tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36495488500727839522024-02-07T00:17:24.006-08:00A Dash of EncouragementLadonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-43062721558807947132015-04-16T12:40:00.001-07:002015-04-16T12:40:27.312-07:00Good for my soul<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'</span>ve been a bit sporadic on my blog post. It is funny how life can get busy and things I enjoy doing have to take a backseat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A friend and I do the same bible study together. She does it in the morning and I do it in the evening. She had a picture of her bible and the lesson and wrote. "My flesh fights against keeping up with my Bible study, but my soul needs it."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those words are so true. We live in reality and we battle our flesh on a daily basis. I'm coaching track, leading a bible study, taking care of my family, trying to finish my MG book, and just being available to anyone. Oh, and trying to blog once a week. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life gets busy but we need to stop and look to Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even if you only have ten minutes or an hour, spending time with your Savior is always a good thing. Let your heart become quiet before the throne of grace will only draw you closer to the Lord. We need Christ. We need His word because it is good for our soul.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May we not run to the Lord when times are tough. But even in the moments of rest, may we be fervent for Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let us press on and finish the race well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, revving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure making wise the simple.</span>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-83930774535479645082015-04-08T17:42:00.000-07:002015-04-08T17:42:45.173-07:00Holy, Blameless, and Beyond Reproach<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ne of my favorite books of the bible is Colossians. It is so rich with truth and you can see Paul's love for believers he has never met. </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our Sunday School class is going through this amazing book and there was a passage that stopped me in my tracks. I have been meditating on it these past few weeks and am thankful for the Lord's goodness.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And though you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach. Colossians 1:21-22</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To think, we were separated from God and running away from Him. We hated God and wanted nothing to do with Him. He is holy and we can see it in Genesis when Adam and Eve sinned, they had to leave the garden. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The only way we can love God is through His Son. I think we can take John 3:16 for granted sometimes. We know it well but do we think about the words and what God has done.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is gracious to let us live and even hear the gospel and even read His Word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the transition Paul makes. We were hostile toward God and alienated from Him but through His Son we are holy, blameless and beyond reproach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can get disheartened by my sin and the battle I face on a daily basis. This passage encourages my heart that the Father sees Christ in me so I can approach Him with confidence and without fear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love this reminder that despite of my sin He loves me still. And He loves you too. </span></div>
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-73258301063213492032015-04-08T17:09:00.003-07:002015-04-08T17:09:21.881-07:00Canada: The Best Place on Earth, but I'm Biased <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>his past week we were in Vancouver, Canada and it is always good to go home. The weather was mild and I have to admit I've become a wimp to the colder temperatures. I've gotten spoiled living in California. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But Vancouver is a beautiful place and if you ever get a chance you have to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The best part of the trip was hanging out with my husband and watching hockey on TV. :)</span>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-41912212668929821652015-03-25T07:04:00.001-07:002015-03-25T07:04:10.225-07:00Obedience<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia; min-height: 14px;">
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<i>By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. 1 John 5:2-3 ESV</i></div>
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This isn’t true for the believer because we have faith to please Him. </div>
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When we obey God, it proves our love for Him, it glorifies Him to the world, it shows the world our loyalty to Him, and it opens avenues for blessings for us. Here’s the thing, we obey His commandments, not because we have to, but because we desire to, because we love Christ. We are not walking in the flesh any longer. We are walking by the spirit and we are a new creation.</div>
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However, when we disobey God it is an act of rebellion, it is sinful, it is a form of idolatry, it disrespects God’s word, and at times is based on looking good to other people rather than the Lord.</div>
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If we love the Lord, we will have a desire to obey him, not always perfectly, but our desire to obey Him and our lives give evidence of that desire. It assures us that we belong to Him. God commands us to obey Him throughout the pages of scripture. And when we do it brings us joy, confidence, peace, comfort, and blessing in a world where people are searching for these things in everything other than Christ.</div>
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It doesn’t matter how much knowledge we have if we refuse to obey the Lord. Obey not out of obligation or duty but obey because you love Christ. </div>
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“If I could simplify the Christian life to one thing, it would be obedience.” John MacArthur </div>
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-17011381934338092772015-03-17T17:28:00.002-07:002015-03-17T17:28:20.596-07:00Joy<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(35, 35, 35); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #232323; font-family: Georgia;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hat brings us joy? Is it getting a job? Finding a husband? Having children? Eating a great meal? Talking to a loved one?</div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><i>And we are writing these things so that your joy may be complete. 1 John 1:4</i></b></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">These are all good things and they can bring us joy and pleasure. </span></div>
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For a believer, though, there is a joy that is rooted not in what is seen but the unseen. It is rooted in Christ.</div>
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The epistle and the other books of the bible should produce joy in our hearts. Not a superficial joy that comes and goes depending on the circumstances but a joy that is anchored in the truth of the gospel, anchored in the truth of who God is and His wonderful works. </div>
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This joy can only come from the Father and believing in His Son Jesus Christ. Our fellowship with the Father produces joy in us that shows our loyalty to Him. Our love for His Son produces a joy in us that reminds us of our salvation. Our love for His word produces a joy in us that is unshakable. </div>
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Others should see this joy shine on our faces. </div>
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When we walk in the light, we will see that in the midst of the storm, even when it is difficult, we should have feelings of sweet joyfulness down in the depths of our souls. To know that we are kept by God and belong to Him, that He loves us, and the He is our helper will be our delight in the midst of our troubles. </div>
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Of course, doubts and fears are mixed in with our joy, but if we remember that God is our refuge and strength we will persevere. When we hide ourselves in His word, He gives us he ability to move forward. When we trust Him, His word eases the pain and discomfort of the trial because it points us to Him and He will let the doubts and fears disappear.</div>
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Let us be women that walk in obedience and know our joy doesn’t reside in things or people but our joy always resides with Christ. </div>
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He is the delight of our heart. </div>
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-84349788372641238972015-03-10T13:10:00.001-07:002015-03-10T13:10:50.257-07:00The Delight of Your Heart, Prayer<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Verdana;">
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. Daniel 9:3</span></div>
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Daniel knew this and so did the other writers of Scripture. Communion with our Lord should delight our hearts and souls. It should cause us to rejoice that we have access to the Father because of His Son. </div>
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Prayer is an act of humility and dependence on the one true God. We can talk to people but there is no one else that can direct our hearts and bend our stubborn wills. There is no one else that knows the depths of our hearts and still shows us grace and mercy each day. There is no one else that see the sins we hide but God sees right through it. There is no one else who hears the secret prayers we whisper only to the Father.</div>
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Prayer is our life source.</div>
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We see this in Daniel’s prayer.</div>
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I prayed to the LORD my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules. Daniel 9:4-5</div>
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At times we can go directly to our requests, needs, wants, and desires, instead of praising God for who He is and what He has done. There is nothing wrong with making requests.Daniel did this but his first response was to praise the Lord. </div>
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He knows what we need before we even ask or before it even becomes a thought in our mind. He sees the tears of joy or sorrow that bleed into the pages of His word. He hears the joys and anguishes that come from His beloved children. </div>
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The Lord wants us to come to Him. He wants us to depend on Him. He wants us to long for His word. He wants us to bow our hearts to His will.</div>
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Daniel says it so well in the last part of his prayer.</div>
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O my God, incline your heart and hear. Open your eyes and see our desolations, and the city this is called by your name. For we do not present our pleas before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name. Daniel 9:18-19</div>
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May our lips always praise our Lord, may we confess our sins to Him, may we let Him know of our faith in Him, may we tell Him of our need for Him, and may we humbly thank Him for everything He has done in our lives especially in saving our souls.</div>
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Let us go before the throne of grace one knee at a time, and praise our Father because prayer is our life line to Him. </div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-42231006200970123192015-03-03T07:04:00.000-08:002015-03-03T07:04:01.405-08:00The Delight of Your Heart<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>f you read the account in Genesis 22, you see how Abraham offers his son Isaac to the Lord.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Genesis 22:1-2</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Lord doesn’t just tell him to offer his son for a burnt offering. He uses your only son(the one you have waited years for and the promised one) and by the way, the one whom you love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">God tested Abraham to see if he feared God. Abraham did and he passed.</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What can we learn from Abraham and what is God telling us?</span></div>
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<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Abraham obeyed without question. He rose early in the morning and went with his son.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He went willingly.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He obeyed all the way to the point of almost killing his only son, whom he loved.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He feared God.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He worshiped God.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He knew God would provide.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He had confidence in God.</span></li>
<li style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He considered God is able to raise people even from the dead.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Through these points we learn one thing for certain. He loved God. His delight was in Him. He knew God was better than anything this life had to offer. This was a man that was meditating on the character of God. Abraham was consumed by the Lord and knew Him well. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words become for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Abraham surrendered his intellect, affections, emotions, and his will when he was about to sacrifice his only son. The test was to find out what was in his heart and to put to death the things he wanted in order that he may desire what God wanted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His loyalty and love for Him. His reverence for Him. His trust in Him. If you look at the list again, look how the character of our Lord is put on display. Isn’t that what He wants? For us to fix our eyes on Him, to look to Him for all things, and have complete confidence in Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The more we delight in the Lord. The more we meditate on His word. The more we love His law. The more we will love Him. We will never do it perfectly but it is the pursuit to do this on a daily basis. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let us behold the beauty of our Savior each day and praise Him for the wonderful things He has done. May our hearts and souls be drawn closer to Christ as we read His word, meditate on His word, and worship Him. He is our all and all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Delight yourselves in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:4-5</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I pray that we will be utterly and completely in love with our Lord. And our love for Him will be contagious to those around us.</span></div>
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-82701974929195176142015-02-24T21:44:00.003-08:002015-02-24T21:44:54.429-08:00Let Us Draw Near<span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>et us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22<br />
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Drawing near with a true heart is the first condition of acceptable approach to God for true worship. We can honor God with our lips, but we can worship Him with our heart. True worship is heart worship.<br />
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This is where it all starts.<br />
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May we remove the distractions of life from our minds and take the time to worship our Father. And why should we do this? Because He is our God, our praise, and our joy.<br />
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<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-53106149776170150082015-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:002015-02-17T12:20:00.885-08:00Love & Loyalty<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ur bible study is going through the book of Jude. We finished 1 & 2 Peter and it is so rich with great truths.<br />
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Steve Lawson wrote a quote that made a huge impact on me.<br />
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"The deeper we dig into the word, the higher we will rise in worship and the longer we will preserve in trials."<br />
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I thought this is so true. As our bible study is going through Peter and Jude, we are learning about the false teachers, that we are called, we need to preserve in trials, we need to stand firm for truth, His word is all we need, He will judge the wicked, He will come again, and we could continue with the great truths in these books.<br />
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The more I thought of these things the more I saw I don't dig into His word enough. The world is getting darker or maybe sin and evil is more blatant. I have to admit the things I see on the news are a tad scary. Yikes! But I also know the Lord is in control.<br />
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We need to know God's word and give a defense to those around why we believe what we believe. We need to give people the truth of Scripture because there are so many lies that people want to believe.<br />
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Where am I going? There is so much pressing on my heart but this I know for sure and I hope it will encourage you too.<br />
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As we dig deeper into His word, may our love and loyalty to Christ be evident to those around us. I pray that it is our desire to grow in wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and may our joy always reside in Him.<br />
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How about you? Are you being loyal to the Lord or to the world? You can't have both.<br />
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Let us stand firm for truth and not waver because our King is coming.<br />
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-12029981645777789912015-02-10T07:30:00.000-08:002015-02-10T07:30:00.647-08:00Resting in the Lord<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">L</span>ast night was hard and nothing bad happened. My husband had to go back to work. He flew in for the weekend and we enjoyed our time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to admit it gets harder each time he leaves. My heart ached as we drove to the airport and the the girls got a bit quieter too. He tries to make the issue light but I know it crushes him every time he has to leave. It saddens him that he misses the little things such as the laughter in the morning, the pitter patter of feet stomping on the floors, the touch of your wife holding your hand, driving in the car together to get groceries.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He sees the kids getting bigger and changing. It's hard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On the way down to the airport, I just started to thank the Lord for His goodness and mercy. Even though it is difficult, I must keep my eyes fixed on eternal things and the truth of His word. I remind the girls how faithful our Lord is to provide daddy with a job. It isn't the norm but that is what God has given us and we have to trust Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is good.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When he landed he told me they had a bit of a hairy landing. The pilot flew by the airport once, then gained altitude very steep and very fast. He tried it again and landed. He said, "God is so sovereign." He mentioned that there were some OMG when they were climbing at a 45 degree angle and he was revving the engines and the seats were creaking. He laughed, then said, "No atheists in foxholes."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to admit those things worry me and the Lord knows this. What if something happens to him when he is away? But my husband said it well, "God is in control."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can rest in His sovereignty. So even though we miss him, I'm glad I can trust my Savior each day. He is always good and teaching me to cling to Him so I can grow in His likeness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let our soul find rest in God alone. </span>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-3762094313878237002015-02-03T07:07:00.001-08:002015-02-03T07:25:46.649-08:00A quote<span style="font-size: x-small;">Note: You may not be a mom but you can encourage those around you who are. We never want to dismiss something because it doesn't pertain to us. We want to build the body of Christ in all areas. Never think we can't say or help that person because we haven't experienced it. We have God's word and you point them to Him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> usually write my posts the day of and there is the rare occasion that I right it the night before. However, I had only accomplished that once.<br />
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Last night I struggled on what to write about as I had nothing pressing on my heart to say. Then I skimmed through Instagram and a friend had taken a picture of this quote.<br />
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"Mothers need to study their own role, and begin to see them, not as boring and inconsequential, but as home, the headwaters of missions. At the very heart of the gospel is sacrifice, and there is perhaps no occupation in the world so intrinsically sacrificial as motherhood. Motherhood is a wonderful opportunity to live the gospel. Jim Elliot famously said, 'He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep to gain that which he can not lose.' Motherhood provides you with an opportunity to lay down the things that you cannot keep on behalf of the souls that you cannot lose. They are eternal souls, they are your children, they are your mission field." Mom Enough by Rachel Jankovic<br />
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This is such a beautiful reminder of what God has called us to do as mothers. The job isn't easy and it takes time and care. There are days that are harder than others as we walk down this road and it can seem endless and it does get tiresome. Changing diapers, breaking up an argument, cleaning up things from the floor you wish you didn't have to, screaming babies, and sleep deprivation can make us think we signed up for the wrong job. But we need to focus our attention on the one who gives us help. We need to remember what God has called us to do. We need to remember to stay faithful. We need to remember to encourage other moms when they are tired and discouraged and finally we need to remember that they are our MOST important work.<br />
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We only have these precious gems for a certain amount of time. Let us be good stewards of what the Lord has given us.<br />
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<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-26992105707802027062015-01-27T12:26:00.002-08:002015-01-27T12:26:25.575-08:00His Word Is Enough<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Georgia;">
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-size: 12px;">hat is your view of Scripture? Do you believe every word is inspired by God? Do you question somethings? Does it really matter?</span></span></div>
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These are very important questions to ponder. Your view of Scripture whether high or low is going to dictate how you live. It will dictate if you believe what God says is true. It will dictate if you believe every wind of doctrine. It will dictate when trials come if you cling to Christ or to the world.</div>
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If you have a low view of the Word, you will have a low view of God. If you have a high view of the Word, you will have a high view of God. </div>
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God’s word is unchanging. When we open the pages of Scripture, the voice of God is speaking to us. When we are lonely, His word gives us comfort. When we are scared, He says, “Fear not for I am with you.” When we are angry, He tells us to let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you. When we ask Him to teach us how to love, He tells us love is patient and kind. He tells us fearing Him is the beginning of wisdom. </div>
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His Word has given us everything we need to live a godly life. He has given us everything we need to walk humbly with Him. He has given us everything we need to point someone to Christ.</div>
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His Word is sufficient. If we believe this, we won’t be attracted to the views of the world because our feet stand on the rock. </div>
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Yes, we can discuss translations and there are many which is good and bad. It is good because His Word is available to anyone who needs it in an easy to-understand, accurate translation. It is bad because it can create controversy and can split the church and ruin relationships.</div>
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So which is the best?</div>
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I think the authors from <a href="http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-translations.html">http://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-translations.html</a> give a good answer. </div>
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An author said a good technique to use is have a set of Scripture verses you know well, and look those verses up in a translation you are unsure of. This way you can determine if the particle Bible translation is accurate. For example, the deity of Christ (John 1:1,14; 8:58; 10:30; Titus 2:13)</div>
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I think we can stand with confidence that God’s Word is true and He will accomplish His purposes through it. (Isaiah 55:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:2)</div>
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When I went through my mammogram scare, I clung to what I know is true of my Lord. And I will always cling even when I’m scared. As Peter had said, and I'm paraphrasing, "Where else can I go you have the words to eternal life."</div>
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Friends, when we doubt His Word we begin to slide down a slippery slope. The moment we doubt we can turn to other things that appeal to our souls. The moment we doubt we say the Lord isn’t enough.</div>
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May we share this truth with love and gentleness to the world. May we point them to the only one who can save them. And may we live lives that show our trust and loyalty to God’s Word. </div>
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He is all we need.</div>
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<b><i>All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16</i></b></div>
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Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-70543037932009434772015-01-20T08:38:00.002-08:002015-01-20T08:38:43.307-08:00So My Third Grader Heard. . .<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Disclaimer: This post isn't really a mom thing. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A </span>couple of weeks ago my third grader heard the F word at school. One of the kids didn't know what the F word meant so the one girl blurted it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My girls go to a Christian school so I'm never under the impression they are immune to worldly things. Kids are kids and say and do things that can be inappropriate at times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had three options: 1) Freak out, 2) ignore it, or 3) deal with it in calm matter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chose three by God's grace. I asked her if she knew what the word meant and she told me no. Phew! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I told her that it is a word but it is used in a bad way and it's not one you want to use. It is offensive. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She was fine with that, then moved on to the next topic. I love that kid! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I always want me kids to come to me and tell me anything. After fifth grade, I told my parents nothing. I kept everything to myself and they knew only what I wanted to share. I learned to be good at avoiding topics and keeping silent. I never did anything wrong per se but I didn't reveal some things until later on in life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't want my kids to be that way. I want them to share their joys and sorrows. I want them to know that they can come to us with anything. They should never have to be afraid of being attacked, ridiculed, or made to feel like an idiot. Again, I don't do this perfectly. The Lord is teaching me to react less and listen more and I'm thankful I'm growing in that area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I want to be purposeful about sharing Christ to my kids. My biggest fear is that they will grow numb to the gospel because they hear it all the time. That their hearts will harden and they will reject Christ. But the Lord always reminds me of this one thing. I can't save them and He calls be to be faithful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And this doesn't just have to be about kids. It goes across the board. It can be with a husband, child, friend, parent, etc. God has called us in different areas of life and He wants us to grow and look to Him on a daily basis. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friends, let us be faithful in whatever area has us. May we remember we can't do it on our own. We can only do through Christ. This way He gets the glory. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Parenting isn't easy. I have no idea what I'm doing but by God's grace He shows me through my failures and triumphs how to walk with Him and how to love my kids they way He wants me to.</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1</span></i></b>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-23540835584896816692015-01-13T06:53:00.001-08:002015-01-13T06:53:03.145-08:00Please, Forgive Me"<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hat's it like being raised in a Christian home?"<br />
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This was the question one of the women asked in our preschool group a few years ago. Many of the women in the group, including myself, were first generation Christians and wanted to know what it was like. They wanted insight.<br />
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The mother's who were raised in a Christian home didn't really know how to answer. They said things such as: our siblings fought, our parents got angry, we yelled, we were disrespectful to parents, we lied, and did other things.<br />
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They one thing that they all agreed on was their parents pointed them to Christ. Were there parents perfect? No, but they pointed them to the one who is.<br />
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But one mom said something that has always stuck with me. She said, "Whenever my mom got angry or frustrated with us, she would always ask us to forgive her."<br />
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As parents, friends, kids, etc we can let pride rule in our hearts and not humility. We can puff out our chests and justify our actions. Pat ourselves on the back because we are right and the other person is wrong.<br />
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This is hard for me. I wasn't raised in a home where people said they were sorry so I struggle with asking my kids or husband to forgive me when I have sinned against them. As a parent, I'm the authority I don't need to. As a wife, I'm just right even if I'm wrong. :)<br />
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Oh, Pride, how I loathe you. This isn't how the Lord wants me to act. God is clothed in splendor and majesty and he wants me to clothe myself in humility. And I want to show my children Christ. I want them to love the one I love. I want my husband to see Christ in me. And one of the ways of living out the gospel is asking for forgiveness.<br />
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When we ask someone to forgive us, it can melt a hard heart. It can save marriages and friendships. It can draw people closer together. Sometimes it doesn't work that way. You can ask and the person rejects it and that is difficult. However, God calls us to obey and trust Him even if it doesn't turn out the way we want. The point is we need to do what God has called us to do.<br />
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Friends, don't justify your sin but repent and go to the person quickly even if it is a child.<br />
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I love what Micah says. "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you. But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Micah 6:8<br />
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It is simple but we can make it hard.<br />
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A friend sent me this verse over the weekend.<br />
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"One thing I have asked of the LORD. that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4<br />
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This is a great thought. If we have this heart attitude, all else will follow. If we are in His word and gazing on His beauty, it won't be difficult to ask for forgiveness. We are living out what we believe.<br />
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It doesn't matter what stage of life we are in so I pray that we will be women that desire to walk humbly with our Lord.<br />
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<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-75448370331556422872015-01-06T06:39:00.000-08:002015-01-06T06:39:35.162-08:00The Call <span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>ne of the great privileges about turning forty, is going in for a mammogram. Oh, the joy.<br />
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It is an uncomfortable and awkward moment that you want to end quickly. I went last month and she (the tech)said I would receive the letter about the results. I thought nothing of it until ten days later when I received The Call.<br />
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My heart pinched. The nurse informed me that I had to return again for more pictures. I asked why and she was very vague. She kept telling me not to worry and this happens to 30% of women. The statistic she told me didn't help. I had to make an appointment and the next available one was January 15. I received The Call on Dec. 22.<br />
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The following day. The radiologist gave me more information. She informed me that I have a 7mm asymmetrical focal in my breast. The tears ran down my face even though I wasn't sure what that meant. She too told me not to worry and 9 out of 10 women are fine. Again that didn't help. My mind immediately went to the worst case scenario.<br />
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I went down What If Lane, which is the worst thing to do. And more tears came and panic. I prayed and told the Lord this is not what I want. Yes, I want a deep faith and a full joy but just in a different way.<br />
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I called two friends who put my eyes back on Christ, which is the best thing to do. Our flesh can take over so quickly that we lose perspective. Seriously, I'm a child of God. I know I'm going to see Christ and I love Him. Get a hold of yourself. Why am I panicking? Because as my dad would say, "We are still in the flesh."<br />
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My eyes went to the things of man instead of the things of God. Once I started to remember who my God is, the worries of this situation began to fade. The Lord brought me to this passage in Lamentations 3.<br />
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But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." For the Lord will not cast off forever, but, though he cause grief, he will have compassion. "I called on your name, O LORD, from the depths of the pit; you heard my pleas, 'Do not close your ear to my cry for help!" You came near when I called on you; you said, 'Do not fear!' Lamentations 3:21-24, 31-32. 56-57.<br />
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I love God because every time we open His word He is speaking to us. He is reminding us of who He is. We don't need to fear because He is with us and will always be with us. He has already paved the road for us we just have to trust Him and walk faithfully. Yes, are there scary moments, of course. He knows this but when we remember Him we can walk with confidence. We are all going home. Some are going earlier than others and some later but Christ is taking us to heaven.<br />
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It took a few days but my mind set shifted. It went from no to okay, Lord, your will not mine. It's okay whatever you decide. I'm thankful that He is patient with me. I'm thankful that He is rooting out the sin and stubbornness in my heart. And I'm thankful that He saved me.<br />
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I ended up getting an earlier appointment on Dec. 31. Again, this was the Lord's work and I'm amazed at His grace and mercy to me and us each day. We are undeserving.<br />
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Even though I knew the truths of God's word, I was still nervous. I think that is okay because the Lord knows this and as long as we sing a hymn or recite a verse we are clinging to Him and He is comforting us. I had another uncomfortable mammogram and awkward ultrasound because the tech decided to take a phone call while I'm on the bed. Don't worry about me lying here exposed while you talk to DMV.<br />
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But I think the Lord has a great sense of humour as He wanted me to relax and laugh.<br />
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Friends, I'm rejoicing because I am fine. It was nothing. But God would still be good even if it was something.<br />
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He reminded me that He is in control of all things. And all I need to do is rest in His sovereignty.<br />
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Remember our lives our penned by God, and lived out by us for His glory.<br />
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<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-68586143122031977142014-12-30T08:45:00.001-08:002014-12-30T08:45:12.368-08:00The New Year<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hen we look back at 2014, we should see how faithful the Lord has been to us. Here are a few ways He has shown His faithfulness.</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God is faithful in sending the Saviour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He is faithful to complete the work of sanctification in us</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God's work in creation reveal His faithfulness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God shows us His faithfulness in His tender mercies toward us</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He shows His faithfulness by keeping His promises to His people</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are many more things that could be added to this list. To me, this is a reminder that Christ is all we will ever need. The 2015 will bring many new things our way--disappointments and joys.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The unknown can make our heart grow anxious but it shouldn't. When we see how the Lord has taken care of us and sustained us we don't need to worry. It is a great reminder for us to dwell on what is known. And above are five things we already know about the Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friends, let this be the year we keep our eyes fixed on Christ. He is the one leading and taking care of us. He is the one that is making us into the image of His son. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blames a the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Thessalonians 5:23</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy New Year!!</span></div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-27476930397804490612014-12-23T07:29:00.001-08:002014-12-23T09:03:10.284-08:00Merry Christmas<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> can't believe Christmas is almost here and I'm so excited to celebrate the birth of Christ.<br />
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This one will be short but sweet. I hope.<br />
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May Christ be at the forefront of our thoughts this Christmas. And may He be at the forefront of our thoughts everyday. We rejoice in His birth, death, and Resurrection. He came to save sinners that would believe in Him.<br />
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He is our joy and praise. And He is coming back again.<br />
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Here is a great quote from R.C. Sproul<br />
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"What we celebrate at CHRISTMAS is not so much the birth of a baby, but the incarnation of GOD Himself."<br />
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<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-27766246894790777112014-12-16T06:17:00.000-08:002014-12-16T06:17:18.242-08:00Holiness<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">P</span>ursuing holiness
isn’t a suggestion but a command from the Lord. In the previous verses, we see
that we need to rejoice in our salvation and even though we will go through
trials, it is to test the genuineness of our faith. It also allows us to fix
our eyes off the world and onto Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">With this
knowledge, we have a race to run, a journey to go on, and a warfare to battle. So
the pursuit of holiness should be our desire as we follow and emulate Christ.
We must pursue holiness in all aspects of our lives on a daily basis. This
isn’t an easy task as sin clings to our hearts and can makes its home there if
we aren’t deliberate in uprooting it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We must not
clothe ourselves with the old way of living, the old way of doing things, and
the old way of thinking. We are a new creation and being conformed into the
image of our Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Christ shed His
blood so those that repent and believe in Him would have everlasting life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God,
to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which
is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what
is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We must watch and
pray against the sin for which we are inclined. We must follow Christ and as
stated earlier imitate Him in holiness and righteousness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">What about you?
Are you pursuing holiness? Do you yearn to be more like Christ? Are you
obeying the scriptures or ignoring what God has to say? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We need to wrap
His written word around ourselves like a cloak. Just as God is clothed in
splendor and majesty we need to clothe ourselves in the truth so our hunger is
for Him and not our old way of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">As we draw closer
to the Saviour, our old way should become a distant memory. The help of the
Holy Spirit can only do this and we thank the Lord that He is working in us. We
will fail but as my pastor says, “It’s not the perfection but the
direction."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When my friend
found out she had cancer, and I gave her a hug. She looked at me and said, “I
just want to be holier.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Yes, I can’t
believe she said that either. I’m sure there were moments where there was fear,
anxiety, and doubt. But she still returned her gaze to Christ. When she was in
pain, she would quote scripture. When I stayed overnight in her hospital room,
she asked me to give her a verse. She looked like a Skeleton with skin but she
still praised God. She stayed focused on Him. She pursued holiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">And we should
want this too. Whatever trials or joys that come our way our goal shouldn’t be
for happiness (which isn’t a bad thing) but more importantly we should long for holiness. </span></div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-923946797393930172014-12-09T07:02:00.002-08:002014-12-09T07:03:54.827-08:00Live Out What You Believe<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>f you've ever read Psalm 139, there is a sudden
transition in thoughts for David in the next four verses. He goes from the mind
of God to the wicked. </span></div>
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<b><i>O that You would slay the wicked, O God; Depart from me, therefore, men of bloodshed. For they speak against you wickedly, and Your enemies take Your name in vain. Psalm 139:19-20</i></b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">One commentator thinks it is because David was thinking
that God is everywhere. He searches the heart of people, He knows all their
conduct, and he was suddenly struck with the idea of the condition of the
wicked in the presence, and under the eye, of the Lord. </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As David points
out, there is no fellowship between light and darkness, between the wicked and
God-fearing. The Lord has seen all the sins of the wicked, which have been done
in His presence. He will punish the crimes committed before His face unless the
sinner repents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Those who delight
in wickedness are not fit companions for those who walk with God. As we delight
to have the Lord always near us, we should eagerly desire to have wicked men
removed from us or not engage in what they do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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David wasn’t in
danger when he tells us about the men who shed blood. He wanted nothing to do
with them, he didn’t want to partake in their conduct or share their fate. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The sinners that
reject God will be called into account the words they have said against the
Lord. They are His enemies and declare their enmity when they take His name in
vain. They speak against His perfections, His purpose, His providence, His
doctrines, His wisdom, His faithfulness, His Word, His ministers, and His
people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Some think this
is a description of hypocrites. They speak and talk of God, but their hearts
are far from Him. They pretend to love and obey Him, but a cloak of
maliciousness covers their souls. Pretending to be His friend, they take His
name in vain. They carry themselves with arrogant and false pride and utter
poisonous words against the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
If it is the ignorant
sinner or the hypocrite, they will have to give an account to the Lord for
rejecting Him and choosing to follow their own path.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
It is clear that
there isn’t fellowship between dark and light. And some even say shun those who
reject the Lord. However, we were once the wicked. We once spoke against the
Lord and rejected His Son. We once wanted self to rule in our hearts and not
the Saviour. It is clear the Lord hates sin and will punish those who don’t
repent. As those who fear God, we should mourn over our sin and the sin of
unbelievers too. We should be different from the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
In reality, we
can’t flee the wicked and live in a bubble. There are women and men that are
married to unbelievers. Some have parents or siblings that don’t know the Lord.
We have people we work with that are not saved. So shunning them won’t help. We
need to live out what we believe. We need to pray and be a living example to
the lost. They don’t know any better and neither did we. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
This quote by R.C
Sproul is a great reminder of why we need to evangelize the lost. “<i>This should be our witness. We should say,
‘I am here to show that you need a Saviour and to point you to the One you
should worship.’”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
We don’t have to
have eloquent words but point them to Christ and let them see something
different in us. Let them see Christ. May our lives, may my life be a living testimony to the world. May we never ruin our testimony by gossiping or lying. May we never ruin it by out bursts of anger or bitterness. May we never ruin it by our lack of compassion or selfishness. My friend said it well about her mom when she was a child. "She got upset with us but the one thing she always did was ask for forgiveness and that was what I have always remembered."</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
That is a great testimony. We will fail but we need humility to cover our hearts not our pride. </div>
<span style="text-indent: 0in;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-indent: 0in;">And remember with the Lord conversion and
salvation is possible even for the darkest heart. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-28928778148461233942014-12-01T21:23:00.001-08:002014-12-01T21:23:49.106-08:00Rejoice in Your Salvation<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ometimes when things are difficult, I
can forget to rejoice in my salvation. I can forget what Christ has done for my
soul. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Though you have not seen
him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and
rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the
outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I love that Peter
put these verses in the Bible because it reminds me of my salvation. And this
salvation should bring me great joy that one day I will see the face of my
Saviour One day my faith will become
sight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I was once blind
to my sin and didn’t have ears or eyes to hear or see the truth. I was once
like the world without any hope. But now, that God has saved me, my hope is
living. This hope comforts all distresses and allows me to get over all
difficulties because my eyes are fixed on Christ. Does my gaze fall away from
my Saviour? Yes, but I’m thankful that I can go to Him and repent and know that
He has forgiven me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I am going to
have trouble. I’m going to get anxious and fearful. I will cry out to Him and
ask why or no more or that isn't what I asked for but I have to trust Him because I love Him and I know His
word is true. I’m thankful for the trials even though they are painful. Trials
remind me to take my eyes off the world and onto my great Comforter. It makes
me long for heaven. The trials give God the glory. It humbles me. It makes me pray.
It refines me to look more and more like Christ. It makes me hate my sin so
Christ becomes even sweeter to me. And it teaches me to be joyful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">My pastor said this. “True joy is a gift from God to those who believe the gospel of Christ,
being produced in them by the Holy Spirit, as they receive and obey the Word,
mixed with trials, and keeping their hope fixed on the glory which is to come.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">When I go through
trials, I want patience to speak in my heart and not my passions. Ha! I wish I
could say that I always do that but I don’t. My heart will get discouraged but
I must go to my Father and ask for help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Trials are good
things. Even though it may look ugly to me, it is a beautiful gift from the
Lord. When I open the box, I see His grace, mercy, kindness, love, sovereignty.
When I open the box, I know He will comfort me with His word though it can take
time. I know He will heal the hurts, disappoints, and anger. He will heal the wounds. And when I open the box, I know it
is the voice of God speaking to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">He is telling me
through the pages of scripture to trust and cling to Him. He is telling me not
to fear but be strong and of good courage. He is reminding me to hide His word
in my heart. He is showing me how faithful He is and has been over the years. He
is rooting out the sin in my heart that the trial exposes. He is the one
holding my right hand and He is the one that will always help and guide me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">This is something
that I struggle with daily and I hate it. ButI have to trust
Him daily, I have to worship Him daily, I have to give him thanks daily, and I want to love Him more than I did yesterday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Trials can scare
me or the what if’s. But I can rejoice in my salvation because the truth is I don’t
want a shallow faith or a shallow joy. I want a deep faith and a full joy. I want to
come out looking more like Christ and less like myself. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 115%; text-indent: 0in;">Friends, may
we let His word strengthen our souls each day. May we remember the patience to
endure the trial only comes from Him. May we remember He is our joy and praise.
May we always thank the author, perfecter, and giver of life. Me we remember
the nearness of God is for our good. May we tell those who fear and don’t fear
the Lord what He has done for our souls. And may we never forget that He redeemed
us, called us by name, created us, and is with us.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">We are His and He
loves us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-87711434995581490492014-11-25T07:43:00.003-08:002014-11-25T07:43:46.853-08:00Hospitality<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ospitality as defined by Dictionary.com is: the friendly reception and treatment of strangers or guests. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I think of hospitality, my thoughts drift to a home and food looking like a photo from Pinterest or Instagram. Everything on the table is perfect and the sun's rays capture the orange tulips on the table just so. The tablecloths are perfect without messy little fingerprints making their marks on them. The food looks so good that you want to stick your hand through the screen and grab a drumstick or two. And maybe the cookie. ;)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But God's idea is different from my idea. Who doesn't want a clean house when someone comes over? Oh, the shame if they see a crooked place mat or dishes in the sink or mouth prints on the stainless steel appliances that let people know children live here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I love God's idea better. If you look at 1 Peter, he was telling the fellow believer to show love to strangers or be hospitable to those they didn't know. This is so easy to do when we know the people and invite them into our home. It can be hard when they are strangers or neighbors we don't know well, they go to a different church, or they look and smell different from us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Those things shouldn't matter. The Lord placed a neighbor on my heart a few days ago. And I do think she is having some problems. I wrote her a note to say that the Lord has put her on my heart and that I am praying for her. She sent me a text telling me thanks for the note. She finally opened up a little that she is having a tough time right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ladies, the clean house (which is good since I'm sort of a semi neat freak) isn't that important, the perfect house isn't that important or the size isn't that important. What is important, what will always be important is to show the love of Christ to those in the faith, and to those you aren't saved. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let those who fear the Lord and those who don't fear Him know what He has done for your soul. It is about encouraging the body of Christ and it is about pointing those who don't know the Lord to the only one that can save. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When someone comes to your home they should feel loved. When someone is sharing with you, put the phone down and look them straight in the eye. When someone is sad, put your arm around them and let them know you care. We rejoice with those who rejoice and we weep with those who weep. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By praying, encouraging, and serving the body of Christ and family or friends who don't know Christ, we are showing hospitality. We are showing them the Saviour. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May those around you see that joy that is in you. May you remember it isn't about you but it is about Christ. May you remind others that He is your joy and your God. And may you remember to show hospitality without grumbling or complaining. Others may not see your heart but God does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9</span></i></b><br />
<br />
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</div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-62849415050550808732014-11-18T06:40:00.000-08:002014-11-18T06:40:03.187-08:00Anniversary<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<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/AVvXsEhDyD_0NtV09qKp69JxppTZv9ZyyotVp-XZkHGvtSbO41aU1SRi1pbl8uYlqRIsQCGSohoQ8HpUh4K-FUgNYMjxGRL0f-RLwKcOH9OFv-faypWQ7PCxVqZ_2hKmkx4Z9MUHQhyphenhyphen1KUNh2FU/s1600/IMG_0153+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDyD_0NtV09qKp69JxppTZv9ZyyotVp-XZkHGvtSbO41aU1SRi1pbl8uYlqRIsQCGSohoQ8HpUh4K-FUgNYMjxGRL0f-RLwKcOH9OFv-faypWQ7PCxVqZ_2hKmkx4Z9MUHQhyphenhyphen1KUNh2FU/s1600/IMG_0153+(3).JPG" height="308" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Budapest Summer 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>oday marks fourteen years that I've been married to this wonderful man. He is my best friend and takes such good care of our family. He is a hard worker, loves me, loves his kids, and loves Christ.<br />
<br />
I'm thankful for him and our sweet family. Even though today is a special day, my husband is working out of town. This year we won't spend our anniversary together or celebrate my birthday together in two days. It breaks my heart because I do miss him. But his job takes him away for weeks or months at a time.<br />
<br />
But God.<br />
<br />
The Lord is so good. I could wallow in a bag of gummy bears and cry but I choose to be thankful. I choose to rejoice. I choose to fix my eyes and heart on the Lord. He has taught me over the years that He is faithful and will always be faithful. He has taught me to rest in Christ. He has taught me that He is in control of all things. He has taught me to cling to Him. He has shown me His kindness, mercy, and love which I don't deserve. He has taught me that He is better than anything this world has to offer. I am joyful because my hope is in my Saviour.<br />
<br />
Am I sad? Of course. Something would be wrong with me if I wasn't. But I am full of joy and that only comes from the Lord and abiding in His precious word. I love and adore my husband but I love and adore my Saviour more.<br />
<br />
He is my joy and praise. I desire to please Him in everything. Do I do it perfectly? Uh, no, but I'm pressing on to be more and more like my Saviour.<br />
<br />
May my life be a sweet aroma to those around me so they ask about the hope that is in me.<br />
<br />
So to my husband. I love you and thanks for being my best friend. To my Saviour, continue to teach me to walk in a manner worthy so I never forget that you are my first love.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-54848499139240068112014-11-11T08:24:00.001-08:002014-11-11T08:24:13.575-08:00Show Me Your Glory<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">C</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">reation declares the glory of the Lord. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. Romans 1:20</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His handiwork is on display daily. From the menacing storm clouds that consume the sky to drops of rain that water the earth. From the sun in the sky to the stars that twinkle in the night. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We don't need to visit the Louvre in Paris to see beautiful art. We can step outside and see the Master artist show us the beauty of a sunrise and sunset. The awesomeness of lightening bolts striking the ground. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">His creation is beautiful but there is something even better. We can see His glory as we leaf through the pages of His holy word. We see the beauty of Christ from the Old Testament all the way to the New Testament. When we ask God to show us His glory, we only need to open His book. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We need to plant our faces in His word. Our feet need to stand firm on the Rock. Our hands needsto dig deeper into the depths of the scriptures. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But this isn't always easy. There are seasons of plenty and seasons of droughts in the time we spend with Him. Life can and will get busy. But we need our Saviour. We need to cling to Him because He is our joy and praise. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It takes the discipline of an athlete, the patience of a farmer, and the courage of a soldier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Friends, reading blogs and books about God are good. We are encouraged when we know someone understands. We are strengthened by<span style="background-color: white;"> others </span>words to continue to press on. But the best thing is spending time with Him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That quiet time when it is just you and the Saviour. Your tears may bleed into the pages from joy or sorrow but He is wiping them away. That quiet time where you can here the gentle whisper of the Lord saying, <i>"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10a</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you to all the brave men and women in Canada and the USA who served and continue to serve. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-17152260462341528012014-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:002014-11-07T07:00:36.355-08:00The Liebster Award<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFTN-Om5wYJxpCdparW68-Fbzg3W_jJEzrT7vEx2ODlL0HAxDkIiWhzWsvdjfcAnS0KNq05SyKxznDVzQJDA5GCbItqFt62WIbkNvgMFNt4QF-0SXaQwS9sm3-N5rTad-ISz2npR7aQA/s1600/Liebster_Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEFTN-Om5wYJxpCdparW68-Fbzg3W_jJEzrT7vEx2ODlL0HAxDkIiWhzWsvdjfcAnS0KNq05SyKxznDVzQJDA5GCbItqFt62WIbkNvgMFNt4QF-0SXaQwS9sm3-N5rTad-ISz2npR7aQA/s1600/Liebster_Award.png" height="285" width="320" /></a></div>
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I was nominated by <a href="http://lifewiththecasterlines.com/" style="color: #f0bfbc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sarah</a> at <a href="http://lifewiththecasterlines.com/" style="color: #f0bfbc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Life With The Casterlines </a>for the Liebster Award.I have to admit I'm not good at these things but it was sweet that Sarah thought of me. Thanks, Sarah. I hope I do this right. </div>
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The Liebster Award is for smaller blogs only (less than 200 followers) and is just a way for readers to discover up-and-coming blogs. Here are the rules:</div>
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<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Post 11 random facts about yourself</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Answer 11 questions asked by the person who nominated you</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Nominate bloggers (with less than 200 followers) to do the same</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Let the bloggers you have nominated know they have been nominated</li>
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Part One:</div>
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<ol style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24.375px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0px 0px 25px 16px;">
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I love bacon</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I've learned to love California. Canadian girl for life. :)</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I ran in two Olympics</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I've been in a hot air balloon</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I didn't know what smores were until I came to the States</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I'm in my schools Hall of Fame</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I could wear PJ's all day</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I used to do air bands with my friends in high school. Oh, the shame</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I would love to go to a U2 concert</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I want to line dance but I might lose my black card with that tidbit. :)</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">I'm a bit clumsy. </li>
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Part Two:</div>
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<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is your favorite book? <b>Jane Eyre</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What inspired you to start blogging? <b>The Lord and I wanted to be encouraged and encourage other saints</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you could do anything right now, what would it be?<b> See my husband. He works out of town.</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is your favorite song? <b>Wonderful, Merciful, Saviour</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What are you reading right now? <b>The Knowledge of the Holy</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What career are you in, and do you like it?<b>I serve my family.</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is your favorite TV show? <b>House Hunters</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is one goal you hope to accomplish within the next year? <b>Finish this YA book I'm working on.</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is the best movie you’ve seen lately? <b>I love the Christmas movies.</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is one item on your Christmas wish-list? <b>To eat Christmas dinner after gall bladder surgery. Gallstones suck!!</b></li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What do you love most about fall? <b>If I were home in Canada, they red, yellow and orange leaves. The cooler weather and soft scarves. In California, it is harder since it was 89 yesterday. But their our moments of fall here and I thank the Lord for it.</b></li>
</ol>
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Part three- For the bloggers I am nominating, here are your questions:</div>
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<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is one thing God is teaching you during this season? </li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">If you could travel any where tomorrow, where would you go and why?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is your favorite Christmas movie?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Team Edward or Team Jacob?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What are you currently reading?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is your favorite time of year?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What is one goal you hope to accomplish this next year?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Where and who will you be spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">What inspired you to start blogging?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Who inspires you the most in life right now?</li>
<li style="-webkit-appearance: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Who is your favorite author? </li>
</ol>
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I now nominate the following bloggers for the Liebster Award:</div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Victoria at <a href="http://myjourneyforhim.blogspot.com/">Through*For* By</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;">Martha Kate at <a href="http://www.seasonswiththestrattons.com/">Seasons with the Strattons</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">If you choose to accept the award, please come back and comment with your post link so we can all</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">get to know you better!</span>Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649548850072783952.post-11385840228361740962014-11-04T05:00:00.000-08:002014-11-04T06:10:21.579-08:00He Knows Us Well<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<b><i>O
LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I
rise up; You understand my thought from afar. Psalm 139:1-2<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hen
we leaf through the many psalms David wrote, we see how personal and intimate
they are. He knew his God and God knew him. It is no different here. David
understood as he penned these words that the Lord knew him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lord had searched him and search here references searching the earth by boring or
digging for water or metal. God isn’t looking for something. He examines the
thoughts and feelings of our hearts. He knows us better than any family,
friend, or acquaintance as they can’t see our heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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But God can. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Our soul is
transparent to His piercing glance and He sees the sin that dwells in our hearts.
We can hide it from others but not God. <i>Psalm 44:21 Would not God find this out? For
He knows the secrets of the heart?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The Puritan A.W
Pink says this. <i>“The natural man cannot
endure the thought of being thoroughly searched by God. The last thing he
desires is to pass beneath the all-seeing eye of His maker and Judge, so that
his every thought and desire, his most secret imagination and motives stands
exposed before Him.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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We our observed
by God whether we sit down or rise up. Our simple tasks, our most needful
movements are noted. When we cling to pride, the Lord sees it. When anger or
bitterness gets comfortable in our heart, He sees it. When we are sad and
lonely, our great God sees it all. This
is a truth to remember, if we are sitting down to think or rising up to act, we
are still seen, known, and read by our Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, because of
this He understands our thoughts from afar, and He understands our thoughts of
Him. He won’t misjudge or wrongly interpret us; our inner thoughts our
perfectly understood by His impartial mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On one hand, it
should restrain us from sin and when we do sin, we should repent. Our soul is
transparent before the living God every minute and hour of the day. Man looks
at the outward appearance but the Lord see the heart. On the other hand, God
sees us, puny us, and knows us. We need to mediate on the truths that come our
way. This is a beautiful contrast between the observer and the observed. The
Lord and us. This is an intimate connection that exists, and therein lies our
hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Lord isn’t
far away from us. We can boldly go the throne of grace with confidence. He
hears our prayers, cries, joys, and sorrows. He is the one that will comfort
our soul and hold our hand. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Because He is
faithful. <o:p></o:p></div>
Ladonnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04278075301227502436noreply@blogger.com5