time, I learned exactly who my daughter is and I am in awe of her grace and strength.<br />
<br />
The doctors had warned us that this baby was big, maybe 8 lbs, 12 oz. The fact that my daughter wanted a completely natural childbirth was not sidelined by this news. She was determined to have the birthing experience that she and her husband had planned.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMrYuMtCILZ0mQspCEMPpNPZv1t2w9Ce1aqtwU19pJf_S-nwaQXgZQErUlXsDtsz2SbDm5n3gaDUMSigMmyovWbV2MlYheR6vxx8GTuucZTE6zyIhRMtKMpNTLmbt0BKhfpds-oxKjLGZ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_262f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMrYuMtCILZ0mQspCEMPpNPZv1t2w9Ce1aqtwU19pJf_S-nwaQXgZQErUlXsDtsz2SbDm5n3gaDUMSigMmyovWbV2MlYheR6vxx8GTuucZTE6zyIhRMtKMpNTLmbt0BKhfpds-oxKjLGZ/s200/fullsizeoutput_262f.jpeg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laboring at home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I could tell that she was in labor early Thursday morning. We ate <br />
breakfast and then she and her husband and I went for a walk. With each contraction, she grew a little more quiet and I watched as she took control of her body, breathing through every contraction. We got home from our walk and she tried laying down with a heating pad. At times, she would get into the various positions you are taught to use when in labor.<br />
<br />
When they got to about 5 minutes apart, we decided it was time to go to the hospital. Doctors and nurses are so used to first time moms coming to the hospital too soon and they can tend to be a bit condescending when you try to tell them you think you're in labor. When they acted like this with my daughter, she just remained quiet and worked through the next contraction. Finally, they checked her and determined that she had labored to 6 centimeters dilated, at home! They told us that first time moms never wait that long to come to the hospital and they were quite impressed with her ability to go through the contractions.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpox5tHFKVG5fSEZpOchUVomBoKcu46C1xISWkfPhvqmHek-hukAhsEU0FWdh-GE3NMlzSpueX8ypoL-rlKMLvXfDbyHIlqLisw2EQOlXkpBVjaFx7oNbWmIAECoHMWTSjIGgcwqYGw6-/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2626.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYpox5tHFKVG5fSEZpOchUVomBoKcu46C1xISWkfPhvqmHek-hukAhsEU0FWdh-GE3NMlzSpueX8ypoL-rlKMLvXfDbyHIlqLisw2EQOlXkpBVjaFx7oNbWmIAECoHMWTSjIGgcwqYGw6-/s320/fullsizeoutput_2626.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking to help with labor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the next couple of hours, they checked her a few more times. It wasn't long before she went from a 6 to an 8 to 10 centimeters. As each contraction crashed down on her, she bravely pressed through it, remaining quiet and persistent that she didn't want anything for the pain. Her husband and I spoke softly in her ear, that she could do this; that she was strong and brave. We watched the monitor and would talk her up to the peak of each contraction and then let her know when it was going down and she could catch her breath. When she reached 10 centimeters and they said that she could push, I left the room to give them the birthing moment in privacy.<br />
<br />
That is when everything shifted and I saw my daughter as the woman God created her to be! She was full of grace and strength. She never stopped being pleasant with the hospital staff. But things had changed. Hours went by as her body was wracked by contractions and pain and pushing. The doctor determined that the baby was so big that she was having difficulty coming out. They offered the options of using a vacuum, which has it's risks or an emergency caesarean section. My daughter never wavered from her plan to have a natural delivery.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd61LsqRt6chUYGtr0YM7KR4sab8EXpicTMAqs6ofw6148MtWmgWJhyphenhyphenEUM8PvqoErHM2qLZSixM5qkJr37oS0jIFG5sieQGbLJDApo5ttVc0Uk0ZzBRXLcFg18BB9rpgAaIz5OAGnktMmy/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd61LsqRt6chUYGtr0YM7KR4sab8EXpicTMAqs6ofw6148MtWmgWJhyphenhyphenEUM8PvqoErHM2qLZSixM5qkJr37oS0jIFG5sieQGbLJDApo5ttVc0Uk0ZzBRXLcFg18BB9rpgAaIz5OAGnktMmy/s320/fullsizeoutput_2622.jpeg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such Love!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At one point, I went back in the room with them. I had to smile through my tears, as I looked at my <br />
daughters face, full of pain and exhaustion. I kept telling myself that I had to be strong for her as I struggled not to cry and take her up in my arms. As she grew more and more tired from pushing, I watched her husband grow weak from concern and worry for her. I finally asked her to think about her options. I wanted her to know that it was okay for her to ask for help. I wanted to assure her that her baby would be okay, if she chose another way.<br />
<br />
She finally asked if she could get an epidural so that she could rest between the contractions. As she sat on the edge of the bed having contractions, with her feet on my knees, hunched over, to get the epidural, I felt such a rush of love for her that I thought I would burst. All I could do was sit there and kiss her hands that were in mine, over and over again. It was the same feeling I had when she was born and they placed her in my arms for the first time. Her body shook with pain and she quietly whimpered in my ear. It was almost too much for my heart to bear. But I knew that if she was strong, then I could certainly be strong for her!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobEOfMLKIakJRrcaubpDhSINHnicO0WvbaV7sUr8XaRdeD7pixjouef9rVxxnq0WjpSQlGhlfyyjOhc7_xTbitLalp4pZINzJYFWgTQBDNR5YYUFFTqDMb7OXu5EsKHkTqiPNZb9oSKTg/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2630.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobEOfMLKIakJRrcaubpDhSINHnicO0WvbaV7sUr8XaRdeD7pixjouef9rVxxnq0WjpSQlGhlfyyjOhc7_xTbitLalp4pZINzJYFWgTQBDNR5YYUFFTqDMb7OXu5EsKHkTqiPNZb9oSKTg/s320/fullsizeoutput_2630.jpeg" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubbing her back </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Slowly, the epidural took effect. The nurse and I would hold her legs during each contraction, while her sweet husband talked softly in her ear, encouraging her to push their beautiful daughter into this world. At least now, she could rest between contractions without a lot of pain. Finally it was time to deliver the baby, so I left them in the capable hands of the nurses and doctor.<br />
<br />
Shortly afterwards, my son in law came to the waiting room to let us know that Ryleigh Claire had been born, 9 lbs, 5 oz and that "mom and baby" were fine. All of my concern and worry melted at that point and I collapsed, sobbing in his arms. My baby was ok and her baby was ok! I could breathe again! Finally, my granddaughter came into this world at 7:35, Friday morning.<br />
<br />
The doctor and the nurses said that they would be talking about my daughter for a long time. As a first time mom, she came to the hospital at 6 centimeters, took no meds for pain, pushed for 6 hour with an epidural just at the end. They were in awe of her and spoke of how kind and easy she was with everyone who came into her room.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQeAbZroJQkRU48ynlTAR9WlxUeGzow0m5KPZFYkYV2fRteF14kRDldwTLoMNx6f2c7l5p8ZWwenG30BV6Jn_wibAT917UfryxIlJERivHr9Wrobw8HX4pDTfuTtD1qpp10GfRXUgiR09/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQeAbZroJQkRU48ynlTAR9WlxUeGzow0m5KPZFYkYV2fRteF14kRDldwTLoMNx6f2c7l5p8ZWwenG30BV6Jn_wibAT917UfryxIlJERivHr9Wrobw8HX4pDTfuTtD1qpp10GfRXUgiR09/s320/IMG_3135.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first moment!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My son in law was her rock throughout the entire process. He only left her side to visit the restroom. I saw his eyes fill with tears many times, watching her struggle through so much pain. When he would go to the restroom, my daughter's eyes would dart around the room looking for him and she would ask for him. It filled my heart with pride to see them so in love and working together to bring their daughter into this world.<br />
<br />
When I go back to Tulsa, I will go knowing my daughter differently than I did when I arrived here. I already knew that she was special, but I now see a woman who is full of love, grace and strength, who will conquer anything she sets her mind to. I will go, knowing that she and her husband will be able to tackle anything life throws at them with grace and strength. She is my hero! I'm in awe of her and I hope I'm just like her when I grow up!<br />
<br />
God is good. Life is hard. My daughter has what it takes to make it through anything! I'm in love with her.<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J6A30Iuc9eU9xYJ_Tob3Jt6ReKSsHsrv5qyKKHs9F3p-mtGC4SnRfcft1b4ORemNqmPyzxjOSYilMP1K3xjB47UG9KpZO4Uk6rKQBZ8adaP03S_mIcdwcxrbLs_ge2jaGQhmvcsKP5mV/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2625.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J6A30Iuc9eU9xYJ_Tob3Jt6ReKSsHsrv5qyKKHs9F3p-mtGC4SnRfcft1b4ORemNqmPyzxjOSYilMP1K3xjB47UG9KpZO4Uk6rKQBZ8adaP03S_mIcdwcxrbLs_ge2jaGQhmvcsKP5mV/s320/fullsizeoutput_2625.jpeg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before we knew what was ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdHsWHjM9MGfbGZjAc3vLC3ShoqZ8z0rpAqLB9Lyh8tWfrE9BYaKbzOQXHdm9ZKSq0JEamkGKaLoO9G_ULlgC_UtsHPw20mOBlgVuXEe27ETF14g1Bk0qAJtXdjQDAiD7PCSed1Cho2Pa/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdHsWHjM9MGfbGZjAc3vLC3ShoqZ8z0rpAqLB9Lyh8tWfrE9BYaKbzOQXHdm9ZKSq0JEamkGKaLoO9G_ULlgC_UtsHPw20mOBlgVuXEe27ETF14g1Bk0qAJtXdjQDAiD7PCSed1Cho2Pa/s320/fullsizeoutput_2623.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strength in the Lord and each other</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuZgWrkYdqtwbTndf2tBAxSEh3rkMvyDG6xP2Abee4mKZiZqQaDoEHRTYBVz_oEKLv9VDDQSChR2HfrTXAhkmEO_Dj4djcWprGpXEr7O8acNK1Qtm3D4eVCd36TGhLItwCs10VM0toQmn/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2629.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuZgWrkYdqtwbTndf2tBAxSEh3rkMvyDG6xP2Abee4mKZiZqQaDoEHRTYBVz_oEKLv9VDDQSChR2HfrTXAhkmEO_Dj4djcWprGpXEr7O8acNK1Qtm3D4eVCd36TGhLItwCs10VM0toQmn/s320/fullsizeoutput_2629.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hands were shaking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6hxC-8fYpDJLVe6MfD9hmNCQrhnxmZQj_S7y7xaBpk_NDXIfSWQ5FWVWoyk9LY2SPJs7o3VitqiTaORkITqBmUJxecdqa027q7fmHjIB2Rlx1GmQit355Q2bLfIBGGiEjqmFHMOfXrmw/s1600/fullsizeoutput_262b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6hxC-8fYpDJLVe6MfD9hmNCQrhnxmZQj_S7y7xaBpk_NDXIfSWQ5FWVWoyk9LY2SPJs7o3VitqiTaORkITqBmUJxecdqa027q7fmHjIB2Rlx1GmQit355Q2bLfIBGGiEjqmFHMOfXrmw/s320/fullsizeoutput_262b.jpeg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe in mama's arms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H_DFgz7lGrmYna7ig4dIyIDz-xQEULZW3GaqRlQVvjMA5zpVObe0PG7fZS4vluP-hIPm890czuttdvepneNPIdPSNkgKMml3lTdtZKqhrdzB2llmHu7Cw-cGWeSF7qPL99mnBbFHt6ui/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2633.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1302" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4H_DFgz7lGrmYna7ig4dIyIDz-xQEULZW3GaqRlQVvjMA5zpVObe0PG7fZS4vluP-hIPm890czuttdvepneNPIdPSNkgKMml3lTdtZKqhrdzB2llmHu7Cw-cGWeSF7qPL99mnBbFHt6ui/s320/fullsizeoutput_2633.jpeg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here at last!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLwjveWtCtHSaihfjgt31mudUrfqGwSbUGXc6_DNyBXK55V_BpwLoJEBh0qdE_CMY9BCWIfkMLpU4cvVlnCEKgAyMus2WUURpGzPWZ4O3O-0PYr7U5AjMqQPQNrymLKQJC_Jq6btpx9qW/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2610.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLwjveWtCtHSaihfjgt31mudUrfqGwSbUGXc6_DNyBXK55V_BpwLoJEBh0qdE_CMY9BCWIfkMLpU4cvVlnCEKgAyMus2WUURpGzPWZ4O3O-0PYr7U5AjMqQPQNrymLKQJC_Jq6btpx9qW/s320/fullsizeoutput_2610.jpeg" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy getting some "skin to skin" time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1o5LhGwYgixPaY8-F2hxO5VxGMiAo86rfMQLFUhLL7zBS4DO6KTfs8ryNeOc0MdjLhbbDfCM2EuHZJaGmkBB3XMrYWz5ScIzU7sBt3azDqHRTnS-69jUBSF2qYREh91AxA92QsuQ0tN6/s1600/fullsizeoutput_260a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1o5LhGwYgixPaY8-F2hxO5VxGMiAo86rfMQLFUhLL7zBS4DO6KTfs8ryNeOc0MdjLhbbDfCM2EuHZJaGmkBB3XMrYWz5ScIzU7sBt3azDqHRTnS-69jUBSF2qYREh91AxA92QsuQ0tN6/s320/fullsizeoutput_260a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's milk makes her sleepy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70F0939j9eYXsaKf99jmBrqpG9Z12Rf_U7uQzqyjPFFOsqOKx6VPBc7crSWjDUwHaPpOjytF0WMUucYZdO9B2qtPnCLvYCmosjGMiKs77kzo2o16WqakJJ7RCGueeOCNOZCwusqfvLqtS/s1600/fullsizeoutput_261b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70F0939j9eYXsaKf99jmBrqpG9Z12Rf_U7uQzqyjPFFOsqOKx6VPBc7crSWjDUwHaPpOjytF0WMUucYZdO9B2qtPnCLvYCmosjGMiKs77kzo2o16WqakJJ7RCGueeOCNOZCwusqfvLqtS/s320/fullsizeoutput_261b.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyqnVMs8DBGmO_p_T71ZFPiSqgfs_JeGS7RJA30To_sbc285oNKtnQHip8GYh4McidrmRXZvCeSgIswB9AYPLB96Yp4aplv3BABVaRvcPjEDeC8sHgPLPLqNxPqQuac048agBeOQeNEOF/s1600/fullsizeoutput_261f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyqnVMs8DBGmO_p_T71ZFPiSqgfs_JeGS7RJA30To_sbc285oNKtnQHip8GYh4McidrmRXZvCeSgIswB9AYPLB96Yp4aplv3BABVaRvcPjEDeC8sHgPLPLqNxPqQuac048agBeOQeNEOF/s320/fullsizeoutput_261f.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Responding to mama' voice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb88ux5p6zSuyHMUGcKknGoOb5GDc6zqRyTd7Wnijp2c4k9cCMzKFuZaUQvotNf3qQzxXebhtHnklqWHCq48sU6GqvAAx7Gzt6B9YmG_iZGEwa8w1q09idRadR35yiNrKT-fF3muf3oeK/s1600/fullsizeoutput_260c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb88ux5p6zSuyHMUGcKknGoOb5GDc6zqRyTd7Wnijp2c4k9cCMzKFuZaUQvotNf3qQzxXebhtHnklqWHCq48sU6GqvAAx7Gzt6B9YmG_iZGEwa8w1q09idRadR35yiNrKT-fF3muf3oeK/s320/fullsizeoutput_260c.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our princess!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjU2eV2Lc0F6nboePx8s4qKfYkJRKzLBHYDE8KreLasG8_wHbue5tnlORDNZC4T7mrcf8f9bzHB1VR_1KyQ4O6LCR0SJURUtAnWUgnh0TnTzBZ6NaPfaa0KJS7VdQ0uI5XgAAicY7pPVe/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2608.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicjU2eV2Lc0F6nboePx8s4qKfYkJRKzLBHYDE8KreLasG8_wHbue5tnlORDNZC4T7mrcf8f9bzHB1VR_1KyQ4O6LCR0SJURUtAnWUgnh0TnTzBZ6NaPfaa0KJS7VdQ0uI5XgAAicY7pPVe/s320/fullsizeoutput_2608.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy loves her so!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn702nDKo1QbVlsC34XVKQKfS6GZOlAZTYiP1FXXYJlDLychdzc2yE8tqpywWu-nkUTxUbu9-bhW7wtRSAkRt7-OcgygDnlTZXBIsBNtT6B9mMd81e2YsQSn_UezwDtOiI4QwNWiPSq2Z/s1600/fullsizeoutput_2615.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghn702nDKo1QbVlsC34XVKQKfS6GZOlAZTYiP1FXXYJlDLychdzc2yE8tqpywWu-nkUTxUbu9-bhW7wtRSAkRt7-OcgygDnlTZXBIsBNtT6B9mMd81e2YsQSn_UezwDtOiI4QwNWiPSq2Z/s320/fullsizeoutput_2615.jpeg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proudest Gamgam ever!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT8Td2qfGI1H9pG9KdqlGhjftLOk_xiEVI-3HWB4n8T7trmujIZVAJToqHFnKCn2IPiGbQ5BlazEfUU0rTm5tUTWP9MrTGokWt2tKPFW7Mw4ZfxCxMw57VhyphenhyphenryGyrpBFxqpofDbGaS2E/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="48" data-original-width="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT8Td2qfGI1H9pG9KdqlGhjftLOk_xiEVI-3HWB4n8T7trmujIZVAJToqHFnKCn2IPiGbQ5BlazEfUU0rTm5tUTWP9MrTGokWt2tKPFW7Mw4ZfxCxMw57VhyphenhyphenryGyrpBFxqpofDbGaS2E/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-49422608121895426712017-07-11T16:58:00.000-05:002017-07-11T21:05:36.615-05:00Leadership In CrisisThe subject of this post has been rolling around in my spirit for quite some time. I have put off writing about it because of fears that it would be taken the wrong way and considered judgemental and offensive. I assure you, that is not my intention.<br />
<br />
As an adult, I have always been involved in many areas of ministry, in the churches I've attended. Serving in Women's Ministry, Children's Ministry, Greeters Ministry and so much more, I quickly become acquainted with the leadership in the church I'm attending. I have met so many men and women in leadership, serving God and the Church with complete honor and integrity, who are great examples of how to live the life we are called to live.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHHJefrQzQVliXENBBehx1moup_78HmGUnSY_17n0sLa27Abf2Bra3v8gyGpNSfk45exN_EbOeNQ3YXa8OIfWFDRiNTHZXGXvtju9qmKmy2lX8n8NACO_5FP9yRi7bX6aafZj23UnMcvH/s1600/dawn-armfield-19725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHHJefrQzQVliXENBBehx1moup_78HmGUnSY_17n0sLa27Abf2Bra3v8gyGpNSfk45exN_EbOeNQ3YXa8OIfWFDRiNTHZXGXvtju9qmKmy2lX8n8NACO_5FP9yRi7bX6aafZj23UnMcvH/s200/dawn-armfield-19725.jpg" width="150" /></a>But all too often, I have also observed those in ministry leadership who succumb to the temptations of life and become involved in adultery, porn, alcoholism, drug abuse and other destroying lifestyles. Please don't misunderstand me. I am not saying that those in ministry will never sin or are never tempted to sin. And I don't judge those who do. I am not suggesting that they can't be forgiven and made whole. But why does the Church choose to elevate and celebrate those leaders who get caught up in these harmful lifestyles and who leave many broken lives in their wake. Why do we hold them up as the standard for coming out of sin and being made whole?<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbWCp1IuAHwGLGp4XjIQoRNfCaKWRLvKgXVorP3P_4tGfIgMv2GGK7ImLSxw18eM8yJNw4dLaLQdL8bsIEgXZmX50TslOd1W0K87cpAcu9ljeQtyHvF2OL7LSLmH3AoJjF4rsOAQWNp6n/s1600/karl-fredrickson-27504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbWCp1IuAHwGLGp4XjIQoRNfCaKWRLvKgXVorP3P_4tGfIgMv2GGK7ImLSxw18eM8yJNw4dLaLQdL8bsIEgXZmX50TslOd1W0K87cpAcu9ljeQtyHvF2OL7LSLmH3AoJjF4rsOAQWNp6n/s200/karl-fredrickson-27504.jpg" width="200" /></a>I have watched as many pastors, music ministers, youth leaders and the like, destroy their lives, their families and their ministries. Then, they go through a short period of counseling, rehab and restoration and all of a sudden, they are writing books, speaking to churches, counseling and proclaiming how they fell into sin and God brought them out and restored them. I don't doubt their testimonies and I don't question that they have been forgiven and made clean and righteous.<br />
<br />
What I do question, is why does the Church celebrate this? What does this say to these leader's spouses, families and children, who are left behind to pick up the pieces of their broken lives? Why doesn't the Church celebrate the minister who sticks in there and does the right thing, not because it's easy, but just because it is right. Sin is the easy way out. It's not difficult giving into temptation. The hard thing is, when facing temptation, trials and forbidden pleasure, saying "no" to them and staying pure and clean.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrgOha6Tl-B27yQpHMwnlblFlnlvYnF1Yjv1vV8u8kgTYvIFDXhcnVeYhVpTd_0U7W7-7rWl_CwBmYxYhNXlOLLB47rlfsobXoWW0sNf5Vn5JRW64eWE0AuWeJjWTeIT5ImHrmf7yXrns/s1600/stephen-radford-121528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRrgOha6Tl-B27yQpHMwnlblFlnlvYnF1Yjv1vV8u8kgTYvIFDXhcnVeYhVpTd_0U7W7-7rWl_CwBmYxYhNXlOLLB47rlfsobXoWW0sNf5Vn5JRW64eWE0AuWeJjWTeIT5ImHrmf7yXrns/s200/stephen-radford-121528.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Some would say that we need these types of testimonies so that when we fall and don't think God will forgive us, we can see other's examples of sin and restoration. There are plenty of testimonies of every day folk, who are brought out of much sin and wrecked and ruined lives. Why do we need these types of testimonies to come from the leadership of the Church? Let them be the ones who show us how <b>not</b> to fall into these harmful lifestyles. Scripture says that God calls and sets apart leaders and shepherds<br />
who are called to a higher standard.<br />
<br />
During the last years of her life, my mom was in a wheel chair. My father, a pastor, had to fix meals for her, bathe her, take her to the restroom, and not have any chance of an intimate relationship with his wife. It was not easy. It wasn't the life he had envisioned for him and my mom. It wasn't pleasant. Every day, he had to make the choice to do what was right and to rely on the Lord to be his strength and constant companion.<br />
<br />
Of course I pray for all leaders who have fallen into sin, just as I hope they would pray for me when I am struggling. I know that the Lord loves them dearly and wants to restore them fully and have them back in the fold. But I wish that the Church would make a way for those in leadership, who are being tempted to fall into grave sin, to be able to share their struggle with someone without the fear of being judged, condemned and ostracized. We should provide a way out before they fall! Maybe then, they could join hands with someone and gain the faith and strength they need to reject sin, to not fall, so that they can live the life they are called to live, without destroying their lives and the lives of those they love.<br />
<br />
From His lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT8Td2qfGI1H9pG9KdqlGhjftLOk_xiEVI-3HWB4n8T7trmujIZVAJToqHFnKCn2IPiGbQ5BlazEfUU0rTm5tUTWP9MrTGokWt2tKPFW7Mw4ZfxCxMw57VhyphenhyphenryGyrpBFxqpofDbGaS2E/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="48" data-original-width="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVFT8Td2qfGI1H9pG9KdqlGhjftLOk_xiEVI-3HWB4n8T7trmujIZVAJToqHFnKCn2IPiGbQ5BlazEfUU0rTm5tUTWP9MrTGokWt2tKPFW7Mw4ZfxCxMw57VhyphenhyphenryGyrpBFxqpofDbGaS2E/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-12922091718687862332016-08-29T15:23:00.001-05:002017-03-14T10:05:12.959-05:00The Tide Took It All Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsL18bXLSQez_MfjzcFj7XzJkbhKj1GuNPA9GwltcuS8Z4Hw9S0NJo5eza-yFMAbxtRqf68_2Y3QZT4GlCMQBBgzi0N52YiXfi960dLjUYvInSitrcXg3RziOTLrwaKpcd4TXG9I3Hd4Z/s1600/oean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsL18bXLSQez_MfjzcFj7XzJkbhKj1GuNPA9GwltcuS8Z4Hw9S0NJo5eza-yFMAbxtRqf68_2Y3QZT4GlCMQBBgzi0N52YiXfi960dLjUYvInSitrcXg3RziOTLrwaKpcd4TXG9I3Hd4Z/s400/oean.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm lying here in the sand while the warmth of the sun
settles over me like a cotton sheet. As I close my eyes, the sounds of the
crashing waves collide with the call of seagulls overhead. The soft ocean
breeze blows over me, tickling the tiny invisible hairs on my body, while each wave of the incoming tide washes over my heart. As the waves retreat, I feel
every care, worry and hurt fade away to some distant place where I
delightfully let them go. Maybe I'll just leave them there.<br />
<br />
My life is busy, just like yours. I work on the corporate staff of a company that oversees 150 franchises. My husband and I are partners/owners of a popular restaurant in Tulsa, OK. Between the 2 of us, we have 7 children and 5 grandchildren. The list of things to do each day never gets completed, adding to tomorrow's duties and my frustration grows as the list grows.<br />
<br />
I've worked outside of the home since I was quite young, and while raising my children. So I'm used to the pace and the daily grind. But this year has been different. This year, things started to "get to me". My heart and soul had been bumped and bruised in several places. My body began to tell me that I'd better slow down and take care of myself. Do you think I listened? I ignored the signs that my body, mind and spirit had simply had enough. I developed a debilitating case of the Shingles that left me home bound and in excruciating pain for a long time. My body basically said, "If you don't listen to me and slow down, I will do it for you." And that's exactly what happened.<br />
<br />
I don't want to bore you with the list of stressful things that were on my list this year; suffice it to say, I needed a break. I needed emotional healing and some rest and relaxation. Hence, the trip to the beach and the therapy it provided! For the first time in my life, I think I truly understand what people mean when they say that if you don't take care of yourself, you can't take care of anyone else. I had reached my limit, poured myself out and had nothing left to give...to myself or others.<br />
<br />
We all have that place we visit, that room in our house, that person to sit with, that refreshes us and fills our soul. For me, it's the ocean. For me, I find healing in just about every aspect of it; the breeze, the waves, the unforgiving sand, the call of the seagulls, the taste of salt on my lips, the tides...it's all healing to me.<br />
<br />
I don't think I'll ever not listen to my body or soul again. Why wait until your body shuts down, or you're emotionally worn out? Make plans now to do whatever gives you renewed strength and hope!<br />
<br />
From His lap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDnenVo_ZcNCtEITD8noIv65B8poD4Q03z4-W53ZT2y60KURpCCehf3o8zJxipm8opaBZ0T6i3EEpaJqk_H7FJnWtG35kClA08NrI2c7AVo3yOM14DcdIXlJnSgPhGNUcGvLYM-edhMoi/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDnenVo_ZcNCtEITD8noIv65B8poD4Q03z4-W53ZT2y60KURpCCehf3o8zJxipm8opaBZ0T6i3EEpaJqk_H7FJnWtG35kClA08NrI2c7AVo3yOM14DcdIXlJnSgPhGNUcGvLYM-edhMoi/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-12396836702119244822016-05-17T23:10:00.000-05:002016-05-17T23:14:23.468-05:00Resting In Him<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzy4R0MISHl0RDnmkppCGFllwRk6RQ0WyOizesndvp1Q1y5xtRN6XvH366bf8O1_Mcqf5q_0-8C2m3TWibGZuHqFFJrXXaeMx-9tAvHogH-16kpBau_sdH9qVK2i4_Vvq_rX63-0_wkrr/s1600/DSC_3159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzy4R0MISHl0RDnmkppCGFllwRk6RQ0WyOizesndvp1Q1y5xtRN6XvH366bf8O1_Mcqf5q_0-8C2m3TWibGZuHqFFJrXXaeMx-9tAvHogH-16kpBau_sdH9qVK2i4_Vvq_rX63-0_wkrr/s320/DSC_3159.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. Open the eyes of my heart. Help me to see how much you love me. Let your grace flow over me like a river and descend on me with your peace. Let me catch a dazzling glimpse of your smile as you delight over me. Oh, Holy One, find every secret place in me and flood it with your love and mercy. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I give you every worry and fear. I turn them all over to you, realizing that everything pales in comparison to the love you have for me. Let every word and action burn away, that doesn't reflect you. I lay it all down at your feet so that I am unburdened to climb onto your lap, lay my head on your chest and feel your heart beat with love for me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There is none like you. None who see me and know me and yet love me so completely. I rest in your arms as you pour out your healing balm over my wounded body and soul. There is no lack or pain when I am with you. You are strength and peace to my tired aching life. The works of your hands are mighty in me, to the pulling down of strongholds. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I find freedom and joy in the solace of your embrace. I see things more clearly through the eyes of your grace and my sin falls away as I'm washed clean. There is no place I'd rather be in the quiet moments when I face myself and know that I can only be whole, in you. In you, I live and move and have my being.</i><br />
<br />
<i>From His Lap,</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITKgY3CNu9rRtCheJYV12enWNMHH57DwvtbIi9DmWpTmmCdp8CG8aHBkLHghjM4WrcNHSmVXr2l2ZEXgX9_FRQw32POxiM37V0ZM1SKGvqakOKvTtPrvUSthP04Ep1SvItudrdMuiyYa/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXITKgY3CNu9rRtCheJYV12enWNMHH57DwvtbIi9DmWpTmmCdp8CG8aHBkLHghjM4WrcNHSmVXr2l2ZEXgX9_FRQw32POxiM37V0ZM1SKGvqakOKvTtPrvUSthP04Ep1SvItudrdMuiyYa/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-89616109398871427492014-02-22T12:56:00.000-06:002014-02-23T15:17:47.580-06:00The Ring on My ThumbAlways. Everyday. I want to feel His presence.<br />
So will I remember to ask Him to walk with me today?<br />
How can I forget how sweet it is to brush shoulders as we walk together...my Lord and I?<br />
I oft feel His hand on my cheek, sometimes brushing away a tear.<br />
How can the God who created the universe walk so close, be so near?<br />
Sometimes, we say nothing. But there are those days when I pour out the hurts that fill my aching heart. Pour them out to Him who washes away the ache and bathes me in His glory.<br />
Our sweetest times are when the gratitude for His grace and mercy fills me to the point that it has to spill out. In these moments, praise and thanksgiving erupts from the altar of my heart and escapes my lips as a song.<br />
I've made my heart an altar. An altar to Him who listens, who speaks. An altar to Him who asks me into His throne room and lets this daughter climb up on His lap. Lets me lean my weary head against His chest. So close.<br />
How could I not want to tarry there? Always? Everyday?<br />
When I rise and when I sleep and those moments in between, will I pause, will I listen for His still small voice?<br />
Will I look into the eyes of those around me and see Him in their lives, His presence there to bless all who would stop and take note?<br />
I wear His ring on my right hand. The ring on the thumb, it doesn't feel natural. I always feel it, notice it, touch it. It's there to remind me, "Have you thought about Him today?" <br />
Always. Everyday. I want to feel His presence.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR_o00UeJbCPH5cnvWpQZHWO05Jflz2rJuO7wZEIRz0mY8gV0p3SvpW4BzJhvBesHkIINpE4BHYtseodTEzL3tdgNs0r-AMnfzza2yBRsy2wqtDLstmmWTrgdmQ7gv4h-04OttvIk6wTg/s1600/Thumb+ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfR_o00UeJbCPH5cnvWpQZHWO05Jflz2rJuO7wZEIRz0mY8gV0p3SvpW4BzJhvBesHkIINpE4BHYtseodTEzL3tdgNs0r-AMnfzza2yBRsy2wqtDLstmmWTrgdmQ7gv4h-04OttvIk6wTg/s1600/Thumb+ring.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
From His lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX62eYekJnaDNKhyDlNIGPJSagSZeaG4g66jRKymbuW52kn-hLsic7soUkfREvP3TaeU-rTi8n5MN-nRKc9KzwJvwBQiSN3pe9-0V1hINdDLk2X4xVxrm46gI3TQw5C7IPC23lke5VsX5/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX62eYekJnaDNKhyDlNIGPJSagSZeaG4g66jRKymbuW52kn-hLsic7soUkfREvP3TaeU-rTi8n5MN-nRKc9KzwJvwBQiSN3pe9-0V1hINdDLk2X4xVxrm46gI3TQw5C7IPC23lke5VsX5/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-75322706820177918072014-01-19T14:26:00.001-06:002014-01-20T13:07:35.403-06:00Will You Let the Son Melt the Ice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6dV6Ngau6lrBNPZIZQ9YCfwGG7JW9Nfy0nPm0I3vMPFMNQEqXZPpZyd_sPz8I3beddMuWwqrGP0qMW_yPLvjflUElfoSIjC8pB_FUYfjnBBV0BUzasdmzy0AjIySAPjZX0kaBdAxfe1f/s1600/_DSC1778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6dV6Ngau6lrBNPZIZQ9YCfwGG7JW9Nfy0nPm0I3vMPFMNQEqXZPpZyd_sPz8I3beddMuWwqrGP0qMW_yPLvjflUElfoSIjC8pB_FUYfjnBBV0BUzasdmzy0AjIySAPjZX0kaBdAxfe1f/s1600/_DSC1778.JPG" height="209" width="320" /></a></div>
In December of 2013, the frigid temperatures, the wind and the humidity swirled in a perfect combination and settled over Tulsa, OK in a thick sheet of ice. Roads became impassable and the sounds of ice covered trees, snapping beneath the weight of the ice, filled the air for several days. Even from inside the house, we could hear the branches break and fall crashing to the ground. Are there things in this life, Dear One, that are weighing you down? Are your burdens heavy and causing your will and your hope to snap and be torn in two? Are you, like these trees, succumbing to the pressures of life?<br />
<br />
Thankfully, there were trees that didn't crumple with the heavy ice. But these trees, that once stood proud and tall, reaching toward heaven, were now, humbly bowed down, touching earth, frozen to the ground. They were unable to free themselves and stretch their boughs to the sky. I went out and stood underneath those branches, where it looked like I was in the middle of a frozen wonderland. Limbs that I could normally never reach, surrounded me on all sides, with the ice shimmering in the sunshine. It was as if I was standing among strands of diamonds!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxBEA1DoUVDJOP7LAMWmlJpe3q0u90y8zFck5DFyB1PbboVV55WoJ-h5rP78Ym-wj6RgqtOGTl6aqWsFuQKCGrFnhaZEyjRT0QiLLAnuBjUwoJObRnZWGK63zJWN4ZhkCWYlt5vb1AyIo/s1600/_DSC1762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZxBEA1DoUVDJOP7LAMWmlJpe3q0u90y8zFck5DFyB1PbboVV55WoJ-h5rP78Ym-wj6RgqtOGTl6aqWsFuQKCGrFnhaZEyjRT0QiLLAnuBjUwoJObRnZWGK63zJWN4ZhkCWYlt5vb1AyIo/s1600/_DSC1762.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI2ddAcLAu30F1ijsk_6zZUthm7FmT-J1bj3TNe7G6AAyyJuQVod-hg8v6oHCCUvS_gyuexvhJ488kUpymnfyY41eOwBbD5nwowOVXDnTaWjzQzwQb-vwji96NsaMWElQcfAKI7y40rqp/s1600/_DSC1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkI2ddAcLAu30F1ijsk_6zZUthm7FmT-J1bj3TNe7G6AAyyJuQVod-hg8v6oHCCUvS_gyuexvhJ488kUpymnfyY41eOwBbD5nwowOVXDnTaWjzQzwQb-vwji96NsaMWElQcfAKI7y40rqp/s1600/_DSC1780.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WuymcKCKuOXgZarw8opiyIuttqRW64R_oRk2inw0K4I_r-ZJ_L24pVz0xUdLuZxJXiwElP2d0wmG1-G2EdbnehkXmnZvw3X-SZLYJWOu86o2OnqdWuQh3oqo9e6AKIrWjkOCtXBW2O6U/s1600/_DSC1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WuymcKCKuOXgZarw8opiyIuttqRW64R_oRk2inw0K4I_r-ZJ_L24pVz0xUdLuZxJXiwElP2d0wmG1-G2EdbnehkXmnZvw3X-SZLYJWOu86o2OnqdWuQh3oqo9e6AKIrWjkOCtXBW2O6U/s1600/_DSC1787.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmW7yf-DsJ1vSyjS7doH0I-suKRT5wOMiYl0MkfXuiCe0q6iij6v-XfSA9sl-MFhvJxCwy5TE9NASU7d9qY7gIhY2c1w7hvcSoDSFDtsb4hxKtwwEX9xQ-W43yCrPMMKtTvd9ojnfytGK/s1600/_DSC1792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmW7yf-DsJ1vSyjS7doH0I-suKRT5wOMiYl0MkfXuiCe0q6iij6v-XfSA9sl-MFhvJxCwy5TE9NASU7d9qY7gIhY2c1w7hvcSoDSFDtsb4hxKtwwEX9xQ-W43yCrPMMKtTvd9ojnfytGK/s1600/_DSC1792.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees that once stood tall, now hung upside down with the weight of the ice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrVTb2MStEkO7_vT0DZ5eQyBzmepI53sdclHHt-z7BSmFXxT8LTIDPakNp8rFz4OXUdL2ehBs-CHTwWozDQftCo8H4kBs0KBWnVusS8QmSiEZMFszMdnzO02woHsjneYMGuqsLrc4FZLI/s1600/_DSC1795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrVTb2MStEkO7_vT0DZ5eQyBzmepI53sdclHHt-z7BSmFXxT8LTIDPakNp8rFz4OXUdL2ehBs-CHTwWozDQftCo8H4kBs0KBWnVusS8QmSiEZMFszMdnzO02woHsjneYMGuqsLrc4FZLI/s1600/_DSC1795.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Standing underneath branches that normally were high above my reach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Not only were the trees encased in ice, but early blooms and buds, that had begun to come to life, were shrouded in a glittering shell. It was all at once, beautiful and disturbing. I wondered, would these delicate blooms be able to continue their growth and blossom and be fruitful, once the ice melted, or would they fall from the vine, unable to go on with life? Do your troubles cover you, stopping you from going forward with life? Do you feel stuck, unable to reach toward the Son? Are you frozen in time by circumstances and fear?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lq5hj_CPNWMP8Pl6MsA0dofKovS1v0k-2jkqi0koM_9zFDXeN1_-V04p6bchoc0X1e9vzl6l3q86do5nTFAwOm3tFFecAgyfe0dRwbn_J8bUUNCMmz3T_QVUND7nbxEdAlSGq4SiFF-p/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lq5hj_CPNWMP8Pl6MsA0dofKovS1v0k-2jkqi0koM_9zFDXeN1_-V04p6bchoc0X1e9vzl6l3q86do5nTFAwOm3tFFecAgyfe0dRwbn_J8bUUNCMmz3T_QVUND7nbxEdAlSGq4SiFF-p/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico08BPhDRNmgMnbG_fcXqWn4OHLu5YRXrgTJxeclQTJdnOL7h74DoMTsfdqrmN86LsQEAkKgpvnxu3Zr3ByoETtW1QVWa93wzgMLkKgfAXc1U27csvnxSOlYlWDrQuE8fCHRr3gr4NA7j/s1600/IMG_3828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico08BPhDRNmgMnbG_fcXqWn4OHLu5YRXrgTJxeclQTJdnOL7h74DoMTsfdqrmN86LsQEAkKgpvnxu3Zr3ByoETtW1QVWa93wzgMLkKgfAXc1U27csvnxSOlYlWDrQuE8fCHRr3gr4NA7j/s1600/IMG_3828.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4xcbMKh82deyujCg9HxxFPmMFJomZKsBxt2YH-QepPVSUO1YI27K9peqlJo4o5u5KcWGo0hgT8vRNx5M6qO1S4CoCg55-Dq_gSJmkNnmzOmzawJdNiQNzm1bTo5fLBAGwSg00S_UGKEK/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4xcbMKh82deyujCg9HxxFPmMFJomZKsBxt2YH-QepPVSUO1YI27K9peqlJo4o5u5KcWGo0hgT8vRNx5M6qO1S4CoCg55-Dq_gSJmkNnmzOmzawJdNiQNzm1bTo5fLBAGwSg00S_UGKEK/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv9kYhvDZNXCEolzXFitMlXypyg4rQ3LWDtIAD_U2phoygBWYsTWjRQPqHeC5BENWW_sAwkpVKtYyj7UFfK6kFIFPL5R7k-LPtlF0dJll9tzE34StlKZVbycv_fpY5tJiXdXLRsEm6Oa3/s1600/IMG_3844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDv9kYhvDZNXCEolzXFitMlXypyg4rQ3LWDtIAD_U2phoygBWYsTWjRQPqHeC5BENWW_sAwkpVKtYyj7UFfK6kFIFPL5R7k-LPtlF0dJll9tzE34StlKZVbycv_fpY5tJiXdXLRsEm6Oa3/s1600/IMG_3844.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBUQNq1dAh66pMDsYCI1y7q6-q-JyCchs_X966zIxYDRzXzpnxz334y33oej1MRlKhzb_EyuMs5MZVdqhStNH1vVwBZNK8KBYd4lTXQMf8GxT69KZNs_cVypdLUngQrhvi0CWZhddkGY0/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBUQNq1dAh66pMDsYCI1y7q6-q-JyCchs_X966zIxYDRzXzpnxz334y33oej1MRlKhzb_EyuMs5MZVdqhStNH1vVwBZNK8KBYd4lTXQMf8GxT69KZNs_cVypdLUngQrhvi0CWZhddkGY0/s1600/IMG_3845.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHW9w0WkO_EY2Gw4AFdOirjhSvLRDWpsGKnv4FzVW63BTml9ikaMlNV8CfBETrIbH_OVwlh7MD28_b99FB_-gEGs_anLjsSh5s5zBN-6z_Esk1oV3sIgqnsURss0Wh1Q2YDHtIyDxTAB7/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicHW9w0WkO_EY2Gw4AFdOirjhSvLRDWpsGKnv4FzVW63BTml9ikaMlNV8CfBETrIbH_OVwlh7MD28_b99FB_-gEGs_anLjsSh5s5zBN-6z_Esk1oV3sIgqnsURss0Wh1Q2YDHtIyDxTAB7/s1600/IMG_3892.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafmCd9iHTOjiRjwVdNM4wSUBQSUcfl86PaAPBcqTvPGv4qD6FxM5R-g7KjLeOyCP23DC6SC7b7udecTJ871586IBMrnqHiKcWkNWVkPur7xSopFVgyHZexf2oejsKUYkO6mF-6XdeS-mJ/s1600/_DSC1767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhafmCd9iHTOjiRjwVdNM4wSUBQSUcfl86PaAPBcqTvPGv4qD6FxM5R-g7KjLeOyCP23DC6SC7b7udecTJ871586IBMrnqHiKcWkNWVkPur7xSopFVgyHZexf2oejsKUYkO6mF-6XdeS-mJ/s1600/_DSC1767.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjPIeg5xeSR5Bn7AfwU_kl_-ovQIz1zfPctUAsBMAAdQzTckuYRrrB63IPC5FreM741VGbl-3PLRDHuzbihiskSHPKcrACUZwL3dS0idPkof4NIXJP2DjXQmqa1nKHcFnqGA3yyD7NjDd/s1600/_DSC1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjPIeg5xeSR5Bn7AfwU_kl_-ovQIz1zfPctUAsBMAAdQzTckuYRrrB63IPC5FreM741VGbl-3PLRDHuzbihiskSHPKcrACUZwL3dS0idPkof4NIXJP2DjXQmqa1nKHcFnqGA3yyD7NjDd/s1600/_DSC1782.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Sure enough, after several days, the warmth of the sun began to melt the ice. You could hear small pieces of ice fall to the ground all around like the sound of breaking glass. We watched in amazement as the biggest, strongest trees, broke loose from the ice. They sprang right back to their proud position tall and reaching for the sky. They basked in the sun, as strong as ever. I wondered, if we drench ourselves in the presence of Christ, can our loads be lifted and can we be set free to reach toward the Son and all of His glory?<br />
<br />
It was then, that I noticed something that broke my heart. The youngest trees, the babies, the ones who were the smallest and weakest; they didn't bounce back when the ice left them. I was confused and asked my husband, why those trees didn't stand back up, tall and strong. The other trees were much heavier and it seemed as though it should have been those trees that had difficulty straightening up. But it was not so. The strong trees had roots that went deep and held firm to the earth that they were buried in. The younger trees, my husband explained, came up by the roots, with the weight of the ice. They weren't deep enough, strong enough, to withstand the elements. <br />
<br />
"Yes, that's it," I thought! If we don't bury ourselves deep in Him, if our root system is shallow and not drinking in from rich deep soil, His Word and His Spirit, than we can be pulled up by the roots. When life and burdens become heavy, we can be uprooted, lose hope and not stand tall and finish our race, our high calling!<br />
<br />
If you are going through times that are trying and testing you, causing you to be weighed down, take heart. I encourage you to make time with Him, in His Word, worshipping Him. Send your roots deep, until you can't tell where you begin and the Son ends. Become entwined, enmeshed in His heart. Let Him bear your burdens and walk with you. Tell Him your deepest hurts and fears.<br />
<br />
The Son can melt that which is too heavy for you to bear. He will be your grace and keep you strong.<br />
<br />
From His lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk02vLUQqZ9VMDu62NEHu9Iz_2jLSWbJTS9rD4s5qgbI5CjQT6348zcVg2xR-fl8SRoeEmhakhUDKUL1C4mZtOHiYq3OxaOZ0ynm0mgWGNrD7a2h45VhhkDj3P9TEi5EWR9ynuzfrEbw_p/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk02vLUQqZ9VMDu62NEHu9Iz_2jLSWbJTS9rD4s5qgbI5CjQT6348zcVg2xR-fl8SRoeEmhakhUDKUL1C4mZtOHiYq3OxaOZ0ynm0mgWGNrD7a2h45VhhkDj3P9TEi5EWR9ynuzfrEbw_p/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-65422928603929863222013-08-23T11:16:00.001-05:002013-08-23T11:16:32.820-05:00The Messiness of FaithMost people don't like the messiness of faith. But faith can only exist in a world where life is difficult. Otherwise, there would be no need for it. Whatever God calls us to, will challenge us. It won't be easy and it won't just fall in our laps. Walking out our unique path won't always come without stones in the road, or detours, or pitfalls. The thing about faith, is that He is with us through all of those challenges. That's the beauty of faith...even at it's messiest.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAISCjkwwKgHhymV4T6c_q7KfuS61JMas_1Bs-Gy2xlHG6POyd9nsKoLbdP7P5bQtNY1UcJP57SWhogbjDj2n8tuAmfRGRtxQyJnsDIECHoHvVc8Ut8ns8_ZS_bwJ66pFtt9xRen9FtGZy/s1600/DSC_3761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAISCjkwwKgHhymV4T6c_q7KfuS61JMas_1Bs-Gy2xlHG6POyd9nsKoLbdP7P5bQtNY1UcJP57SWhogbjDj2n8tuAmfRGRtxQyJnsDIECHoHvVc8Ut8ns8_ZS_bwJ66pFtt9xRen9FtGZy/s320/DSC_3761.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
When life seems to hit the fan and fall apart, He wants us to talk to Him first, before doing anything else. Scripture says that He is a very present help in time of trouble. Turning to Him, orienting our hearts towards Him, opens the door for Him working on our behalf, and in so doing...relying on Him...builds our faith. Going to the place that doesn't change, (God's presence), causes things in us, to change.<br />
<br />
We think it's okay to believe, as long as it doesn't interfere with the way we act, the way we think, the way we treat people. If we dare to really think about what we believe, it messes with us. It makes us step outside of our boundaries and the places where we feel safe. It changes us and it changes how we live. Most of us assume that when things get messy, we have stepped outside of faith and are walking in places where we shouldn't be. But God calls us to be uncomfortable, to be stretched, to be challenged.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, I wake up in the morning and think, "God, can I tackle this again today? Do I want to engage in the messiness of where you are taking me?". When I have these doubts, I know that He understands why I have them and He isn't offended. But He wants me to repent of my doubt and to allow Him to be at work in me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm5Z1KVv-MSUWInTeECAyoMqjljE0IEleCDXecdrLLb5mlikwizGi2Pyv9vf7U5pvwCqtLT9X-I40-LSJUkHlTg46DersI7sj6YjMk5f1tHMq1UL7cin14m12OE0ogx2UbsIA0F0qbIfY/s1600/Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm5Z1KVv-MSUWInTeECAyoMqjljE0IEleCDXecdrLLb5mlikwizGi2Pyv9vf7U5pvwCqtLT9X-I40-LSJUkHlTg46DersI7sj6YjMk5f1tHMq1UL7cin14m12OE0ogx2UbsIA0F0qbIfY/s320/Road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If your life is messy and not going in the direction you think it should be, settle down, go to the place that never changes and wait upon the Lord. He will speak to your heart about the next step. He will comfort your hurts and hold you until you've worked out your next step with Him. A friend shared this Scripture with me this week: <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">"God,
the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your
salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to
save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete
dependence on me." — Isaiah 30:15 Did you catch that? Settle down in complete dependence! Faith is messy and faith is hard, but we have His instruction to settle down and depend on Him. That's where I want to be!</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">No matter if God is leading me through a place that is challenging or if life is throwing me curve balls, I want to want to step out in faith, walk through the messiness, depending on Him. I don't want to miss out on a life of meaning and purpose, just because I'm afraid to let go and let God!</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/LA_uwWPE6lQ/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/LA_uwWPE6lQ&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/LA_uwWPE6lQ&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><br /></span>
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">From His Lap,</span><br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">~Erin</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-47892627501417234752012-10-29T15:38:00.000-05:002012-10-29T15:38:03.532-05:00That's About the Size of It!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr6W7MRpVgXFOD1yNfXVS9JdPwYKm5h_KdHGmz5HySwDZivHeW0ZcBidG60MVHfjjxEzMccVELDKbYaq8EddudNLQbxOhCz1S28c3satZnzAvTH0dYQMOClW5oGBOCqCn-M7cALuArssR/s1600/Front+porch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidr6W7MRpVgXFOD1yNfXVS9JdPwYKm5h_KdHGmz5HySwDZivHeW0ZcBidG60MVHfjjxEzMccVELDKbYaq8EddudNLQbxOhCz1S28c3satZnzAvTH0dYQMOClW5oGBOCqCn-M7cALuArssR/s200/Front+porch.jpg" width="200" /></a>One evening, early this summer, I was enjoying a few moments of quiet on my front porch. It's where I go to listen to my waterfall and wind chimes and to hear from God. On this particular evening, I was watching the goldfish in my pond. My husband and son had built this pond for me a couple of years ago for Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUCvJcW0z6AlKU5F3_Ub6EdKZnXTOf585MX6-Z4KqLVfQm74ZJIKONXSfidSt8yLtzo3cqNYMQpZdzlg3imWsT-PoTtD2_IAggiUjzbdWIbcsO41pVXIroUqaEKVR_IowNN1az2aX3TsN/s1600/bowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUCvJcW0z6AlKU5F3_Ub6EdKZnXTOf585MX6-Z4KqLVfQm74ZJIKONXSfidSt8yLtzo3cqNYMQpZdzlg3imWsT-PoTtD2_IAggiUjzbdWIbcsO41pVXIroUqaEKVR_IowNN1az2aX3TsN/s200/bowl.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
In the pond are three goldfish. We had purchased them from Wal-Mart several years ago when our son was younger. When we got them, they were each less than an inch long. They were kept in a bowl on the counter and over about a year's time, they didn't seem to grow much at all. Then, my husband built a tiny little pond in the back yard and we put the fish in there. They grew a couple of inches while they lived in that pond for about 2 years. Then, we built that much bigger pond by my front porch and moved the fish, once again, to a new home. Since we put them in this pond, they have grown several inches. They are quite beautiful and have developed shimmering white tails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRUkGwcyRDVzN-vS0NjVsSZFNvgqDk-j7b-9GtNprQWEoYAxbfYYCAqgZ7DkGcQ2vzRf2azZ2GnXOpM2-P7XTf_OjOtAcncMY7bKuRVb4We6xG_TT6cokpNuTnyeCyqhJKK72XvNCSGwA/s1600/Pond+with+fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRUkGwcyRDVzN-vS0NjVsSZFNvgqDk-j7b-9GtNprQWEoYAxbfYYCAqgZ7DkGcQ2vzRf2azZ2GnXOpM2-P7XTf_OjOtAcncMY7bKuRVb4We6xG_TT6cokpNuTnyeCyqhJKK72XvNCSGwA/s200/Pond+with+fish.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
That summer night, as I sat there watching those fish, I sensed the Lord speaking to my heart. He showed me how each time, as the fish were placed in new, unfamiliar environments, bigger environments, they grew. (I read later that gold fish actually grow according to the size of the space they are placed in.) What if thats how it works with us? What if, when we allow the Lord to move us into new situations and circumstances, our faith grows or our dreams grow? The Lord showed me that if I wanted to go grow spiritually and emotionally, I would have to allow Him to move me to unfamiliar and maybe even scary territory. Had I become complacent and content with the condition of my heart, spiritually? Had I stopped growing, feeling secure right where I was?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpB-hFHYi1BKWQqt92epqi1MS4C5viNcwJLB4OLaNlBaE0G8AWlCTgOhtuBQmoMO0lYj5bGPC1CqNGjBt7_68A3INlik4hEzWH0jizs5WUbkeci0G_KQbXT1TN3IlJyU69MmLFqyiEjf7/s1600/big+fish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfpB-hFHYi1BKWQqt92epqi1MS4C5viNcwJLB4OLaNlBaE0G8AWlCTgOhtuBQmoMO0lYj5bGPC1CqNGjBt7_68A3INlik4hEzWH0jizs5WUbkeci0G_KQbXT1TN3IlJyU69MmLFqyiEjf7/s1600/big+fish2.jpg" /></a></div>
Little did I know, as I sat there that evening, how God's words about those goldfish would stir my heart again and again. I couldn't have known that my summer would be full of new and scary and unfamiliar experiences. But the Lord had prepared my heart. He had shown me that if I was willing, if I would only trust Him, He would take me to and through new places that would cause me to grow; grow in my faith, grow in strength and most of all, see miracles of complete restoration and healing in relationships that would change my world, as I knew it.<br />
<br />
My dear friend, if you are facing new and uncertain circumstances, if God is leading you to higher ground, it's only because He wants you to grow. Each time you allow Him to take to to a new place, you will experience glorious and beautiful growth. He wants you to expand the borders of your heart and walk out your dreams and hopes. He will surely walk with you and cover you with grace. Don't let the fear of growth and change hold you back from experiencing all that God has for you in this life. <br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-18127260730908066282012-07-15T17:17:00.000-05:002016-08-29T15:42:57.507-05:00Labels LieThis post is going to be a tough one for me because I'm going to expose a label that has been tattooed across my heart for a long time. I've decided to expose it to the light and have it removed. If you follow my blog, you know that I was raised in a Christian home by amazing parents, who taught me the love of Christ. They lived a life of seeking Him and putting Him first in our family.<br />
<br />
In high school, I never drank, smoked, cussed or ran around with boys. You see, I believed what my parents taught me about living a pure life, one devoted to Christ. I married a Christian. We started our family and attended Bible school. I thought our family would continue on in the manner in which I was raised, a God centered family life.<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;">
<br /></div>
And then, life happened. We had 3 beautiful children. Things began to go wrong, love was fought for and lost, and my husband and I divorced. I'm not sure how it even happened, but it did. After several years, I met my 2nd husband and we became engaged. Shortly after our engagement, I got pregnant. Needless to say, this is when the labeling began.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX3JD5ZO-JrKY5Ywvp8i74HNqpl1fD_C7HEmtWpx6J3BchHLTlXn47hlQink3kM_2ozFTWtqcu2qo7Qg37ZAHeBP8SeP7zaqI404_eZ4HCvHP-Ig1sG04pgXv9IQ-l1WX_uyknD_CUP5X/s1600/depressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFX3JD5ZO-JrKY5Ywvp8i74HNqpl1fD_C7HEmtWpx6J3BchHLTlXn47hlQink3kM_2ozFTWtqcu2qo7Qg37ZAHeBP8SeP7zaqI404_eZ4HCvHP-Ig1sG04pgXv9IQ-l1WX_uyknD_CUP5X/s320/depressed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I had to tell my family about the pregnancy. I was told by some members of my family that this child I was carrying, out of wedlock, would never be accepted or loved like my other children. Some people told me that I disgusted them. There were times when I would walk towards friends at church and they would turn the other way when they saw me coming. Thus, the label that became tattooed across my heart..."FAILURE"!<br />
<br />Some Christians are just as guilty as anyone at pinning labels on others. They think that if they've never gotten a divorce, if they've never gotten pregnant before they were married, if they've not had to start life over, they are a success and that those other people are beneath them. Somehow, I think attaching labels to others, allows people to not to have to face their own shortcomings. They don't even realize in the process they are giving themselves labels like "BETTER THAN" and "RIGHTEOUS".<br />
<br />
Now, I am a grace person. I am even part of a group called <a href="http://www.potsc.com/">People of the Second Chance</a> (POTSC). This is a group that believes in extending radical grace to those who have been labeled and feel like there is no grace for them. We love on and show mercy and grace to hurting people who feel like they can never be accepted by God, the Church or just people in general. So, you see, I am a grace person. <br />
<br />
I try to place value and preciousness on everyone I come across; to see them as my Heavenly Father sees them. It wasn't until recently, that I realized I haven't extended that same grace to myself. While I have given my heart over to my Father, there is a part of it I have kept from Him; the part that is labelled "FAILURE". That part, I have kept from Him, in the dark, in secret. And when I try to go to that place in my heart, I can still hear the words that were spoken to me so many years ago as if it was just yesterday. It's as if I get the tattoo redone every time I visit that place. The colors become more vivid instead of fading with time. Labels lie to us and tell us that we are something we are not. And as we believe the lie, it slowly changes us into a person who we were not meant to be. Labels steal, kill and destroy.<br />
<br />
This son that I had, 16 years ago, was no surprise to God! God knew I would have this child from the beginning of time, just as He knew I would have my other children. He has a plan for Him like He has a plan for each of my other children. He is an amazing child with the most tender heart and a capacity to love and be kind, like no one else that I know. He is a gift. He is loved by my family. How could having this gift, make me a "FAILURE".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs8mveZGTIZpWEgsy_kJcXQsbRAw6OtpW7as_tIQ5y6BAISzi9yC0IsP8eVhoVeZdHwX7wwLCGcjqnRv0akSN86t7Bo8QW98WsfqPdiW9P2MGNlG6whjF68uVF6xE-aVWB_3PhZ8zY0B/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSs8mveZGTIZpWEgsy_kJcXQsbRAw6OtpW7as_tIQ5y6BAISzi9yC0IsP8eVhoVeZdHwX7wwLCGcjqnRv0akSN86t7Bo8QW98WsfqPdiW9P2MGNlG6whjF68uVF6xE-aVWB_3PhZ8zY0B/s320/DSC_0458.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And so, I've decided to uncover the tattoo of that label on my heart. I've laid it bare before the Lord. I'm going to let the blood of Jesus wash over it and take it away. I've heard tattoo removal is painful, so I suspect this won't be easy. I'll have to change my way of thinking about myself. I'll have to extend the same grace that I extend to others, to myself. I'll have to come up with a different label to tattoo there..like maybe GREAT MOTHER, or maybe, DAUGHTER OF THE KING, or maybe, just SINNER, SAVED BY GRACE. <br />
<br />My dear friend, if you have tattooed any labels across your heart, that are interfering with you being the person God created you to be, make the tough decision to remove them. Regardless of what you have done or been, in the past, God wants to make you new and whole and clean. The only label He has for you is "Child of God". It's not easy to get rid of labels, but God makes a way. The Scriptures, in Philippians, says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." These are the ways that you should be thinking about yourself. If you have sin in your life, know that you are not your sin, repent of it and let Him make you clean and whole again.<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimclHd7J-JJpfhygDUADECTjbJzUKi3hT2J6TUimFbaBGTVXORXz0q91Tp68yy-rGbE4Tf1zO-BfQFaeQCs_FeDvxm-vi8p_aVgx4__XJ90YjLIigW-sRnYW4ShhRQp-eHFgiK5Jaa1YC0/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimclHd7J-JJpfhygDUADECTjbJzUKi3hT2J6TUimFbaBGTVXORXz0q91Tp68yy-rGbE4Tf1zO-BfQFaeQCs_FeDvxm-vi8p_aVgx4__XJ90YjLIigW-sRnYW4ShhRQp-eHFgiK5Jaa1YC0/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com72tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-13319475524583209592012-07-09T17:58:00.000-05:002013-01-14T12:19:42.205-06:00Grace and LawThis morning, as I awoke, I felt a stirring in my heart. I understood right away, that the Lord had been speaking to me in my sleep. I knew exactly what He was reminding me of, and it didn't leave me with the most settled feeling. It felt more like He was showing me things that maybe, I didn't want to see and telling me things that, maybe, I didn't want to hear. I knew that it was an exhortation and admonition from the Lord.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I focus a lot of my writing on the grace and tender mercies of God. I do this because people tend to be so hard on themselves and on others. The Lord wants us to see ourselves and others as He sees us. He created us to be works in progress, ever growing and evolving in Him. He knows we've not reached perfection, yet He loves us through all our mess. That's why I write about His grace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8ukb5Rs7pXSq0wLDMRMzowkRB3CoDShM6tlUpO-yf_dpbCkKaEFY-eGHqVs0KLgk2jbtplPqvTpr3ly1DCT9Iz6JpVwRYzz6yvFY6Ih1slmohgTQs-qUuirPhJc3fyBI96NwllsU7jDC/s1600/DSCF1625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8ukb5Rs7pXSq0wLDMRMzowkRB3CoDShM6tlUpO-yf_dpbCkKaEFY-eGHqVs0KLgk2jbtplPqvTpr3ly1DCT9Iz6JpVwRYzz6yvFY6Ih1slmohgTQs-qUuirPhJc3fyBI96NwllsU7jDC/s320/DSCF1625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
But God is not grace alone. There are 2 sides to God. He is grace <b>and</b> He is law. As Christians, we are to look to the Scriptures to get an understanding of how He wants us to live and to know what is sin and what is not. God's law is not to prevent us from enjoying life, but to keep us safe, keep us holy and help us remain pure and in fellowship with Him. Adherence to the Word of God does not put us in prison, contrary to what you might think. It actually sets us free...free from conforming to the world's views of how we should act, think and live.<br />
<br />
Our society would have us believe that we are to be tolerant and accepting of anything, "as long as no one gets hurt." Christians are shamed and scoffed for calling sin, "sin". While we are being chastised for being intolerant, we are one of the least tolerated groups that I am aware of. But the Bible is clear on sin. We can't say, "I am a Christian, but I'm only going to believe the Scriptures that make me feel good and I'm not going to espouse the Scriptures that make me or others feel uncomfortable." <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi2E7ODkx5I7k6Y75yNMY0ZqXAKyqqDQidbDlhyphenhyphenviKqjkRIV2IlzTQK8nrjI-I3BwopPA__7mLlyiYAv5B2qlfFQcTH2eBZ2coy_cc9EbX1MBsABqNTNutGBSktfx-9T5SgBacNitP383/s1600/Fatherson+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi2E7ODkx5I7k6Y75yNMY0ZqXAKyqqDQidbDlhyphenhyphenviKqjkRIV2IlzTQK8nrjI-I3BwopPA__7mLlyiYAv5B2qlfFQcTH2eBZ2coy_cc9EbX1MBsABqNTNutGBSktfx-9T5SgBacNitP383/s320/Fatherson+time.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Matthew 18:15-17 is very specific on how to deal with sin. 15 "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." This Scripture addresses one Christian dealing with another Christian who has sinned against them. It not only shows that we are to address sin, but that we are not to be doormats when someone is sinning against us. It shows us how we can address the sin, without attacking the person. And just remember, if we adhere to this way of handling sin, we just might be the one who others have to confront. There will be times when someone has to come to us and let us know that we have sinned against them!<br />
<br />
Now, having said all that, remember...I'm a grace person. I write about grace and mercy almost every time I sit down to write. So don't jump on me here and say that I'm being judgmental. These are the things that the Lord was speaking to my heart as I slept last night. He wanted me to remind my readers of the "law" side of Him.<br />
<br />
We are not to label people, we are to label sin! I recently read a post by <a href="http://cathysvoicenow.wordpress.com/2012/07/08/labeled-by-truth/">Cathy Morton</a>, in which she asked "Do you label others before you know their truth?" This statement resonated with me, because it's exactly how I try to live my life. I fail miserably at times, judging and labeling a person without trying to understand what their story is or where they are coming from. But I can say that I am learning more and more, everyday, to see people and love them, as the Lord sees and loves them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXXjyCTDuBFP_jkyA-0tHsY9FM2g5YM_XqWXbg9GH4S31YK1Aux0bQHqvfLniycS8fvd7MnmvDA-SM4dBXKX-lLSTrks5uNIXoVAI2gTbQIWCTD1DrJ0MnbaIF7jvaUsfPhZ9nPeiHcTj/s1600/Moses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeXXjyCTDuBFP_jkyA-0tHsY9FM2g5YM_XqWXbg9GH4S31YK1Aux0bQHqvfLniycS8fvd7MnmvDA-SM4dBXKX-lLSTrks5uNIXoVAI2gTbQIWCTD1DrJ0MnbaIF7jvaUsfPhZ9nPeiHcTj/s1600/Moses.jpg" /></a></div>
Don't ever forget about God's grace and mercy towards you! But don't forget about His law either. Walk out each day, spending time with Him, getting to know how He would have you live. Be quick to repent when you know you have sinned and receive forgiveness and cleansing! Be sure to extend that forgiveness towards those who have hurt you, as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-87686939050823877632012-07-01T18:38:00.000-05:002012-07-01T18:38:44.080-05:00Texting Causes "Blindness"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWUI3E73fhO0QiiAOcCVvF9W-0CFTEAW5jTlGex5E2xiO_pkiKzECNcn4_Oyn6U-iz685qRFsYNygdlZ_0E5ANeNpfcnuZ8JMrJ8530ZEL7n-sdQkU2-e6f9LBdMMsj5w3fD1Yaid9FlQ/s1600/texting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWUI3E73fhO0QiiAOcCVvF9W-0CFTEAW5jTlGex5E2xiO_pkiKzECNcn4_Oyn6U-iz685qRFsYNygdlZ_0E5ANeNpfcnuZ8JMrJ8530ZEL7n-sdQkU2-e6f9LBdMMsj5w3fD1Yaid9FlQ/s320/texting.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Recently I have been privy to observe some teenage girls texting each other. I'll admit, I am shocked at the ease with which they are able to text hateful and mean spirited messages back and forth. I started taking notice to the things young kids were posting on each other's Facebook walls, as well. The name calling, bullying and insults fly back and forth without them ever batting an eye. And why should they bat that proverbial eye? They are not present to see the damage their words are causing the the person to whom they're being spoken. In this manner, texting can cause blindness. If we can't see it, we're not responsible for it.<br />
<br />
I fear that we are raising a generation that can say things through texting, twitter, Facebook and the likes, without having to face or "see" the consequences and the damage their words cause. It's so easy for them to call people names and tell them they hate them, when they're not standing face to face with the person. If we, as parents, are not careful, we will have children who grow up, completely cold, calloused and blind to the feelings of others. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6EBlM_mGIugypxcttOXylFruL1g6tGwVT9VjgltzzLU6lHJuNwWkWgrdOv6oYsrNDuf1hXSMuXHP8BOsCVYpZ4gF_B2TrcupyNhRSmRI14ao01HwIepLRFs0-u6ZxBHj4g46X1ovQ0W/s1600/text.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1T6EBlM_mGIugypxcttOXylFruL1g6tGwVT9VjgltzzLU6lHJuNwWkWgrdOv6oYsrNDuf1hXSMuXHP8BOsCVYpZ4gF_B2TrcupyNhRSmRI14ao01HwIepLRFs0-u6ZxBHj4g46X1ovQ0W/s320/text.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
When I was growing up ("texting", "Facebook" and "twitter" had never even been heard of), we didn't even talk to each other like that over the phone, much less, in person. I remember being angry with friends and my parents taking me over to their houses to talk to them and work out our issues. It was never easy to look a friend or a school mate in the eye and tell them how I felt or accuse them of something I thought they had done. But there's something to be said for looking someone in the eye and gauging our language and tone of voice on how they are reacting to what they are being told.<br />
<br />
How easy is it to type in a text and tell somebody off, or to be cruel over Facebook posts, or call someone names on twitter? Mean and hurtful words cause pain and damage. People are less likely to use those kinds of words if they are face to face with someone. If we do say something cruel to a person we are standing in front of, we are forced to see the effects our words cause. <br />
<br />
How will the next generation communicate effectively, when most communication is done through electronic means now. It's much easier to "shoot" someone a "happy birthday" message on their Facebook page rather than take the time to go pick out a birthday card and drop it in the mail. It takes little or no emotional toll or responsibility to break up with someone over a text. And, heck, why not quit a job via email? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7parHrtPSVbU7VOb2upM9Tu_d-CExYfHeB9f7JKcbU8FuLpvDOWIOknxM3-hDvrtlih4Lr1GAoBVKeliHAuCUfo63kHwjdxkt8uirjwFwm8qv_81MasDBJdrd3zFO61GTVd8zfBSPdOxo/s1600/fb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7parHrtPSVbU7VOb2upM9Tu_d-CExYfHeB9f7JKcbU8FuLpvDOWIOknxM3-hDvrtlih4Lr1GAoBVKeliHAuCUfo63kHwjdxkt8uirjwFwm8qv_81MasDBJdrd3zFO61GTVd8zfBSPdOxo/s320/fb.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We have to lead by example. If our children constantly see us sending texts to friends, relatives and spouses, they will not learn to communicate by talking directly with people. I'm not saying that social media is bad, per se. I use it, myself. But I am a firm believer in face to face or over the phone conversations whenever possible. I prefer looking someone in the eye and seeing their reaction to my words and adjusting accordingly. Sometimes I may need to be firmer in my words and tone, and other times, I need to soften how I'm saying something. How could I ever discern that through a text? <br />
<br />
If you are a parent, I challenge you, to make sure that your children know how to hold tough conversations, be responsible for the consequences of their words, and to understand the effects their words have on the person they are speaking them to. Let's make sure that they grow up as caring and compassionate people, understanding the power of their words.<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMrFPtspSjm0exBNPDfAzetytUpfn9f6nTWunWDV9PVxDse_V1_fkQ8xncZiuEY9y2-dyDFruco6sonO_bqbUYwBFdAs2lfslmMRaix6PelFOCTAHCsXLMP2zZHqS4oqjq-DJzBE1dQl7/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMrFPtspSjm0exBNPDfAzetytUpfn9f6nTWunWDV9PVxDse_V1_fkQ8xncZiuEY9y2-dyDFruco6sonO_bqbUYwBFdAs2lfslmMRaix6PelFOCTAHCsXLMP2zZHqS4oqjq-DJzBE1dQl7/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-25373970077533861112012-06-21T17:33:00.001-05:002012-08-27T08:40:24.060-05:00Deposits and Withdrawals in the Love BankDo you look at your marriage through God's eyes? Do you see your spouse the way God does? Do you know what your spouse sees when he looks at you? These are tough questions, but reflecting on them can be a real eye opener.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRBqQ8ZTG9YYnapzIW9FXtKMuqvVAiAk9Mp4sNSRKy9DZnBlQmUUFdXwujsnl4izWCVuos-Vs5mrajeS0-danj_YJPT3hXg5BbtPD53DjQHwdVRpbqZwKraZ3qXoBXLULlD7M17uGMY1R/s1600/DSCF0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRBqQ8ZTG9YYnapzIW9FXtKMuqvVAiAk9Mp4sNSRKy9DZnBlQmUUFdXwujsnl4izWCVuos-Vs5mrajeS0-danj_YJPT3hXg5BbtPD53DjQHwdVRpbqZwKraZ3qXoBXLULlD7M17uGMY1R/s200/DSCF0747.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Marriage is hard...very hard. Anyone who tells you it isn't is either lying to themselves or to you. Blending together two different people with two different backgrounds and two different personalities could almost seemed doomed from the start. But the good news is, God wants to be right in the middle of the mix. His presence in your marriage takes what is hard, and makes it also good and sweet and comforting.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxhQdcG4tDvgtUL85bSsWysUIXSXQsneQOuW47BvnscmnQHL4e9iLcDMDXvl23NRY56fvo6TGTvSmtQvJy8baLfWzt_NjUXHO7fOChEr_Y8E4EUiVLwmOKPZHOAYjzvB-xb8Xwnh1sJXq/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxhQdcG4tDvgtUL85bSsWysUIXSXQsneQOuW47BvnscmnQHL4e9iLcDMDXvl23NRY56fvo6TGTvSmtQvJy8baLfWzt_NjUXHO7fOChEr_Y8E4EUiVLwmOKPZHOAYjzvB-xb8Xwnh1sJXq/s200/images.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
I hear so many people say that they don't care what their spouse thinks; if there is something they want to do, they are going to do it regardless of what their spouse thinks. Selfishness seems to run rampant in marriage. I can guarantee you, that is not the way God designed marriage to work, and it won't work that way for very long. Jesus is our example of having a servant's heart. Even while being betrayed and spat upon, He loved and forgave and went to the cross for the guilty ones. I'm not suggesting that we suffer abuse or violence. I'm talking about the ebb and flow of every day life, the things that upset and frustrate us, the actions that make us mad and try our patience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHQFXHdITTTGK_YqiUAuuiAyp5QDdNDFp-gnpqJrwqUE-NC8HTxWTHwdViPZvfXathsxJQMs8n02OS5RqTHUm1yhWAVUzrEFr3pybMFsCUhXYd5LoxeLwyXIWT-mzbrEOIDcICHu5sVL/s1600/DSCF0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0AHQFXHdITTTGK_YqiUAuuiAyp5QDdNDFp-gnpqJrwqUE-NC8HTxWTHwdViPZvfXathsxJQMs8n02OS5RqTHUm1yhWAVUzrEFr3pybMFsCUhXYd5LoxeLwyXIWT-mzbrEOIDcICHu5sVL/s200/DSCF0073.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I see marriage like a dance, weaving and moving to different beats and rhythms, trying not to step on each other's feet, sometimes holding close and other times at a distance, but always trying to move together. There are days that my husband leads the dance and others days when I am in the lead. But the music we are moving to is the breath of God on our relationship. If we let Him orchestrate the dance, there is always hope, always forgiveness, always love.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LKdzh0oZ8Cr778YLlZwaHtBZ8YN2y_K3MjRjQA8WXiaor5bzjXOoHQLhTJKcKEnMeYMN0FQ769ryVCCQXbtwKWatNoMb3N5D-nWduP9V3TSCSnpwrbhzeNVQG1WbgPQwsl0FaBxoiMVB/s1600/image0-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LKdzh0oZ8Cr778YLlZwaHtBZ8YN2y_K3MjRjQA8WXiaor5bzjXOoHQLhTJKcKEnMeYMN0FQ769ryVCCQXbtwKWatNoMb3N5D-nWduP9V3TSCSnpwrbhzeNVQG1WbgPQwsl0FaBxoiMVB/s320/image0-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom and dad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we get out of step or out of sorts with each other, it's usually because we have our eyes on ourselves and not on the other person. Wouldn't marriage be a wonder if we were both trying to outdo the other on serving each other? What would that look like? I watched my parents do that very thing until the day my mom left this earth. It was truly something to behold. Taking turns, one depositing love, one making a withdrawal. Always making sure the account never ran dry!<br />
<br />
If you have days when you are weak and troubled by life, wouldn't it be a joy to have your spouse recognize it and do what they could to minister to you, until you are so filled up with the love they're giving you, that you are back on top? The secret is that you should be doing that for them too. Somebody has to give up the idea of being "right" and be the first one to say, "I'll be the one. I'll be unselfish towards you, even when I don't want to. Even when I don't feel like it." Can you be that one? Can you give up your right to be right and instead, look for ways to minister to your spouse? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT669XbxxtDJ89LypzZtfxuQVz_be-1HvFGnoW96-Pc5rV2cRBGJAGvjkX7347fBIAgO1zSZZk7_sFn84AOGTA6QdwnJWOkzaUm_ZwXPU-xeKain4nLlT0i9PgpqBjKPHFGUBnSpDhs_3D/s1600/DSC01475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT669XbxxtDJ89LypzZtfxuQVz_be-1HvFGnoW96-Pc5rV2cRBGJAGvjkX7347fBIAgO1zSZZk7_sFn84AOGTA6QdwnJWOkzaUm_ZwXPU-xeKain4nLlT0i9PgpqBjKPHFGUBnSpDhs_3D/s200/DSC01475.JPG" width="200" /></a>As you spend time with God, His strength will build in you and you will find yourself not reacting to your spouse in anger or frustration so quickly. You might even see them through the eyes of God. You can ask the Lord to show you what your spouse needs from you. Now, I know sometimes it's lonely to be the one to start having a servant's heart toward your honey when they aren't acting the same way towards you. You may have to make a lot of love deposits before you get to make a withdrawal. But I promise you, God is faithful and wants our marriages to work...and not just work...but be happy and fulfilling for both people.<br />
<br />
What things do you do to make love deposits in your marriage account? Are you making more withdrawals than deposits? What changes can you make to bring God into the mix of your marriage so that it isn't just hard, but also sweet?<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-6488038485400801752012-06-20T08:56:00.002-05:002012-06-20T08:56:40.024-05:00I'm Building a House!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumuldDr0kn_ayGpzLKKus_Rvko54O458WrIT4E-eXkan9b_qjRuuO2q14vBfPh00CFgNfQoOIsEbnQU5_jnZ4uCJ8hR_ffQJ28uRAoLnY71GVJv8HKOcXxVuBoAOlpb1Tu3GGsRCuUlsK/s1600/church25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumuldDr0kn_ayGpzLKKus_Rvko54O458WrIT4E-eXkan9b_qjRuuO2q14vBfPh00CFgNfQoOIsEbnQU5_jnZ4uCJ8hR_ffQJ28uRAoLnY71GVJv8HKOcXxVuBoAOlpb1Tu3GGsRCuUlsK/s320/church25.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Many of us refer to our churches as, "the house of God", and that is how it should be. Where we go to worship <b><i>is</i></b> the house of God. Last week, my daughter and I went downtown in our city to take pictures. We went inside some of the churches there to see what they looked like. They were so beautiful and clean and showed honor to God in every corner. There were stunning stained glass windows, pipe organs, polished pews, crosses, Bibles and hymnals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkd3TVFyWTB-484vrX5nl5YxhyTvAg7XuZ1TbPHtJ8Cuc_KXjmVAgl6kekqO1fN7vpjqEbRqBS749ixvDRImE1ZaPBHqCqvtqqgZp31TYYWJlNbwVakyxCKgax6ojhJ9qvqRjsUsmBZG8/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkd3TVFyWTB-484vrX5nl5YxhyTvAg7XuZ1TbPHtJ8Cuc_KXjmVAgl6kekqO1fN7vpjqEbRqBS749ixvDRImE1ZaPBHqCqvtqqgZp31TYYWJlNbwVakyxCKgax6ojhJ9qvqRjsUsmBZG8/s200/church.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
We were struck with how much care and preparation was put into making God's house holy. Everywhere we looked were symbols of holiness. And it should be just that way. When we meet to pray and fellowship, we love for our house of worship to be a place where God's presence is welcome. Our churches are symbols of where God lives, because people come there to invite and welcome Him in. We are aware of His presence there. We give Him praise there. We worship and adore Him there. We take heed to His word there. We repent and ask forgiveness there. He makes us clean there! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoT2aV7rWhWyCJ8dVVxXY0QUq2a2naqoNNVU6nmcoKMFk5EjBGz-HU6nfCTSFcKgziXFVqC-7C54jFhTaT3XOXnWAI3axWFejEaW1-2LPtit8y7iEI-TYbTdwHQ6mnT3H_XeAQUcClMsr/s1600/church2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoT2aV7rWhWyCJ8dVVxXY0QUq2a2naqoNNVU6nmcoKMFk5EjBGz-HU6nfCTSFcKgziXFVqC-7C54jFhTaT3XOXnWAI3axWFejEaW1-2LPtit8y7iEI-TYbTdwHQ6mnT3H_XeAQUcClMsr/s200/church2.JPG" width="132" /></a></div>
But did you know that your heart is the house of God too? When you've invited Him to be a part of your life, He takes up residence in your heart. Do you make sure that His presence is welcome there? Is your heart holy and pure, just like your church? Of course, I don't mean that we have to be perfect or without sin, not making mistakes or having any fun. But are you aware of Him being with you throughout your day, walking with you, talking with you? Do you stop to give Him praise and worship? Do you repent of a sin just committed?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO200ghM0OC5tVyNmU8tk_mvhoXdJCncsN02v6mgdiVwll0HIKPiIiKJAkiZZeH9pgU6p1srr96z-dlwlFhuYcGl0O5ILeMUrswYCHvI0gYZTJep8jY9MHVoM4Ke43VxpXWMDUDdYvqnM/s1600/church8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO200ghM0OC5tVyNmU8tk_mvhoXdJCncsN02v6mgdiVwll0HIKPiIiKJAkiZZeH9pgU6p1srr96z-dlwlFhuYcGl0O5ILeMUrswYCHvI0gYZTJep8jY9MHVoM4Ke43VxpXWMDUDdYvqnM/s200/church8.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I find that sometimes I have days of harboring bitterness or lashing out in anger or wallowing in self pity. On those days, I know that my heart isn't pure towards God. I let it become a dark cold place. But He loves me so much, He doesn't leave. He waits for me to ask His help in cleaning up my heart again. In prayer and quiet time with Him, he washes me anew and makes me pure and holy, a vessel where God's presence is welcome! I am building a house, God's house, and it's in me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jr9aU6HJ7fOjk5jQmmTM7QcDDq6AWUF9TRpXfCTrlEfydmfTm7AE8JsiIW9ZmjnSGnJTiGhMe2wtCellBaNl1-9fgcxf7FgGQ-yMqa4uot-aPG0dCSMxd-a8-7rsH194h-t3Yc7JLlfq/s1600/church15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Jr9aU6HJ7fOjk5jQmmTM7QcDDq6AWUF9TRpXfCTrlEfydmfTm7AE8JsiIW9ZmjnSGnJTiGhMe2wtCellBaNl1-9fgcxf7FgGQ-yMqa4uot-aPG0dCSMxd-a8-7rsH194h-t3Yc7JLlfq/s200/church15.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
Knowing that my body and my heart are the temple of the Lord, I desire to make better decisions, love more, forgive often and sin less. Is your heart a welcome house for the Lord? Does He have fellowship with you there? Do you love to clean "house" for Him? As my daughter and I walked through those churches, I purposed in my heart to be more aware of my temple and to make sure that He always is welcome there! I want every corner of my heart to honor Him. I'm building a house that will be pleasing to Him; a place where He feels welcome and where we fellowship many times throughout the day.<br />
<br />
Today I'm linking up with Paula Ebert at <a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/2012/06/worship-wednesday-preparing-more-than-our-instruments/"><b>Worship Wednesdays</b></a>. Please visit there and see what others are saying about worship!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/" title="Grow Where You're Planted"><img alt="Grow Where You're Planted" src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/jpnlove4/worshipwednesdaysbutton-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
From His lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-31893758136640510352012-06-18T08:50:00.000-05:002012-06-18T08:50:58.892-05:00The Friends I've Made Along the WaySome time ago, I made some changes to the look of my blog. While I was entering the code for the new template, I made an error that made a small almost imperceptible glitch in the look of my blog. But I knew it was there and it bothered me every time I logged on to the homepage. I wasn't skilled enough to know how to fix it so I just left it the way it was.<br />
<br />
I have been blogging since 2006 and I have "met" so many wonderful bloggers who I communicate with frequently. We support each other, visit each others blogs, and encourage one another. Their writings have blessed me and I have learned so much from them. I consider them to be friends, even though I have never met them in person.<br />
<br />
One such blogger, who has inspired and encouraged me is Tracy Teppler. She lives in South Africa, a whole world away and will I probably never have the chance to personally meet her. Her blog, <a href="http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/"><b>My Daily Walk in His Grace</b></a>, has blessed me countless times. Last week, while she was visiting my blog, Tracy noticed that glitch. She contacted me privately and told me how I could fix it!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I was so excited. I tried to follow the instructions that Tracy gave me, but I just seemed to make it worse. I struggled and struggled with it and became quite frustrated. Tracy worked with me for two days, trying to make it right. That's right, she spent hours for 2 days, working to help me. At that time, I decided to change the whole look of my blog and Tracy did almost all the leg work. I just couldn't believe that she would be so selfless and giving...wait...yes I could.<br />
<br />
You see, when you are part of the blogging world, you meet so many kind wonderful people. We are a community of writers who truly care about our readers and each other. I'm so grateful to all of the bloggers who I've come to know and love. Your support and inspiration has truly been a blessing to me.<br />
<br />
I hope that you like the new "look" of my blog. I would love it if you would stop by Tracy's blog, <a href="http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/">My <b>Daily Walk In His Presence</b></a>, and say "hi" to her. Maybe tell her that you like the work she did on my blog! I'm sure that her writing will bless you too!<br />
<br />
Tracy, thank you so much! You are a blessing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb412/Teekaytee2/th_lollipop2.jpg?t=1318091709" /></a></center><center><br /></center><center style="text-align: left;">From His Lap,</center><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAVY38QCIumrAwz1dH_AE_l4pHW3BpXLsjBTw3bXsbCnJI9My4S84WKrubh4_H8Bv-XK7jfJeQ72-R6dkJUHmzpsxUPF7fP7vWWFmIHztokQ3lHfhX3zXScsWTv7nkd5zwUjlc2SVW-kV8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-68558106765408414292012-06-13T09:30:00.000-05:002013-01-14T13:00:43.805-06:00Truth Is...Truth is, you can't give what you don't have. If you don't have peace, you can't bring peace into a situation. If you have no joy, you bring no life to the party. If you don't have love, what can you impart to your children. The truth is, if you don't have it, then you can't give it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cR8ZyI8oL-pzdYMnYhkPY2byUuePkLlFui1GuD07z4trQQaaIaUPT66rIjmiTexNspk7QdeKvwStBANWibrcOfvzb6dLfm7L8-Hch4lCa40ANz5OFTAWdU8Hs6N6F7KPNApnLYM9_W1P/s1600/DSC_9789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1cR8ZyI8oL-pzdYMnYhkPY2byUuePkLlFui1GuD07z4trQQaaIaUPT66rIjmiTexNspk7QdeKvwStBANWibrcOfvzb6dLfm7L8-Hch4lCa40ANz5OFTAWdU8Hs6N6F7KPNApnLYM9_W1P/s320/DSC_9789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Truth is, fear is a prison. It will keep you from people and jobs and adventures and love. Fear keeps you believing that you have to shield yourself from everyone and everything. The truth is, fear is a prison.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YJP89Q2QS93He3OuVmegYFyXSzUjH3JryKhJDh40mr9_2aLs-W-LVHgEW5QfvY7WJwIMxwL19_UTwTeYoSY5gQkpBK-nwWULyzdGcr0Ko3ocy4IhuiDYVJoxKaA4nFlWItrihLEsj8-9/s1600/DSC_9775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YJP89Q2QS93He3OuVmegYFyXSzUjH3JryKhJDh40mr9_2aLs-W-LVHgEW5QfvY7WJwIMxwL19_UTwTeYoSY5gQkpBK-nwWULyzdGcr0Ko3ocy4IhuiDYVJoxKaA4nFlWItrihLEsj8-9/s320/DSC_9775.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Truth is, you are responsible for the gifts and talents that have been entrusted to you. God can put the dream in your heart, the talent in your hands, voice or body, but you must develop it and make it grow. The truth is, it's up to you whether your gifts are used or not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_WRBMhaYf8QaYkwIG_ykmJLkyRotGLyZkvVRLrbpWPXTWrDj-1zK-lhhVidsvE_uHqG3eMZMgzm5qlQ7kAU4EmfymDSvAX6PW-FXlyu8DINcTzDEIIwlBFIAXkw7Sp6HNFeBdoPb7ycy/s1600/DSC_8633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_WRBMhaYf8QaYkwIG_ykmJLkyRotGLyZkvVRLrbpWPXTWrDj-1zK-lhhVidsvE_uHqG3eMZMgzm5qlQ7kAU4EmfymDSvAX6PW-FXlyu8DINcTzDEIIwlBFIAXkw7Sp6HNFeBdoPb7ycy/s320/DSC_8633.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
Truth is, what you do today is important because you're exchanging a day of your life for it. You can make it count or it can slide by, blurring into the next day and the next. It doesn't have to be big to count. It can be a hug or smiles or a simple kind word. It can be a small step taken towards a goal you are striving to reach. The truth is, it's a day you are giving from your life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgPZBlxAg0xigtsacs5Pa8WmIV942aks9ufTaVDdHny_mQ1mvwKMSkiTlpj59uwPe09lEbKvh6Vj800F2BnD6LelOLDEDCVKjTD_rcsP_AyRA_hQylDVnMJ76ALzvIihw4ZeaK-xIIsp9/s1600/DSC_8304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgPZBlxAg0xigtsacs5Pa8WmIV942aks9ufTaVDdHny_mQ1mvwKMSkiTlpj59uwPe09lEbKvh6Vj800F2BnD6LelOLDEDCVKjTD_rcsP_AyRA_hQylDVnMJ76ALzvIihw4ZeaK-xIIsp9/s320/DSC_8304.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Truth is, gratitude turns what we have into enough! When we begin to look around at the gifts we have in our life and become thankful, it brings a closeness to the One who gave us those gifts. The truth is, gratitude makes our life plenty.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe6yY0XJIHJhc8zqAP0wSHAa1FJQDp1ainuzUvpdWdHUX8uUClPx5njsrHhN8eS56bMR9lXVOMR5SwXQqzfjNy2UGGpY4WKGv6jvsxsGqRxPz55OzfBgdecROHI-VZCIb2bcZL9X8opjT/s1600/DSC_9783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWe6yY0XJIHJhc8zqAP0wSHAa1FJQDp1ainuzUvpdWdHUX8uUClPx5njsrHhN8eS56bMR9lXVOMR5SwXQqzfjNy2UGGpY4WKGv6jvsxsGqRxPz55OzfBgdecROHI-VZCIb2bcZL9X8opjT/s320/DSC_9783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the Lord reveals certain truths to us, we should let them become real in our lives. We should take hold of those truths because they are grace from Him. We can look to Him and say, "You've made my life sweeter." I will worship Him all the days of my life for revealing new truths to me every day! What truths is the Lord revealing to you that are bringing you closer to Him in your everyday walk?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm linking up with Paula Ebert on <a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/2012/06/worship-wednesday-masterpiece-in-the-sky/"><b>Worship Wednesdays</b></a>. Hop over there and see what others are saying about worship!</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/" title="Grow Where You're Planted"><img alt="Grow Where You're Planted" src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/jpnlove4/worshipwednesdaysbutton-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From His Lap,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h_Kp2fJ7gcHiAi5NBy25XOYX76_aO7Ra7JF8zYTcQq3CaxVA8vyItfskom61rz-QdyN-Qo5QuTMz79rx_89BsEFB9X-QQNZ0Ic2FJcuxYKnL1cAgGot826c_Az0H_IycrNYOvLOxL4nz/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-10482043148512114542012-06-11T09:39:00.000-05:002012-06-13T16:29:43.102-05:00My Review of "Selections From One Thousand Gifts: Finding Joy in What Really Matters" by Ann Voskamp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOej3G6CwibhuD0j2E7lGZGNDNvbBSMjC_t2W5yA3jFJ_fO0nslWjKG2JMl9KQD8ZRQleyDVRlTy2u7qch4JiSZUogcPNkacBSc7qe35FKV4MtiY0dL0yyQxm2HH28kQVEmaBBImkgY16/s1600/Ann.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOej3G6CwibhuD0j2E7lGZGNDNvbBSMjC_t2W5yA3jFJ_fO0nslWjKG2JMl9KQD8ZRQleyDVRlTy2u7qch4JiSZUogcPNkacBSc7qe35FKV4MtiY0dL0yyQxm2HH28kQVEmaBBImkgY16/s1600/Ann.JPG" /></a></div>
I have been asked to write a review of <b>Ann Voskamp's</b> new book, <a href="http://zondervan.com/9780310313540" style="font-weight: bold;">"Selections From One Thousand Gifts: Finding Joy in What Really Matters."</a>,<b> </b>published by Zondervan. I was deeply touched by Ann's first book, so I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read and review her second one. I had no idea how much I would be moved by it.<br />
<br />
As soon as I received the book for review, I went to my nook on the front porch by the fountain and wind chimes where I have created a reading haven. I didn't leave that spot until I had read every page of Ann's book, twice. At one point, I even asked my 15 year old son if I could read a few pages to him. I wanted to tuck some of Ann's golden nuggets into his heart where he might keep them to pull out later for inspiration. <br />
<br />
The first wonderful thing I noticed was that Ann included her own exquisite photography in the book. If you've ever gone to her website, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><b>A Holy Experience</b></a>, you've not only been blessed by her writing but by her amazing photos, as well. She has captured glimpses of life that are bulging with the joy she is seeking from every moment.<br />
<br />
Ann has a way of penning words that read like a song from her heart. She is raw and honest and her writing reflects a heart for God that is both tender and lioness strong. Her new book could change your life, if you'd let it. She opens on the very first page with these words, "You've got to figure out a way to stay awake to your own wild and beautiful life." From these first words, through the rest of the book, the reader becomes captivated and hungry for how to be able to do just that. You find yourself wondering if you are experiencing joy in your every day life; the mundane days, the hard days, the glorious days. Ann draws you in, to contemplate the gifts in your own life that you may have dismissed or overlooked.<br />
<br />
Then, as you read on, you realize that it is possible...possible to live a life of finding joy around every corner, in every circumstance. Ann encourages you to look life square in the face, seeing each moment as a gift to be grateful for and experience the joy that comes with being thankful for it! <br />
<br />
I hope that you include <b><a href="http://zondervan.com/9780310313540">"Selections From One Thousand Gifts: Finding Joy in What Really Matters"</a></b> in your summer reading. I know you will be truly blessed and be challenged to look for the gifts of grace and joy that God has placed in your life!<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBOdVKQHgo656-FjvkIu19HY4p74ZyHsXzw8iGJZaS9Xg1UYTo6NcGmQlh5sxRYfv55p8U2Pe6GJNUH8RQ-ni4pPWbXCAWgzo1ikSOGCR7sMks5YybISKlCXdtr37lnJxeY90-xrz3U9e/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBOdVKQHgo656-FjvkIu19HY4p74ZyHsXzw8iGJZaS9Xg1UYTo6NcGmQlh5sxRYfv55p8U2Pe6GJNUH8RQ-ni4pPWbXCAWgzo1ikSOGCR7sMks5YybISKlCXdtr37lnJxeY90-xrz3U9e/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-76593465218690513982012-06-06T10:36:00.000-05:002013-01-14T12:58:53.768-06:00Worship, It Doesn't Have to Be BigMany things inspire me to worship the One who created me! But today, I am particularly in awe of His gentleness with me. I'm drawn to lean on the One who's hand stretched out and said, "Let there be light" and yet that same hand touches my small heart and mends a broken place. How does He find me and my heart in this great big, mad, crazy world? Yet, He does.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFIcxCTY6mbkAH8UbqECHzjpc934MyL3D8db5ovfP8qecrLFuK8IgpoAKL8ijc_YDkxnz2qa1DOQRvkivI1JNWEsqUFjyQYwVeiNi2pqy92pZi-iG2obPLZdzkTsWNHKi-ExdlsBCXNl3/s1600/DSC_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFIcxCTY6mbkAH8UbqECHzjpc934MyL3D8db5ovfP8qecrLFuK8IgpoAKL8ijc_YDkxnz2qa1DOQRvkivI1JNWEsqUFjyQYwVeiNi2pqy92pZi-iG2obPLZdzkTsWNHKi-ExdlsBCXNl3/s320/DSC_8292.JPG" width="320" /></a>He is the Lion of Judah and the gentle wing of a bird taking flight; ferocious against injustice and evil, yet humble to wait for me to ask Him to hold me and talk with me. This is my God, who left the 99 sheep to find the one lost. He will not push His way into your heart but is anxious to calm your fear, mend your hurt and give strength when you are weary! Will you get quiet with Him today and let Him be to you what you need Him to be? Will you take a still moment to worship the God who's hands not only formed the universe, but they formed you in your mother's womb. He knows every hair on your head, every ache in your heart and every joy in your life. In the still, small, quiet moments, you can rest with Him and He will minister to you and fill up every empty place in your life. I can't help but think that worship will begin to flow from you, towards Him! What a way to get refreshed, charged up and equipped for life!<br />
<br />
I'm partnering with Paula Ebert over at <a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/2012/06/worship-wednesday-the-proof-of-your-love/"><b>Worship Wednesdays</b></a>. Take a minute to hop over there and see what others have to say about worship!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/" title="Grow Where You're Planted"><img alt="Grow Where You're Planted" src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/jpnlove4/worshipwednesdaysbutton-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
From His Lap,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwngA8BpJZ_P5GKbqO0dfZsjsL8J7vUBtGDO0wFnc1XaEy_kZ7cGXo36OZr6tnjxwK7IQBPJu81eTMynVj3SszTIvRdjWyr5Ah7b4pt2xUSf5XnPlqCTqp4HimAfDwv8Y3B0SvtDnmgTNn/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwngA8BpJZ_P5GKbqO0dfZsjsL8J7vUBtGDO0wFnc1XaEy_kZ7cGXo36OZr6tnjxwK7IQBPJu81eTMynVj3SszTIvRdjWyr5Ah7b4pt2xUSf5XnPlqCTqp4HimAfDwv8Y3B0SvtDnmgTNn/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-4592661370416987872012-06-03T21:33:00.002-05:002012-06-03T21:33:51.086-05:00Beautiful Memories<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D-6vfEMYjvMmD8D9GxS3EuSrbw5zgTVHyyuGX2iEnM3zoysm5ZyoHjXAt7SLlz2OrfmZXW7Y3IgrUQ9sacxx0SiHWN4UV_bikQrgCJUf_u9XB-95cgp-ysON1OGgadIl590JB5kNRwwh/s1600/DSCF7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D-6vfEMYjvMmD8D9GxS3EuSrbw5zgTVHyyuGX2iEnM3zoysm5ZyoHjXAt7SLlz2OrfmZXW7Y3IgrUQ9sacxx0SiHWN4UV_bikQrgCJUf_u9XB-95cgp-ysON1OGgadIl590JB5kNRwwh/s200/DSCF7294.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How People See Me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My family likes to make fun of me because of my incessant picture taking. It doesn't matter what we are doing, I'm always shooting photos or videos of it. To me, life is about creating memories, sharing laughs, crying together, watching babies smile, seeing them take their first steps, graduations, silly moments with our girlfriends and precious days with family and friends. At the end of my days, I want to have a record of touching people in a way that has made their lives sweeter and fuller and bulging with love! One of the ways I do that is by taking pictures that they can treasure forever.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOpqp_ey-z_nkXwq-lTV6C-15o3ZLfv9M_ju7s-aiZotJ0gS0z6_4MmPZc2sqUCaES9CVYw9eUhlYzvk2pdG8N_HWawTmyLHRmyjfycqVw-PSxN17CtFrJz_zuX15vYlSWTIhJtNTJhXN/s1600/dsc_0872_0038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOpqp_ey-z_nkXwq-lTV6C-15o3ZLfv9M_ju7s-aiZotJ0gS0z6_4MmPZc2sqUCaES9CVYw9eUhlYzvk2pdG8N_HWawTmyLHRmyjfycqVw-PSxN17CtFrJz_zuX15vYlSWTIhJtNTJhXN/s200/dsc_0872_0038.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for baby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That's why I take pictures, and lots of them. There are moments and facial expressions and joys that I never want to forget. My computer monitor plays thousands of photos in a continuous slideshow at my house. When family and friends come over, they are mesmerized by them. They sit and stare and laugh or cry at memories they had forgotten about that appear right there on the screen.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun0qsECn9jrmSRoZPAgIj94wpGnrldFVrCQNFSqwIj-g11Y5T_SrVQciNhGaW0LYYu-I38rFhqAS_-HQBD1jR_XHSop_QRPtt0SkeSvqFcKbDHXWs4ChcV3DrD0RRYNM7L0ROTHZv_g95/s1600/DSC_6353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiun0qsECn9jrmSRoZPAgIj94wpGnrldFVrCQNFSqwIj-g11Y5T_SrVQciNhGaW0LYYu-I38rFhqAS_-HQBD1jR_XHSop_QRPtt0SkeSvqFcKbDHXWs4ChcV3DrD0RRYNM7L0ROTHZv_g95/s200/DSC_6353.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the Lake With My Love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also love to make photo books of special occasions and trips and beautiful days and give them as gifts. If we don't have memories of the sweetness of life in photos and written word then we tend to forget how intense the sweetness was. I love the silly times, the romantic times, the dress up times, the camping times, the ordinary days. A video of my grand baby taking a bath can bring a hundred smiles.<br />
<br />
Now, I know there was a day when people didn't have cameras or cell phones or video recorders, and they still had lots of happy memories. But why not make the memories a lasting record of your life? Why not have a way for your children's children to see how much living there was to your life? <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGl1hr4Y-iYi6qIIxQ5eKjce-dY3x6Ky3Un_mDKHFxJGmaL6K3ubtsEbl-lme_d_OrzdrV6Epz5UvIN2jCKvNHMeeXJdxiY6HVGRiemvMMUjPaid4bbh2rgrxson43S0A64oTRXDw8ADl/s1600/DSCF8912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGl1hr4Y-iYi6qIIxQ5eKjce-dY3x6Ky3Un_mDKHFxJGmaL6K3ubtsEbl-lme_d_OrzdrV6Epz5UvIN2jCKvNHMeeXJdxiY6HVGRiemvMMUjPaid4bbh2rgrxson43S0A64oTRXDw8ADl/s200/DSCF8912.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebration With Precious Friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, I don't care if people laugh at me for always having my camera out or if they don't think a picture of them came out perfectly. I do it for the life, the memory and the joy of the moment! You don't need to have an expensive camera to take pictures. You can use your cell phone to record precious moments. Just do it! Make memories and make a record of them, so you never forget those moments! <br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qfDIPhVou6MT-_cPyOsd0U6Yd6pDhwbODbMrhKEJ14nZ1T_koz1SKMSTxz7y8iGN1QT5oYiSaMiQX8YJUZth24QXb975z9pqdBEbMVCsQFdFHXF3paSMibhyGeFx6e7kKddzY4WNbhum/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qfDIPhVou6MT-_cPyOsd0U6Yd6pDhwbODbMrhKEJ14nZ1T_koz1SKMSTxz7y8iGN1QT5oYiSaMiQX8YJUZth24QXb975z9pqdBEbMVCsQFdFHXF3paSMibhyGeFx6e7kKddzY4WNbhum/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-16756936459464058922012-05-30T09:45:00.000-05:002013-01-14T15:08:27.344-06:00An Intentional Radical LifeAs you walk out each day, do you live it radically, intentionally? I don't want to look back on my life and realize that I just let it happen; that I drifted by and didn't live a purposeful, radical, worshipful life. I want to experience radical love, radical joy and extend radical grace and forgiveness. What a way to honor the One who created us to worship and fellowship with Him!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPlul0RFx6ubQmCet0wz6OAxkwUR13uPt_cfCNHUJ9xRpAKBAZYtlEMv8eB2Ffp8NH-JSnDGSNXipZzNq39WBWohIew6E6g6EbxhopV7tD0gXXFEg0OJMav5pNA7QsMRlgkAAtqD84z22/s1600/DSCF9731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPlul0RFx6ubQmCet0wz6OAxkwUR13uPt_cfCNHUJ9xRpAKBAZYtlEMv8eB2Ffp8NH-JSnDGSNXipZzNq39WBWohIew6E6g6EbxhopV7tD0gXXFEg0OJMav5pNA7QsMRlgkAAtqD84z22/s200/DSCF9731.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Radical love isn't easy. It's easy to love the lovely, the popular, the accepted. It's not so easy to love the unlovely, the angry, the rebellious, the unaccepted. Radical love seeks out those who have been rejected and those who lives don't look like ours and extends a hand, a heart, a hug. Scripture says "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." This is true worship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpab_xQSquL7JBmfqqxkUmUftk5Qy8hBnF7hV24owx4wfrSGCKjnUCYEPNJG8TKEPLCwaBXpBmAB-eaOijhLUIIehXUrHcXFAXX3M6HPDFyqTNj3C502gEh91UqHen0s_5eX621DaQXFr/s1600/DSCF0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpab_xQSquL7JBmfqqxkUmUftk5Qy8hBnF7hV24owx4wfrSGCKjnUCYEPNJG8TKEPLCwaBXpBmAB-eaOijhLUIIehXUrHcXFAXX3M6HPDFyqTNj3C502gEh91UqHen0s_5eX621DaQXFr/s200/DSCF0747.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Radical joy isn't easy. It's not difficult to be happy when all of our circumstances are going well and all things are just the way we like them. Happiness is not joy. Radical joy is knowing that God will use everything good and bad in our lives to bring us blessing. He will not cause bad things, but he will take bad things and use them for good. This can fill you with radical joy, when others would look at you and say, you should be sad or mad or bitter right now. Scripture says "He will turn our mourning into dancing." That is true worship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkb0tVNWV10veY8c2CFRygINxrNMxV6LPa0nAOa7OOMvRSlUx4wRS30AdE6SYjuGcnnxanR6lCFFXhT3iUTNYUZ5YywQEMjqSZUcjIiw0ltlRB-J0I0DXw30R5mR1SiF1jwcVqZiZbNbO/s1600/DSCF9734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkb0tVNWV10veY8c2CFRygINxrNMxV6LPa0nAOa7OOMvRSlUx4wRS30AdE6SYjuGcnnxanR6lCFFXhT3iUTNYUZ5YywQEMjqSZUcjIiw0ltlRB-J0I0DXw30R5mR1SiF1jwcVqZiZbNbO/s200/DSCF9734.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
Radical grace and forgiveness aren't easy. People do heinous things that we can't even wrap our minds around. They break our hearts and they abandon us. God doesn't ask us to keep these people in our lives. But He asks us to forgive them and extend His grace. That's radical. That's not what the world teaches. Scriptures says "if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the alter and go. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift." That is true worship.<br />
<br />
I want to live an intentional and radical life, making everyday a sacrifice of love, joy and grace. What a way to worship God in all I do!<br />
<br />
I'm joining with Paula Ebert and others on <a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/2012/05/worship-wednesday-a-beach-babys-worship/"><b><span style="color: #660000;">Worship Wednesdays</span></b></a>. Hop on over to her blog and see what others are saying about worship!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/" title="Grow Where You're Planted"><img alt="Grow Where You're Planted" src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/jpnlove4/worshipwednesdaysbutton-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
From His Lap,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTSRaYVbzHHhGqPe0eErgQOQgnLvB2vYdWU3gCNlfDk1cI4xfssSpn_RJf-lDBPAayb6BUsjXrxXfw6ok3S6VhlzIQyLkB2LkLVBz1Oxb2Uk3WysxX_gYbzzFFkkaeh26_YtrqXueEXVe/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTSRaYVbzHHhGqPe0eErgQOQgnLvB2vYdWU3gCNlfDk1cI4xfssSpn_RJf-lDBPAayb6BUsjXrxXfw6ok3S6VhlzIQyLkB2LkLVBz1Oxb2Uk3WysxX_gYbzzFFkkaeh26_YtrqXueEXVe/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-23304756443586855942012-05-29T00:09:00.000-05:002012-05-29T11:18:09.487-05:00From the Places of LackI had the opportunity to pray with a precious friend. There was a matter weighing heavily on my mind that was beginning to hurt my relationship with the Lord. I couldn't seem to let a suffered wrong go and it was "eating my lunch" and causing my heart to turn cold towards the Lord. You see, you can't harbor a resentment and bitterness towards someone and still remain tenderhearted.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLHFr0VjrmKOy_-eBPKgpoEb-FXUPO63FPLIRqIltNgWojArLcn3vpeBJSJhVuAVgFFk9z9lDV3W_r4-JsrlCZQeWYsGWF4ze3BBioi70T6HpakzrXG_LbobQS1Ugcr0RwOgF8uVuqMLJ/s1600/Dianne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLHFr0VjrmKOy_-eBPKgpoEb-FXUPO63FPLIRqIltNgWojArLcn3vpeBJSJhVuAVgFFk9z9lDV3W_r4-JsrlCZQeWYsGWF4ze3BBioi70T6HpakzrXG_LbobQS1Ugcr0RwOgF8uVuqMLJ/s200/Dianne.jpg" width="126" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wise sweet friend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My friend ministered to me that there are times when people treat us badly from a place of lack in their lives. They are empty and missing the fruit of a rich relationship with the Lord. As soon as she spoke those words, I felt the Lord was speaking through her, directly to my heart. I knew in an instant that she was right. When people lack an emotional or spiritual bond with the Lord, they have to fill it with something. And sometimes they see in you what they lack and it causes them to do and say hurtful things. <br />
<br />
All day long, I reflected on my friend's wisdom. The words "a place of lack" kept rolling around in my spirit. Soon, I found that my heart had softened and I was tender towards the Lord again. I was able to look at the offending party through God's eyes and pray for them. I won't say that it's easy to deal with this person now, but I have peace and am praying for victory in the situation. I don't mean victory over this person. I mean that this person will have victory in their life. They will be able to find in the Lord what they need to fill the lack in them. We will have victory in our relationship and God will be glorified.<br />
<br />
If there are people in your life who are lacking in something, whether it be compassion, kindness, gentleness or meekness, pray that the Lord fill every empty place in them. Ask Him to come in like a flood and make them whole! As you pray for them, the Lord will minister to you and give you a peace that passes all understanding. I'm so grateful to my friend for letting the Lord minister to me through her.<br />
God is good!<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX62eYekJnaDNKhyDlNIGPJSagSZeaG4g66jRKymbuW52kn-hLsic7soUkfREvP3TaeU-rTi8n5MN-nRKc9KzwJvwBQiSN3pe9-0V1hINdDLk2X4xVxrm46gI3TQw5C7IPC23lke5VsX5/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrX62eYekJnaDNKhyDlNIGPJSagSZeaG4g66jRKymbuW52kn-hLsic7soUkfREvP3TaeU-rTi8n5MN-nRKc9KzwJvwBQiSN3pe9-0V1hINdDLk2X4xVxrm46gI3TQw5C7IPC23lke5VsX5/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-39204088755795250982012-05-25T15:09:00.000-05:002012-07-01T10:18:27.517-05:00Daddy's Hands<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmboBrnQvdI2OMHtLeehIRdaCR7E7_3_QGSfGuz7G250p3Vm28YDIoB-pEe9_gM5vnhkQywOa6-b__BepkyfiyKcUdho5SgWiZeC4q8IdB4BzbyB8WVmeVGJcPj2fynH3Z_G6klVPU41a/s1600/The+Fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmboBrnQvdI2OMHtLeehIRdaCR7E7_3_QGSfGuz7G250p3Vm28YDIoB-pEe9_gM5vnhkQywOa6-b__BepkyfiyKcUdho5SgWiZeC4q8IdB4BzbyB8WVmeVGJcPj2fynH3Z_G6klVPU41a/s200/The+Fun.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands giving Mom cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't remember this, but mom always told me that when I was a baby, my dad had just started his practice. He would see patients all day, come home for dinner, give me my bath, and go back to work. I wish I could remember his hands, playing with me in the bathtub.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIssrY4hs1z_zDEgz_6JlFIksLw-46W640l908YXyXAoQhMPxzjW3-MHokbtG6yf4yUyuZXOZ7GDMFvLAkPDTxwWzoA4srjSTYJdd7yoAYdJd6M-7yonjP6EU88kLPpMBjk5qtnH_7iHE/s1600/image0-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIssrY4hs1z_zDEgz_6JlFIksLw-46W640l908YXyXAoQhMPxzjW3-MHokbtG6yf4yUyuZXOZ7GDMFvLAkPDTxwWzoA4srjSTYJdd7yoAYdJd6M-7yonjP6EU88kLPpMBjk5qtnH_7iHE/s200/image0-19.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands loving on Mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I was 4 yrs old, my mom would read and re-read Dr. Seuss books to me, teaching me how to sound out each word. I remember one night, when Daddy got home, I climbed up in his lap and read "Go Dogs Go" to him. His hands turned each page for me as I read.<br />
<br />
My dad was always one to take care of things right away. If a chair broke or a light bulb burned out or yard work needed done, he didn't procrastinate doing what needed to be done. I can picture his hands repairing and mending, fixing and working.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAc-nKiseDGdbJLszddD-Pned8Zm-_35h9lO-wrBeXcocjwE0bXZ9Fu6z69mRH5UVel3bkN6PgMmB3xD9aTl16EikOqOZ3tUkOSHisYppe-AOkIHth6xj09JI7kgZC2QWLvP-G22RI_OwZ/s1600/Like+Grandpa,+like+grandson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAc-nKiseDGdbJLszddD-Pned8Zm-_35h9lO-wrBeXcocjwE0bXZ9Fu6z69mRH5UVel3bkN6PgMmB3xD9aTl16EikOqOZ3tUkOSHisYppe-AOkIHth6xj09JI7kgZC2QWLvP-G22RI_OwZ/s200/Like+Grandpa,+like+grandson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands teasing my son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Every morning before Dad went to work, he and Mom would pray together in the kitchen. I can still see her hands in his as they prayed for us kids and any other loved ones who were on their hearts. As his practice got established, he didn't have to go to work at night anymore. He would come home and his first moments were off limits to us kids, as he would stand in the kitchen, kissing Mom, sharing a martini with her. I can picture them talking together before we sat down to dinner, his hand holding that martini glass, his other hand tickling or teasing Mom.<br />
<br />
One summer, he and I built a railroad tie and rock stairway up around a hill in our back yard. I can see his strong hands lifting those ties and carrying them to their spot. He would show me how to place the gravel and the pavers around each one.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHsQHYEBnXyiMY49XylJjB8Zj1QK6zVvI7qovV2Mk7aHTsyH7CWfIeTSaXJeeGbfPD1JtgoRW73CObAMVFkzxzbncEwgDdEkkhlpPJhr57Bcbdj2jC-lQ1SVXq-3TVdR_yYK8-QQM4aJl/s1600/Picture+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipHsQHYEBnXyiMY49XylJjB8Zj1QK6zVvI7qovV2Mk7aHTsyH7CWfIeTSaXJeeGbfPD1JtgoRW73CObAMVFkzxzbncEwgDdEkkhlpPJhr57Bcbdj2jC-lQ1SVXq-3TVdR_yYK8-QQM4aJl/s200/Picture+004.jpg" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy giving my my bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When one of us kids would misbehave, Dad would sit us down, take his Bible on his lap, and read to us the nature of our sin. I see his hands holding that Bible, then motioning in the air as he explained why what we had done, was wrong and why we were receiving correction for it.<br />
<br />
All through my life, when I think of my dad, I see his hands...Daddy's hands. They prayed, they caressed, they worked, they built, they gave baths, they held sparklers, they disciplined, they fixed banged up knees, but most of all, they built a family. My father wasn't much on talking about girl stuff or emotional things...men back then didn't do that. But he showed us, with his hands, that we were the most precious things in the world to him.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEloW5MUbawb509TGpEFKFd9rwCtwb4P6WscvxHtVQNj-Vjn4Wywr_qqJSdP_4_nxF6SSaV3DcGhBvoFDXhWLnwEgpRMHFYSnr6h3EixwiVZ1uCV5XHPZ9WhOzEzsfySos1Gi6hGskWAX/s1600/Picture+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfEloW5MUbawb509TGpEFKFd9rwCtwb4P6WscvxHtVQNj-Vjn4Wywr_qqJSdP_4_nxF6SSaV3DcGhBvoFDXhWLnwEgpRMHFYSnr6h3EixwiVZ1uCV5XHPZ9WhOzEzsfySos1Gi6hGskWAX/s200/Picture+007.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands holding me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This week, he came for a visit and I watched his hands, the whole time. I watched as they held his first great grandson, as he hugged a grandson who was graduating from high school, as he lifted another grandson onto his lap and talked quietly with him. I saw him get up early every morning for his coffee and his Bible reading. I think about this family that he built with my mom. They poured their hearts and their hands into us and I pray I am walking out each of my days, making them proud. I hope that I have used my hands to give life and love to my children the way that he did for us. One of my most treasure memories...Daddy's hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's a wonderful thing to be able to look back over my childhood and remember all the love that my dad gave me. Men didn't talk much in those days. They gave their love with their hearts and their hands. Now that my mom is gone, he talks more. But I still love to watch his hands. They make me feel sure and peace and loved. I can never get enough of Daddy's hands!<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDsu7tZH3AtE0Lg_dPqJ_tg0_wreaoZBuTbdm8vaKNdy1Xw_XqpjnGuFq8K115tTDCigBtzU7-2lkETyZx0-s1hQIIUJmjXq7nYUjuVwU2MJJqBo3TYIjryuNLnQ7hQTHuq_4bLvh56Sh/s1600/DSC_8978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGDsu7tZH3AtE0Lg_dPqJ_tg0_wreaoZBuTbdm8vaKNdy1Xw_XqpjnGuFq8K115tTDCigBtzU7-2lkETyZx0-s1hQIIUJmjXq7nYUjuVwU2MJJqBo3TYIjryuNLnQ7hQTHuq_4bLvh56Sh/s320/DSC_8978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad hugging his grandson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFSxVUAc3nvc3YEFK304lBL4duOINFoLwxnNj_s8t3r3gX3G6CmOfEaAHs3KkNotMKDfSrqCXS0a0DmVdUkbhkEIz5kH32yJbjDPsi_HGqI4U1e7sBrUzV0S1oLMxIU8Wn08w6RTH5uuN/s1600/DSC_8888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFSxVUAc3nvc3YEFK304lBL4duOINFoLwxnNj_s8t3r3gX3G6CmOfEaAHs3KkNotMKDfSrqCXS0a0DmVdUkbhkEIz5kH32yJbjDPsi_HGqI4U1e7sBrUzV0S1oLMxIU8Wn08w6RTH5uuN/s320/DSC_8888.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad holding his first great grandson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnxPFNjhvj3o9vAHfkwPy2GJZHD2lQxUTJogoni9uE63L3YSIdrQzn4k7drpeFMF1pmsJ9M7J5CnIyua8NwuroECnenKawZmhmddgrGvZf4OVG6nrE25gpnjeY2nB8flJvIRjid5zNdl/s1600/DSC_9148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWnxPFNjhvj3o9vAHfkwPy2GJZHD2lQxUTJogoni9uE63L3YSIdrQzn4k7drpeFMF1pmsJ9M7J5CnIyua8NwuroECnenKawZmhmddgrGvZf4OVG6nrE25gpnjeY2nB8flJvIRjid5zNdl/s320/DSC_9148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands holding the Bible</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrmrfT0vwLMEms4CaEUdH39f-shOJBSkX4P_tKjG4xvNFR_mosbDPK4vvkK5vcI_PXU7iGiXfeqWwSktXJrvs4rGvWF_4tmt3MHXxfVb3kB86ztx_VzdtBZ8u2kqCnmmKtx1sZhyphenhyphen4PAEv/s1600/DSC_9153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLrmrfT0vwLMEms4CaEUdH39f-shOJBSkX4P_tKjG4xvNFR_mosbDPK4vvkK5vcI_PXU7iGiXfeqWwSktXJrvs4rGvWF_4tmt3MHXxfVb3kB86ztx_VzdtBZ8u2kqCnmmKtx1sZhyphenhyphen4PAEv/s320/DSC_9153.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy's hands, holding mine, to pray</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzIrQgaXy_4JUjrzRIm1S-csNvVKTmoqJquxU0xt641V0py0A8yhApw1EsBkkhQBxznkM7Lvt1SfKPjckBlf3_SQoCzkFNQU9RwheQHfCHt6ydg2ns3KXIei32u-Sra82UcpKaxutlZbV/s1600/DSC_9155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzIrQgaXy_4JUjrzRIm1S-csNvVKTmoqJquxU0xt641V0py0A8yhApw1EsBkkhQBxznkM7Lvt1SfKPjckBlf3_SQoCzkFNQU9RwheQHfCHt6ydg2ns3KXIei32u-Sra82UcpKaxutlZbV/s320/DSC_9155.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's always love in Daddy's hands!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What do you think of when you think about your father?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
From His Lap,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8urstwLsGkK42lIscaqlILGmWYFhotSVjh-iV_AF6ld8FhML1VJfq5pxMOeBET5GGfh5oYR-suwTRq1SbXJgPJTC7_OdAlalvPoX9tLbeZnvCX4V2g1fORxtWK3xMCqXI9k6XDPePiW8I/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8urstwLsGkK42lIscaqlILGmWYFhotSVjh-iV_AF6ld8FhML1VJfq5pxMOeBET5GGfh5oYR-suwTRq1SbXJgPJTC7_OdAlalvPoX9tLbeZnvCX4V2g1fORxtWK3xMCqXI9k6XDPePiW8I/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-85122340775315739562012-05-16T08:55:00.001-05:002013-01-14T13:01:42.337-06:00This Is The Air I BreatheA lot of people ask me why I sign off my blog posts with "From His Lap". It started some years ago, when our church held a year long 24/7 Prayer Event. We dedicated a small room in the church for prayer. The walls where covered in white paper so that you could write prayer requests and praise reports on them, the lights were dimmed and you could play any praise and worship music you liked. Each person signed up for an hour of prayer any time of the day or night. Since I wasn't working at the time, I choose countless hours to spend in the prayer room.<br />
<br />
As I would sit there in the candle light, listening to worship music and scrawling my prayers on the walls, an amazing thing would happen. In my heart, I would find myself entering the throne room of heaven, standing before the King. He would always beckon me to sit on His lap and spend some time with my head on His shoulder. Now you may think that is crazy, but it was as real to me as my husband standing before me.<br />
<br />
During that year of 24/7, I was so aware of God's presence with every breath I took. It was intense and it filled me with a strength and faith that I would desperately need to get through some tough times, years later. I have never felt such peace and such communion with God as I did during that year of worship and prayer.<br />
<br />
Years later, as I was going through some serious "stuff", I needed to experience that prayer and worship like I had during 24/7. One of my kids had moved out of the house, so I turned his bedroom into a prayer room (Don't worry, moms! His bed and furniture are still there if he ever wants to move back home!) Now, I can go there whenever I want. I can turn on my worship music and get still and calm. And before you know it, I'm there in His throne room, where He lets me climb on His lap for love, grace and peace.<br />
<br />
For me, that's worship in it's purest form. And I don't have to be in a church. There doesn't need to be a live band playing or choir singing. There doesn't have to be anyone there with me. And it makes my soul fresh and clean, every time I go there.<br />
<br />
I hope you don't think I'm weird or "out there". This is just my way of getting in my Father's presence and worshiping the One who holds me on His lap.<br />
<br />
Turn my music player off (it's in the upper right hand corner) and close your eyes, listen to this song and see if you don't enter the throne room of heaven where you can worship Him as long as you want to. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/" title="Grow Where You're Planted"><img alt="Grow Where You're Planted" src="http://i720.photobucket.com/albums/ww203/jpnlove4/worshipwednesdaysbutton-1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
I am linking up with Paula Ebert over at Worship Wednesday. Please hop over there to see what others are saying about worship! <span style="color: #660000;"><b> <a href="http://growwhereyoureplanted.com/tune-in-tuesdays/">Worship Wednesdays</a></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4gs_qlCWrPk?rel=0" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
From His lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CBKfcaokxcYT88X254i1ki7G3K8Vtb4VOCFbJzWs0a9i3jr1W5ukI9V-1wnF_18fyPb_T8H1-PGyV0LBEtuLDOQzT5KxKm7KOsleQRPaCwugAptat3jRrZUNzQAIg9xd7FahxHjmIQ-W/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0CBKfcaokxcYT88X254i1ki7G3K8Vtb4VOCFbJzWs0a9i3jr1W5ukI9V-1wnF_18fyPb_T8H1-PGyV0LBEtuLDOQzT5KxKm7KOsleQRPaCwugAptat3jRrZUNzQAIg9xd7FahxHjmIQ-W/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-82012774973839783632012-05-14T14:01:00.000-05:002013-11-03T12:52:31.007-06:00When the Hurt and the Healer Collide<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjMMxCXUICMvH6wOxBoKw4xCxYWifpD6acTLDJyJaGxCpBZ9rURaeLKUUg_F4D2fNrcMdA_NX-KHYHjLyh0U7pZz8_MgZoCzuYSDv7xOSDYPqazY5YJKfagTTDDmeNcQ45ZB_FPeuL3RZ/s1600/The+gang.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjMMxCXUICMvH6wOxBoKw4xCxYWifpD6acTLDJyJaGxCpBZ9rURaeLKUUg_F4D2fNrcMdA_NX-KHYHjLyh0U7pZz8_MgZoCzuYSDv7xOSDYPqazY5YJKfagTTDDmeNcQ45ZB_FPeuL3RZ/s200/The+gang.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole gang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday was Mother's Day and I spent it surrounded by family and friends who I love dearly. There was hustle and bustle, laughter, a crying grandson and love. Throughout the day, I quietly watched my family talk, play and laugh. It was beautiful and almost complete. My thoughts often drifted to my mother, who left this earth several years earlier. She would have loved sitting there amongst us, watching the kids, sipping a glass of wine and talking of earlier times.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZfMfyn_c2NbhgTMHTVsPNZlFe2sh3dhlKD96BFPRFeoG576GFO6DzaxDzbRJ0KvQePONctQKmJvvEHBOHN0DBN6WMjESRfLmv54k5FG1iBGEA-PEYVr2fhPhMs095uPot8VvWBbGT4M6/s1600/Moms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ZfMfyn_c2NbhgTMHTVsPNZlFe2sh3dhlKD96BFPRFeoG576GFO6DzaxDzbRJ0KvQePONctQKmJvvEHBOHN0DBN6WMjESRfLmv54k5FG1iBGEA-PEYVr2fhPhMs095uPot8VvWBbGT4M6/s200/Moms.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, my sis, my DIL & her mom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Each time I thought of her, my eyes would silently fill, but I would smile through my tears. What she imparted to me is so powerful and ever present that I walk with her every day. My sister was there and I know she struggled with the same memories of our mom. But she reminded me of a song by Mercy Me called The Hurt and The Healer. Part of the song says, "I'm alive, even though a part of me has died; you take my heart and breathe it back to life. I fall into your arms open wide, when the hurt and the Healer collide."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWFHSCqErAK4N-YusVNczdWT7cH7-6tyZQf35Arl-eaPMjRpF9houikzbDRzudHzbl6BBt5d8cvarhvWPxNZejoE3wzdMoW3BsC_QjL8evPmMATYLr8n1tB0RKwDDziGExusPBeLhDtZI/s1600/Patricks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcWFHSCqErAK4N-YusVNczdWT7cH7-6tyZQf35Arl-eaPMjRpF9houikzbDRzudHzbl6BBt5d8cvarhvWPxNZejoE3wzdMoW3BsC_QjL8evPmMATYLr8n1tB0RKwDDziGExusPBeLhDtZI/s200/Patricks.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband and my baby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What a powerful statement. What joy that can come from suffering! At that moment when glory meets your hurts, He makes you ALIVE! So, every year, on Mother's Day, I am tempted to be sad and at a loss without my mother. But instead, I take great joy having my family around me, knowing that she would be so happy and blessed to see us smiling and laughing. She would not want us to be sad and miss out on a day of blessing!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XTwWrkuNgquVbieHB21GL0w4CE_zLK-n_tdI2cu86Zh26DU17evvkxODJ2O88EzL6B3JG4tfOqnb4DiBVTcwYswhPDSadpLsNTj9-M3fcrV4UPaI5l_h6_N6yxBsF_nhRitXwU-zxl1K/s1600/stephen+and+tabitha.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XTwWrkuNgquVbieHB21GL0w4CE_zLK-n_tdI2cu86Zh26DU17evvkxODJ2O88EzL6B3JG4tfOqnb4DiBVTcwYswhPDSadpLsNTj9-M3fcrV4UPaI5l_h6_N6yxBsF_nhRitXwU-zxl1K/s200/stephen+and+tabitha.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son & Daughter in law</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope you all enjoyed Mother's Day and were blessed with family and friends to love on. If you are missing your mom, remember that you can carry her in your heart and feel her presence every day...and that she would want to see you smile and hear you laugh and know that you are enjoying life...the life that she gave you!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcWvciHiaTmA_xmkZ-rstZmt4g_g_gFBfyeLg5E9N0C6MB_xaSpE3jt_x_QwP7TUaeIL0itnZMJAUn4LdYuUg11NfCxcd4R7JMONvBO5BxOom8a26eYjC0sSJ72BZElkeoJd6SktFilVF/s1600/fun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcWvciHiaTmA_xmkZ-rstZmt4g_g_gFBfyeLg5E9N0C6MB_xaSpE3jt_x_QwP7TUaeIL0itnZMJAUn4LdYuUg11NfCxcd4R7JMONvBO5BxOom8a26eYjC0sSJ72BZElkeoJd6SktFilVF/s200/fun.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sister, grandson & DIL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<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;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JKQdgRz7P8fT11cdlAxKR6CSGCoY0xzawnjyUtbDfeXbB5POw3wy1cwTyHZKmmKxZ10g4Hkne63VxgIPEKig6mTE1SLcuPoJQILvFn92-vIYeJ-m-nEsLckBKZGvID_v1Azf2UjnLod1/s1600/Thinking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JKQdgRz7P8fT11cdlAxKR6CSGCoY0xzawnjyUtbDfeXbB5POw3wy1cwTyHZKmmKxZ10g4Hkne63VxgIPEKig6mTE1SLcuPoJQILvFn92-vIYeJ-m-nEsLckBKZGvID_v1Azf2UjnLod1/s320/Thinking.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grandson!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pause my music player at the top right of this page and listen to The Hurt and The Healer by Mercy Me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KeNSlQWdgec?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
From His Lap,<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVCQ3KlIw8ROlvU_O8cHHFxYxiCqPllYxB83ptBLpARFiTcqthw9TFdfAKCO7D9-nhIGpZbLVHXtM6Nb3f9nO8xEsa9G6s322_DrDcFNIIhmYkhlNOAvORCN7GHY8ibjsjHLyFV0LTe-F/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVCQ3KlIw8ROlvU_O8cHHFxYxiCqPllYxB83ptBLpARFiTcqthw9TFdfAKCO7D9-nhIGpZbLVHXtM6Nb3f9nO8xEsa9G6s322_DrDcFNIIhmYkhlNOAvORCN7GHY8ibjsjHLyFV0LTe-F/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-77722696492140819792012-05-10T12:05:00.002-05:002012-05-10T12:05:53.637-05:00Where My Heart Is Drawn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv21OE6Juo0nNwLzwvli0VbiCThiiknX_4fFJw4egpdwHeDJzVGI_IJbaEzJtqdp1dZ7tJOahscR29gthL1ucfCNM9NKDzam-KWyY5gdqoLi21dXCfxXadcdEzB4McsJceb6CbtE73SXI/s1600/DSC_8665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizv21OE6Juo0nNwLzwvli0VbiCThiiknX_4fFJw4egpdwHeDJzVGI_IJbaEzJtqdp1dZ7tJOahscR29gthL1ucfCNM9NKDzam-KWyY5gdqoLi21dXCfxXadcdEzB4McsJceb6CbtE73SXI/s200/DSC_8665.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I have always been drawn to the beach and the ocean. As a child, my family had a beach home and we spent much time there. I remember getting up early in the mornings before everyone else and riding my bike down to the inlet. I would sit there, alone, on the rocks and read. Watching the waves splash up all around my feet was so soothing.<br />
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65LJC7p5-zcieUOlg0OsCCe7Jkwoypqp494UUPXZRQYEd8arZizzHtgBlgJDHDNgLlE3396qoUUnvOkta1KcXCcBGtLOVvQ_DkO4GnK35T9M5be4fsIgv4jQd3goce3bQjqq8Am1JDJYI/s1600/DSC_8272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65LJC7p5-zcieUOlg0OsCCe7Jkwoypqp494UUPXZRQYEd8arZizzHtgBlgJDHDNgLlE3396qoUUnvOkta1KcXCcBGtLOVvQ_DkO4GnK35T9M5be4fsIgv4jQd3goce3bQjqq8Am1JDJYI/s200/DSC_8272.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
I visited my daughter in Florida last week and the first thing we did, was go to the beach. It was a hazy day and there weren't many people there. As I lay on the sand next to her, with my eyes closed, I felt the presence of God all around me. He was in the waves I could hear crashing to shore. He was in the soulful cry of the seagulls. He was in the warm gentle breeze that lightly skimmed my body. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkCwByiIsPTt4sdvE44iR4NK_rDVmUMfTm56eLqR18usLpKWhQ5zuyzQMpuzBekPtn5V-2RCUdPdDA2oF3CwT6MYheth6dKxJzwR3i-YeM04ZqrjoPAnpNNYQqdCcVTeAbq5S1Ei65Kp/s1600/DSC_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSkCwByiIsPTt4sdvE44iR4NK_rDVmUMfTm56eLqR18usLpKWhQ5zuyzQMpuzBekPtn5V-2RCUdPdDA2oF3CwT6MYheth6dKxJzwR3i-YeM04ZqrjoPAnpNNYQqdCcVTeAbq5S1Ei65Kp/s200/DSC_8292.JPG" width="200" /></a>I said to my daughter, "Honey, God is in this." She asked what I meant. I told her to close her eyes and feel and listen. Everything that we could feel and hear, was untouched by man, exactly as it was created by God to be. It was powerful, it was palatable. I took so many pictures of waves and seagulls and piers. When I got home and uploaded all of the photos, I couldn't bring myself to delete a single one of them...because He was in them. Each one was a different creation of God that I had captured for all of eternity.</div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMVLorZftH4FKUnoCnOFr4l76rHw0LwKPMO7fDFuuKlpcZfuz9FY0EjJ5obW8wCaLtCnM8bOZI9fMUp640Xr29maal5mAsYt88ECE255Rau-xIJX_o_sialvwDQZOyp16fG3U12-J2-Hm/s1600/DSC_8195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNMVLorZftH4FKUnoCnOFr4l76rHw0LwKPMO7fDFuuKlpcZfuz9FY0EjJ5obW8wCaLtCnM8bOZI9fMUp640Xr29maal5mAsYt88ECE255Rau-xIJX_o_sialvwDQZOyp16fG3U12-J2-Hm/s200/DSC_8195.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
I know my heart will always be drawn to the ocean. It's the place where I have happy childhood memories. It's where I know I'll feel God's presence and it's where I feel the most peace and joy. Where do you go where you feel God all around you, sacred and untouched? What special place brings you closer to Him? Tell me about the place your heart is drawn towards! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't usually do this, but I'm going to post some of my pics for you to enjoy. I hope you like them. It's not the same as being there to hear the waves crashing and the seagulls yelling, or to smell the salt air, and feel the warm breeze caress your skin. But I hope you enjoy them! <br />
<br />
From His Lap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSrfawnXW3L2FF8EfWfbLB94UPoZDa_-L7gYlbgvHQangnY2eHAorEY_Ipy52yiJ0Q5xq200kZDfUMCW4y9DQ3lZnOTpQk6ThmNtCjFYzZ5BRNm3SkMHGTEIasImOdMrqD0bfDTI5vgz8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSrfawnXW3L2FF8EfWfbLB94UPoZDa_-L7gYlbgvHQangnY2eHAorEY_Ipy52yiJ0Q5xq200kZDfUMCW4y9DQ3lZnOTpQk6ThmNtCjFYzZ5BRNm3SkMHGTEIasImOdMrqD0bfDTI5vgz8/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjju3JdBwKtSyX-hmabNkxI-9nvEmYXzejoY8g_Kp9hMntVSFObWbezxUmKPdLuwZiShrMpEQn7Q5aLA9NFg5EkKZw3lVcz0qK1BIj_4CCatYex81rfBWYnBxzQz4f9_Oft32KrOhGQay3/s1600/DSC_8171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjju3JdBwKtSyX-hmabNkxI-9nvEmYXzejoY8g_Kp9hMntVSFObWbezxUmKPdLuwZiShrMpEQn7Q5aLA9NFg5EkKZw3lVcz0qK1BIj_4CCatYex81rfBWYnBxzQz4f9_Oft32KrOhGQay3/s320/DSC_8171.JPG" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR9yWsgvMXQFO0FP5pz_5b3pyMEnYtbuyaEapYJ8kUWH0waTdOM0CJZFdWz31bHNrYORbroveT6s6wEkP4HaUhQwTpfVmWC5BOL5ea3yLSHSmYZLVO5ocIY1Y8EyRYhHVxjnE15CK9VmS/s1600/DSC_8298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFR9yWsgvMXQFO0FP5pz_5b3pyMEnYtbuyaEapYJ8kUWH0waTdOM0CJZFdWz31bHNrYORbroveT6s6wEkP4HaUhQwTpfVmWC5BOL5ea3yLSHSmYZLVO5ocIY1Y8EyRYhHVxjnE15CK9VmS/s320/DSC_8298.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmLFeay2VPmfDVOmbuo_vj2-XFDSH8w7x7e1mY2KssTXDUDD_RFX-P-CpnXKgHWjPcQyjp2RP7ufuegbmoMXuxSDuMRw3egFIIO0vdWroTZag13xDnLu7Iagak3jU4RfUfY0ITg_1fXnR/s320/DSCF9780.JPG" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjJeheNrQM-0KUXsOwZDNYhJT3RRxJZZZw7IVvhIqHHE4KkZYs24k7oiRW9BNtQ13gN4HAZxNZ7AGb_8dgT6eLyQvXjFs2KvR-Xen3Ovn-An2XFwS-pmzU2fpNlfPYmc4sjia5Qj993ql/s320/DSC_8238.JPG" /> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_VDXyzcJfwgPxkmvE3EtZtHvxTKRZWbUVYsJ567Kf2Hk8dnbvp4MujHkm22lhcJ85SbMhKTrI164X4oU4_CvqJDGyt1vFTYobsh5dnbqyyNDURnOfHJ3m5ePCo4mTIG9vZTVkxZpSraO/s320/DSC_8244.JPG" /> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5bsUBBaUxV0nSFpZdgYmGnCV3jc628WCML3fDtUgj1ohrjvm_BNHps9lABEHZpg-68xGASD1LwcRxDWKGCd0x7poN_YehPDOFkSHm4n8vZ2agb4XhFD8NA7tPw-aistX5jFZY3L6aBI7C/s320/DSC_8181.JPG" /> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVyW7kvDhgdL_zNlIXE4eXA7JwohpCDdkA_YRDi5tYm_0L9GE0SL5fQc4qxEDEVPK8bWr0Sxp45k-h2pNL2smTbqZqBhp9W0S7xjj67ZWiQJjhBnka_-wOui-A4G_D9CjjsZbNkRu2cOl/s320/DSC_8299.JPG" /> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNCa3AnqMhTCn9lT_bklPY59fVpmYcjdyvX6ChxuZDLbFua_Nfnxjzp9s9xH0ImJUizAON_EFW7hafNigbAlj52ZwueYwrQJSuZQtuqKr92Vks8C0joAB15gD-YLqsk6bDST5hpOUQ-8-/s320/DSC_8643.JPG" />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmLFeay2VPmfDVOmbuo_vj2-XFDSH8w7x7e1mY2KssTXDUDD_RFX-P-CpnXKgHWjPcQyjp2RP7ufuegbmoMXuxSDuMRw3egFIIO0vdWroTZag13xDnLu7Iagak3jU4RfUfY0ITg_1fXnR/s320/DSCF9780.JPG" />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskYfbTD1cXOtQyQFPttq8i6pHfDUdyPJ8-OB6uNdy_5BYaMe5abVy5gDQW4q9km0HobQQG_dTWL2KjXCye9hSVvEMY_u7zA3Ghuydc_TvLFYwRUSg91kR5m7dWZXrRm81AX6UNYsAAHux/s320/DSC_8277.JPG" />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70-kUgWAAI8qPGUkXSLfA8Zd9RlsmHUPGFPfLeqQKFDygB6soY1G1ljf2O45i8PeQ5cv45gYPD-yDwr8DFooPXxkncrANX84zzsx4BIFSulQgtQz6qD4rOk1hOkej4lftm3zBcF3-Ia2P/s320/DSC_8645.JPG" />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8488152270326221518.post-24679677600268471712012-05-08T12:56:00.001-05:002012-05-08T12:56:57.772-05:00Getting Past the Ground Clutter<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkHJqOb-obfarAiVJt-EdfE9E9-oGjttIiV3KFx62yrrKczOMFD1xeur45T5iM6EQiJaXA-wFY7Q5QSJlIOMlrATb0j8N83d_LqWRnqf8GakMoLV3ar0RwYCLrZzmd5B1eqkgnP1LtQ-7/s1600/IMAG0557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlkHJqOb-obfarAiVJt-EdfE9E9-oGjttIiV3KFx62yrrKczOMFD1xeur45T5iM6EQiJaXA-wFY7Q5QSJlIOMlrATb0j8N83d_LqWRnqf8GakMoLV3ar0RwYCLrZzmd5B1eqkgnP1LtQ-7/s200/IMAG0557.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking off from Dallas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I took a trip to Florida recently for my daughter's college graduation. I enjoy flying and always try to get a window seat on the plane. I am always struck by the view as the plane takes off and heads towards the sky. Glancing out the window, I can see neighborhoods, crowded highways, busy shopping centers and other ground clutter. Getting a peek at people going about their busyness of life, from that altitude almost seems amusing. <br />
<br />
There's so much rush, rush, rush to get from one place to the next, one event to the next, one chore to the next. I can see specific buildings and landmarks that I recognize. But as the plane continues to climb, I can make out less and less detail, and soon I can't recognize any of the rush and busyness that is still going on thousands of feet below me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkxNf0RDMPH2MnWP4TWlCvrnbSnDkQXyBDrFhyphenhyphens9SQOHZiZYQP49dcSGqqRXZXLHq7X39TIcU0-INoHPn9F1d5MBibrsZ3C6oew412QEKkInl5kLOfClspLrQNwe3msJEd3C4kThsWXJs/s1600/IMAG0550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVkxNf0RDMPH2MnWP4TWlCvrnbSnDkQXyBDrFhyphenhyphens9SQOHZiZYQP49dcSGqqRXZXLHq7X39TIcU0-INoHPn9F1d5MBibrsZ3C6oew412QEKkInl5kLOfClspLrQNwe3msJEd3C4kThsWXJs/s200/IMAG0550.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View outside my window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, the most amazing thing happens! The plane breaks through the clouds and you are surrounded by nothing but blue sky and wispy clouds wafting by your window. There's no clutter, no busyness, no worry or hurry! It's just you, time and the heavens! Every time I fly, I marvel at this. And I wonder...is this what God has to do to see our hearts?<br />
<br />
I picture Him, peering through my mind, past all my worries, fears, disappointments and hurts. He looks straight down into my heart (at times, battered and bruised), and fills it with light and love and promise! That's why, Dear One, it's so important to spend time alone, with Him. We need to get past all the ground clutter and break through to a place where we can hear from Him and receive His love<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OImInC4WOzfh-DG0qeC-kRc1C7EMObqliQIkOY5bKxALVkE-74ushmpBmGX_e4ZASJQGkidZq5-0J3RZ1BZiRwYiEqemVlNoUGfzqU8hDjT1_Eg8rq5m2k3Ag0c3mcjDzKWlGSOssmcR/s1600/IMAG0552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OImInC4WOzfh-DG0qeC-kRc1C7EMObqliQIkOY5bKxALVkE-74ushmpBmGX_e4ZASJQGkidZq5-0J3RZ1BZiRwYiEqemVlNoUGfzqU8hDjT1_Eg8rq5m2k3Ag0c3mcjDzKWlGSOssmcR/s320/IMAG0552.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my plane over Jacksonville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When you make time for prayer, if you can quiet your mind and still your thoughts long enough for Him to come in and clean out all the messiness, then, as life comes back into view, things seem more clear; life doesn't seem like such a rat race and you will sense a purpose and a reason for life!<br />
<br />
From His Lap!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBpwJKNAy94P_RfEpcPqDdeRtiszuYr0JX6FHin9Q7jGnGoWK_MF30kFCApOT8bEoji63dider9P3DeiIAZvyEPysfGAJ3rcICVgiEsEtjo5TaThySupk-Kx6EKnHjhwpsQgCPdnLbXp1/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBpwJKNAy94P_RfEpcPqDdeRtiszuYr0JX6FHin9Q7jGnGoWK_MF30kFCApOT8bEoji63dider9P3DeiIAZvyEPysfGAJ3rcICVgiEsEtjo5TaThySupk-Kx6EKnHjhwpsQgCPdnLbXp1/s1600/30494c1c1f246beaf27e24ae21e41521.png" /></a></div>Erinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697110369952312067noreply@blogger.com20