tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42689615351964262972024-03-05T04:10:25.919-06:00Mary Nelson - A Life Committed to ChristMy life is committed to Jesus Christ and this blog will include posts about my life as a mom, wife, and follower of Jesus Christ. I hope to encourage you in your journey and inspire you to pursue God's purpose for your life. Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-73848510872859303092022-12-07T09:34:00.031-06:002022-12-07T13:17:39.613-06:00Twenty Marriage Tips to Celebrate 20 Years<p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">“I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.”<span> </span>Nathan and I made that promise to one another twenty years ago today!<span> </span>TWENTY YEARS!!!<span> </span>I still remember the day like it was yesterday.<span> </span>I was full of nervous excitement and couldn’t wait to marry my best friend and love of my life.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">I can honestly say, these past twenty years have been the BEST years of my life.<span> </span>We have certainly experienced our “for better or worse, in good times and bad, in sickness and health” moments, but I’m thankful we chose to love each other through it all.<span> </span>We’ve learned a lot about marriage, commitment, and growth during these past twenty years.<span> </span>Some lessons were harder to learn than others and some took longer to learn than I’d like to admit.<span> </span>The truth is, we still haven’t mastered marriage and we still ask the Lord daily to give us wisdom as we navigate this beautiful journey together.<span> </span>We are always changing and growing.<span> </span>Through it all, we have remained best friends and love each other more today than ever.<span> </span>To celebrate this milestone anniversary, I thought it would be fun to compile a list of twenty marriage tips that we want to impart to our children in hopes it will strengthen their marriage someday.<span> </span>In the meantime, maybe this will help a newlywed couple or even a seasoned couple that is seeking to make their marriage stronger moving forward.<span> </span>Regardless of how long you have been married, we should never become complacent.<span> </span>Proverbs 1:32 warns us that “the complacency of fools will destroy them.”<span> </span>Marriage is the closest comparison we have to our relationship with Jesus.<span> </span>We are the bride of Christ.<span> </span>May we all strive to have marriages that resemble Christ’s love.<span> </span>I cherish the wisdom of our parents, mentors, teachers, counselors, and of course the Holy Spirit who is constantly refining us and teaching us how to love each other well.<span> </span>These 20 marriage tips have certainly strengthened our marriage over the years.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Make God the center and highest priority of your marriage</b><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Prioritizing God in our marriage means knowing him in our hearts and reflecting Him in our actions.</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Acknowledging that although our marriage consists of two flawed individuals, there is a Greater One who binds us together and we must allow His Spirit to lead us in unity and in truth in order to accomplish all He had planned when He brought us together.</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;">Learning to surrender our plans and our desires and to instead seek God’s will for our marriage and family has made our marriage stronger than ever.</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Pray for your spouse and marriage</b>.<b><span> </span></b>Don’t wait until there’s a problem to pray.<span> </span>The current divorce rate states that 1 in 2 Christian marriages end in divorce.<span> </span>However, for couples that pray at least 5 minutes together daily, the divorce rate is 1 in 1100.<span> </span>Our marriage is worth praying for together!<span> </span>It may be awkward at first, but your marriage is worth it!<span> </span>Pray scriptures over your spouse and call things forth as if they were so.<span> </span>The Word works!<span> </span>Pray the Word over your needs, your children, your finances, and your relationship!<span> </span>Your marriage is worth it.<span> </span>Nathan and I have come a long way in this area over these past 20 years!<span> </span>I’ll never forget the first time I had an anxiety attack and asked Nathan to pray for me. <span> </span>When I asked, “Will you pray for me?”<span> </span>He said, “Sure” so I closed my eyes and waited…and waited…and waited.<span> </span>I finally looked up and said “I need you to pray for me now.<span> </span>I’m having anxiety and I need peace.”<span> </span>He told me he was praying and I said, “No, I need you to pray for me out loud right now and lay hands on me.”<span> </span>He did and you know what…peace came!<span> </span>His prayer wasn’t eloquent.<span> </span>It wasn’t long.<span> </span>It wasn’t rehearsed.<span> </span>It didn’t matter.<span> </span>God heard and God answered.<span> </span>I’m so grateful for the growth that happened over the years and it’s no longer awkward!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Communicate Clearly what you like and dislike.<span> </span></b>Don’t assume your spouse knows.<span> </span>He/She can’t read your mind.<span> </span>It is our nature to want to please those we love.<span> </span>Clear communication increases the frequency of desired behaviors.<span> </span>My love language is physical touch and words of affirmation so when my husband shows love to me in that way, it’s not uncommon for me to tell him how much I love his physical affection or handwritten notes. <span> </span>The more I tell him what I like, the more he does it and vice versa.<span> </span>This doesn’t just apply to love languages.<span> </span>I also appreciate it when Nathan is honest and tells me if he doesn’t like something.<span> </span>I’ll never forget when our kids were young, the kids were always so excited to see Daddy and when he’d walk in the room, they’d all yell, race to daddy, and fight over who could get in his arms first.<span> </span>I always thought it was adorable and proof of what a great dad he was.<span> </span>I would often use that moment to pick up the house from all the toys and clutter that four kids can cause in a day, finish up dinner, or shower for the day.<span> </span>However, Nathan opened up that after a long day of work, he really needed home to be a place where he was welcomed with peace.<span> </span>He explained to me that having a clean home with quiet kids was more important to him than having a homecooked meal.<span> </span>As a busy mom who constantly felt like I wasn’t measuring up because I literally couldn’t do it all, this was like finding a nugget of gold!<span> </span>I may not be able to do it all, but after he told me what he needed, I made sure to set a timer so that about 15 minutes before Dad was to come home from work, the kids and I would run around like crazies picking everything up and lighting a candle to help create a relaxing environment.<span> </span>I would remind them to not scream when Dad got home and would often start them on a quiet activity so that Dad could come greet them and have a moment to decompress for the day.<span> </span>This meant the world to Nathan and he always expressed his appreciation that I took note of what he communicated.<span> </span>Plus, it took the pressure off of me of trying to live up to all the expectations I had placed on myself.<span> </span>To hear that my husband appreciates a good meal, but would prefer a clean house helped me prioritize the needs of my husband and love him well.<span> </span>He does the same for me when I communicate clearly.<span> </span>This is important in the bedroom too.<span> </span>Let each other know what you like and dislike!<span> </span>It will make your marriage stronger!<span> </span>Most offenses that are taken in marriages are due to a lack of communication about unmet expectations.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Meet each other’s sexual needs.<span> </span></b>Ask your spouse what they need and how often they would like to have sex and share your needs and expectations…you may be surprised by what you learn!<span> </span>If your needs are different, learn to compromise for one another.<span> </span>Sex is a spiritual act that brings a couple into physical and spiritual unity unlike any other intimate act.<span> </span>As designed by God in marriage, sex has the ability to heal, strengthen, and permanently bond a couple for life.<span> </span>Never withhold love and affection as a form of punishment for your spouse.<span> </span>Your spouse should never have to earn your affection.<span> </span>That is an open door to the enemy and it will destroy a marriage.<span> </span>I made up my mind years ago that no matter what, if my husband put out a bid for my affection, I would reciprocate and meet that need.<span> </span>Our marriage is stronger than ever because of that one decision!<span> </span>There were times I didn’t feel like it, whether I was tired, carrying an offense, or feeling insecure in my body, but when we come together as one, the Lord blesses that which He has brought together!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Give lots of grace.</b><span> </span>We are human.<span> </span>We make mistakes.<span> </span>Unlike God, our spouses will let us down from time to time.<span> </span>They will disappoint us and more often than not, it’s likely never intentional.<span> </span>When this happens, give grace.<span> </span>Try to respond in a way that you would want your spouse to respond should he be the one frustrated or hurt with something you did.<span> </span>Learn to overlook wrongs and extend grace.<span> </span>Forgive quickly and never hold grudges.<span> </span>Don’t assume the worst about your spouse but see him/her through the eyes of the Father.<span> </span>See their value and ask the Lord if addressing an offense will help or hurt your marriage.<span> </span>If it isn’t going to add value to your marriage by addressing it, let it go.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Know your spouse’s love languages and learn how to give love in a way that fills their love bucket!</b><span> </span>As I mentioned above, my love language is physical touch and words of affirmation.<span> </span>Nathan could buy me gifts, take me on luxurious trips, make me a candlelight dinner, or spend every waking moment with me, but if he isn’t pulling me in close and telling me he loves me, I feel disconnected and unloved.<span> </span>For years, I loved my husband the way I desired to be loved.<span> </span>I was affectionate and affirming and it was obvious to everyone that I loved Nathan very much.<span> </span>However, after 13 years of marriage, we went to see a marriage counselor and for the first time, we were asked to make a list of things our spouse does that makes us feel loved.<span> </span>At the top of my list were things such as holding my hand, putting his arm around me, hugging and kissing me, telling me he loves me, etc.<span> </span>When I read his list, I was shocked!<span> </span>More than half of his list consisted of acts of service!<span> </span>He feels loved when I create a peaceful environment for him, making him a warm bath, cooking him a meal, playing golf with him, planning golf outings for him with friends, etc.<span> </span>All these years, I had been loving him the way I desired to be loved instead of giving him the love nuggets that he desired most.<span> </span>I’m so thankful I have the rest of my life to love him through acts of service and quality time.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Set up healthy boundaries to protect your marriage.<span> </span></b>Discuss what this may look like in your marriage.<span> </span>Whether it’s boundaries with family, friends, work, or finances, boundaries provide protection.<span> </span>The Bible is clear that Satan is prowling like a roaring lion, seeking those who he may devour.<span> </span>None of us are off limits.<span> </span>It’s important we aren’t caught off guard due to lack of boundaries.<span> </span>No matter how innocent it may be, it’s a really bad idea to be alone with someone of the opposite sex.<span> </span>Same with texting.<span> </span>I know it’s not always possible with some careers, but for our marriage, we are committed to avoiding the very appearance of evil.<span> </span>We want to live above reproach when it comes to protecting our marriage.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Be your spouse’s number one cheerleader in life!<span> </span></b>Everything you say should either build up or cheer up your spouse.<span> </span>Never speak insults to your spouse or degrade each other.<span> </span>And by all means, NEVER PUT YOUR SPOUSE DOWN TO OR IN FRONT OF OTHERS!<span> </span>Your spouse needs to have a partner that is cheering them on in life!<span> </span>There’re enough haters in this world trying to tear us down.<span> </span>In marriage, that isn’t so.<span> </span>Your friends and family should only hear positive things about your spouse.<span> </span>Do not jokingly insult your spouse in front of others either.<span> </span>Brag on your spouse often, in public and in private.<span> </span>Dream together and cheer each other on in life!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Set a mutual purchase limit and never buy anything over that amount without consulting and being in agreement.</b><span> </span>This is just good wisdom in partnership.<span> </span>Marriage is the joining of two people so our spending should be joint endeavors as well.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>It’s better to wait on a decision until you are in unity.</b><span> </span>Whether it’s a big decision or little decision, seek unity.<span> </span>For those who are visionaries, this may be difficult.<span> </span>In marriage, allow the Lord to confirm the vision to your spouse before moving forward.<span> </span>God’s nature is to unify and never to bring confusion, so if there isn’t peace, clarity, or unity, it’s better to wait.<span> </span>This proved to be a costly lesson in our marriage, but God’s mercies are new every morning.<span> </span>We’ve learned over time that when we are self-seeking, it leads to division, but when we seek the Lord’s will, unity always comes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Date your mate often and take turns planning the dates!</b><span> </span>Marriage should be fun whether you are newlyweds or been married for fifty years!<span> </span>Several years ago, we made a list of what our top 10 dates would look like.<span> </span>Then we started taking turns planning one of those dates every month.<span> </span>When we made it through all of the ideas, we added some more, repeated some, or just planned a date the other person would really enjoy.<span> </span>And date nights are not for discussing serious matters.<span> </span>They should be fun and a time of reconnecting!<span> </span>Also, I highly encourage you and your spouse to have overnight dates at least once a month.<span> </span>If you don’t have family nearby to keep your children, consider trading off babysitting for another couple that you trust to keep your kids so that you can have that uninterrupted time together.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">12.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Be open and honest always.</b><span> </span>Trust in marriage is vital.<span> </span>Imagine a bathtub full of water, when trust Is broken in marriage, it’s like pulling the drain in the tub.<span> </span>The water drains quickly and before you know it, the tub is empty much like a marriage without trust.<span> </span>The only way to fill the tub back up is one drip at a time.<span> </span>Trist isn’t something that can be poured into a marriage.<span> </span>You can’t just refill the tub again over night.<span> </span>It takes consistency for trust to build back up…one kept word at a time, one transparent conversation at a time, one love nugget at a time…one drip at a time.<span> </span>Depending on how long the drain was pulled, it can take years to refill the marriage up with trust again, so be open and honest always.<span> </span>Be transparent.<span> </span>Don’t ever withhold information from your spouse in order to protect them.<span> </span>Secrecy breeds distrust even when intentions are pure so be open with your spouse about everything.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">13.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Be a team and share responsibilities and recognize when each other need a break.</b><span> </span>Marriage is not 50/50.<span> </span>It is 100/100.<span> </span>We are a team and share most roles.<span> </span>Nathan obviously is the one who works outside of the home to earn our living and I stay home and take care of the home, educate the kids, and take care of the kids’ needs during the day.<span> </span>However, when Nathan gets home of an evening, we are partners on the same team.<span> </span>We teach and train our kids together, we share the responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, yardwork, paying bills, shopping for groceries, attending games, practices, etc.<span> </span>We love doing life together and helping one another.<span> </span>If I know Nathan has had a rough day or isn’t feeling well, I’m happy to take on some of the tasks that he typically does.<span> </span>He does the same for me without hesitation.<span> </span>Approaching marriage as a team rather than with individual expectations will allow you to better serve one another. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">14.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Serve in ministry together.</b><span> </span>It’s okay to serve individually as well, but it’s important to find something you do together.<span> </span>There is nothing more fruitful than serving the Kingdom together.<span> </span>Give and it shall be given unto you.<span> </span>The law of sowing and reaping is a Biblical principle that applies to marriage too.<span> </span>When we serve others together with the purpose of growing the Kingdom, our marriages will be blessed!<span> </span>There is nothing more attractive than to watch my husband serve the Lord and serve others like Jesus!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">15.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Prepare for change and love each other through it.</b><span> </span>You will never be the same person you were when you were married.<span> </span>We are all evolving, growing, maturing, and changing.<span> </span>Embrace it and appreciate it.<span> </span>When Nathan and I got married, I was the outgoing and confident one in our relationship.<span> </span>However, the older I get, my awareness of my weaknesses and my need for a Savior has humbled and quieted me quite a bit.<span> </span><span> </span>On the other hand, Nathan’s experience in business and customer service has developed his ability to communicate with anyone!<span> </span>He’s no longer that quiet and timid kid that I married twenty years ago.<span> </span>He’s still a man of few words but he has a quiet confidence about him now.<span> </span>Wouldn’t it be a shame if I thought that man I married twenty years ago was already his best version of himself and resented the change and growth that has taken place since then?<span> </span>As long as we have breath, we will forever be on the journey of transformation to becoming more and more like Jesus.<span> </span>We will never arrive but we can keep learning and growing.<span> </span>Don’t resent change.<span> </span>Learn to embrace it and love your spouse through it.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">16.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Have fun together and laugh a lot!<span> </span></b>I cherish every laugh line I have gained over these past twenty years!<span> </span>Take up fun hobbies together, make each other laugh, be silly, dance, and don’t be too serious!<span> </span>Enjoy life together and find the joy despite your circumstances!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">17.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Prioritize each other.<span> </span></b>Your spouse comes before your kids, your work, your well-being, your family, your ministry…before everything…except for God!<span> </span>Live your life in a way that it is evident to others that your spouse is your number 1!<span> </span>That may mean being quick to answer or respond to each other’s calls and texts regardless of where you are or what you are doing because it sends a message to your spouse that they are important. <span> </span>Teaching your children not to interrupt when the two of you are talking.<span> </span>Not taking business calls during certain hours sends a message to your spouse that you value your time together more than money.<span> </span>Having your children sleep in their own beds sends a message to your spouse that you prioritize intimacy with them over closeness to your children.<span> </span>Our actions speak louder than words so make it evident that you prioritize your marriage by putting each other first.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">18.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Communicate using “I” language.<span> </span></b>Using accusatory speech puts our spouse on defense.<span> </span>Using “I” language is a way to express your thoughts and feelings in an assertive, non-aggressive way that tends to make our spouse more willing to listen.<span> </span>This is especially helpful for diffusing conflicts in a polite way.<span> </span>It’s not only effective in marriage, but in all relationships!<span> </span>I am still a work in progress in this area, but I have seen the difference it makes in our marriage.<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">19.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Be present.<span> </span></b>You can be right next to your spouse, yet be so far away.<span> </span>Be sure and connect with your spouse every single day for at least 15 minutes.<span> </span>Don’t allow yourself to be distracted during this time.<span> </span>Put your phone down, shut the door, turn the television off, whatever it takes…be present.<span> </span>There are so many things competing for our time and attention so when we come together each day, let’s make that time count.<span> </span><b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]-->20.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]--><b>Remember, the devil is a liar. </b>Thoughts will come and thoughts will go, but thoughts that aren’t spoken or acted upon, will die void. Satan loves to shout lies about our marriage, our spouse, and our life. He loves for us to compare and compete so we will live in defeat. Don’t fall into his traps. If the grass looks greener on the other side, it’s time to water your own lawn! His lies start as a thought, then become imaginations, only to become strongholds. Learn to take the thoughts captive before they become strongholds! The Word is our weapon. <b><o:p></o:p></b></p>Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-87001320229130284202021-01-30T23:36:00.000-06:002021-01-30T23:36:08.909-06:00Arise Joshua! Arise Caleb! It's Time to Slay Some Giants!<p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">My heart has been so grieved for America over the past few months, yet my spirit has been filled with great expectancy for our beautiful nation. The attacks on our freedoms, our conservative values, and our personal character have been shocking. Friends, what we are witnessing in our country is nothing less than a satanic attack. It is truly a war between good and evil and the deception runs so much deeper than I ever imagined. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Big Tech is a tool and propaganda machine of Satan. The censorship that we are witnessing of Christian and conservative voices is an attack on our freedoms, but even more than that, it is Satan’s desperate attempt to deceive as many as possible in the short time that he has left to roam this earth. He is aware more than anyone that his time is limited. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I have felt prompted over the past few months to be very careful and intentional when it comes to receiving my news and information. The reports that I was seeing and hearing after the election were far from uplifting. It’s easy to feel hopeless and fearful when all you hear are the reports of COVID deaths, fraudulent votes, stolen elections, corrupt politicians and judges, courts refusing to allow evidence to be presented, Big Tech censorship, fake news, riots, and all of the opinions indicating that complete control of all three branches of government surely means the end to our democracy…due to the threat of court packing and the dismantling of our electoral college. Despite all of the bleak reports surrounding me, there was and continues to be an overwhelming sense of peace in my spirit. “Even when I don’t see it, He’s working. Even when I don’t feel it, He’s working. You never stop. You never stop working. Waymaker…that is who You are!”<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDD3IUT41XoJIRtV_geUR1qFwJRglO3mT1PobatpfQM0DmPVIVtG2GKiGKRKhjMYkUWfiVq3j2iO5QbRIT1rQlTyQoXwFnpsEqzUqkPXyFkD0JiHoGr5-I4AphhHjssw9t7xbSa33Rqnk/s1280/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDD3IUT41XoJIRtV_geUR1qFwJRglO3mT1PobatpfQM0DmPVIVtG2GKiGKRKhjMYkUWfiVq3j2iO5QbRIT1rQlTyQoXwFnpsEqzUqkPXyFkD0JiHoGr5-I4AphhHjssw9t7xbSa33Rqnk/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">As we faced one negative report after another, I couldn’t help but think of the Israelites. The Lord promised Abraham that his descendants would dwell in the Promised Land, because Abraham was counted righteous and considered a friend of God. Yet, the circumstances of a seven year famine that lead to Jacob’s family moving out of the Promised Land and into Egypt…eventually leading to over 400 years of slavery…certainly made Abraham’s descendants question God’s faithfulness. It wasn’t until God sent the plagues to Egypt over 400 years later that God used Moses to lead His people out of slavery! Their journey quickly went from a celebration of freedom to a very hopeless situation as they realized the Egyptian armies were making ground as they approached the Red Sea. There came a moment when they realized there was no way to escape their enemies…death looked imminent as they were surrounded. Right now, for many Christian and conservative Americans, it looks like we are surrounded by wickedness and our enemy is making good ground, closing in. BUT GOD! </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">Just as the Lord split open the Red Sea to save His children then, He is still faithful to save His remnant today! We don’t ever have to feel hopeless because our God is still capable of another Red Sea moment! It may look like we are surrounded by Godless enemies, but if He will split the seas to save His people, He can surely save us from the Godless enemies that are set out to destroy the lives of those who profess to follow Jesus and obey His Word. Be encouraged and let hope arise!<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We can’t just sit back and wait for God to move, however. The enemy would love nothing more than for God’s people to sit back for the next four years and do nothing while he roams the earth and pushes his anti-Christ agendas throughout the earth and especially throughout America, one nation under God! We can’t just sit idly by and think a few desperate prayers will save our land. It is time to put on the full armor of God, pray fervently, engage the Holy Spirit, and it’s time to go take possession of what God has promised us. God has given us authority over demonic activity and we have been given dominion over everything in this earth. We must line our words up with His Holy Word and not merely talk about what we see and feel! Stop talking about how you feel like we are taking one blow after another! Instead, begin telling others that God knows the end from the beginning so He is not surprised by anything that has happened. He has it all under control and He is on the move! In His perfect timing, He will bring every hidden thing out into the light, justice will prevail, there will be a mighty move of His Spirit like never before, and Jesus is coming back soon! The words we speak during this time will make or break us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">After God saved the Israelites from their Godless enemies, sadly only two young men entered the Promised Land! Joshua and Caleb were righteous men who remembered the God of their ancestors. The other Israelites were so moved by what they saw and felt, that they allowed their circumstances and feelings to move their hearts far from the God that delivered them out of Egypt. Moses sent twelve men to explore the Promised Land once they were near and when they all returned, everyone reported about how the land was flowing with milk and honey and it had the best fruit of the land! However, ten of the men reported about the giants that lived there and instilled FEAR into God’s people because all they talked about was how the giants were just too strong, too numerous, and too frightening to overcome. Because Joshua and Caleb knew the God they served was faithful, they trusted the Lord and focused on His promise rather than the problem. They knew the same God that delivered them out of Egypt, provided food from the heavens, and split the Red Sea would be the God that went with them into the Promised Land and rescued them from the enemies within. God gave them eyes to see beyond the physical. What lense are you viewing the world from? Are you viewing things through the lense of God’s Word and His promises or are you viewing your circumstances from the perspective of what you see, hear, and feel? Whose report are you believing? One will lead to death and one report will lead to a life of victory! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">We need the Joshua’s and Caleb’s to arise and we need to speak the report of the Lord! His plans are still good! His plans don’t change just because a new administration is in office. He is still good! He is still faithful! He is still moving! He is still leading us! He is still making a way when there seems to be no way! He is still performing miracles. He is still setting people free! He is still protecting us! He is still providing all of our needs! He is still surrounding us with a shield of favor! He is still going before us to prepare the way! He has not forsaken our country! He still knows the end from the beginning! And He wins…therefore His people win! It is written, therefore it is considered already done! We don’t deny the fact that we are indeed facing some real giants, but we recognize that our God has given us the power, wisdom, and ability to defeat any giant the enemy puts before us in an attempt to keep us from God’s promises and plans! Turn your phones and tv off, open up your Bibles, and report the good news instead of everything you may hear in the news and see on social media! David defeated the giant with one stone and Joshua and Caleb defeated the giants with God’s help! We will too! We will defeat the giants of Big Tech. We will defeat the giants of the anti-Christ agendas. We will defeat the giants of the Jezebel spirit that is deceiving the masses. We will defeat the giants of corruption. We will defeat the giants that drive abortion. We will defeat the giants that are trying to abolish God’s image of male and female and His design for marriage. We will defeat the giants! Do you believe that?! When we put our trust in God, obey His Word, and listen to the right reports, faith will arise and we will be given everything we need to walk into our promise land! Do you know what God has promised you? Rise up Joshua! Rise up Caleb! Whose report will you believe? Your land is plentiful and waiting to be claimed! Don’t let an entire generation and future generations be robbed of God’s best simply because you believed the wrong reports! Do not fear! Ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes so that you can see beyond the giants! Give us eyes to see and ears to hear, Lord! It’s time to slay some spiritual giants! <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-87647386375695599362021-01-20T16:45:00.000-06:002021-01-20T16:45:01.817-06:00New Season, New Purpose<p> For the past several years, I have been grateful for the voice and platform that Facebook has given me. In a season of life where my circle is small, I have appreciated the opportunity social media has given me to inspire, encourage, influence, and challenge many. </p><p>As much as it saddens me to lost touch with so many through social media, I am confident that the Lord will use my blog to reach the ears of those that need to hear. For those of you that don't want to miss a post, you can submit your email so that you receive updates letting you know when new posts are added. </p><p>Thank you friends for sharing your life with me and being a part of mine! Love you and looking forward to seeing how God moves in my life as I walk obediently in His path for me. God bless you all!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2eGU-cPqb8653bbDNvdtu06ADN2fuebGUjojN8rX_sI4EXSkOec7onIfHja0Pq8Z1gRZLL_DRFH39_JxyTo0831mivhKsOAAnrHOUKJjJfLd8InB4PFhZUdZZ8KB-DaOYd5KNwlvyKWT/s1000/il_fullxfull.1040686956_rvlf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2eGU-cPqb8653bbDNvdtu06ADN2fuebGUjojN8rX_sI4EXSkOec7onIfHja0Pq8Z1gRZLL_DRFH39_JxyTo0831mivhKsOAAnrHOUKJjJfLd8InB4PFhZUdZZ8KB-DaOYd5KNwlvyKWT/s320/il_fullxfull.1040686956_rvlf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-29681851120456999022020-04-03T09:10:00.000-05:002020-04-03T09:10:00.301-05:00Expectation vs. Reality...Encouragement for the New Homeschool Mom<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
As we all find ourselves homeschooling our children these days, I’d love to encourage you with some wise words that another homeschool mom encouraged me with during my first years of homeschooling. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I love my children and I genuinely enjoy having them around. Although not perfect, they are really good kids. In the weeks and months leading up to homeschooling, I spent hours and even days planning, preparing, and imagining how our days would be structured. I imagined morning devotions around the breakfast table, long discussions about life and Biblical principles, everyone gathered around the table working quietly for a couple of hours a day, family walks with the dog, trips to the park, play time outside every day, everyone’s heads buried in good books, crafts and supplies spread out on the table, smiles and conversations about what we were learning about, trips to the library, surprise visits to Dad’s office, everyone pitching in to help with chores, life skills being learned, siblings building strong relationships and joyfully playing together, Mom having quiet afternoons to myself to read, scrapbook, or run errands, music lessons, worship music playing in the background, candles lit filing the house with wonderful aromas, and lots of baking taking place in the kitchen. I had it all planned out and I was determined that all of the hard work would be worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then…life happened! Sure, there are days that look exactly like I had imagined and I’m so thankful for those days. The good days are what keep me going. But, I’m not gonna lie friends…there are hard days…really hard days. I have cried, screamed, said things I regretted, doubted whether I was doing the right thing, threatened to send my kids back to school, imagined how “easy” life would be if I didn’t homeschool, had to ask my kids for forgiveness, questioned my abilities, admired from afar the lives of my other mom friends that spent their mornings at the gym and their afternoons having lunch dates with girlfriends or spouses and doing other fun things together while their kids were in school, and have been the best self-critic a girl could have! I have seen my kids at their very best and I have seen them at their very worst. There are days that my once compliant, obedient, loving, joyful, and respectful children have turned into whining, disobedient, rude, hateful, disrespectful, competitive, critical, and just downright rebellious punks! Those are the days when I question it all! I had prayed that God would use my time at home with my children to build character, impart Biblical truth in their hearts, and bring our family even closer together during these foundational years. Honestly, if they learned to read and write, that was just going to be the icing on the cake. I went into this with a mission to build spiritually mature warriors because I knew the enemy was after my seed and I wanted to teach them how to be alert to demonic forces, how to armor up and win spiritual battles, and equip them to be a light in a dark world! </div>
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You can imagine my discouragement on the days that my kids had meltdowns like I had never seen before. Tears, tantrums, screaming, hitting, and ugly words. There were days I felt like homeschooling my children was actually turning them into monsters! There was one day in particular that I’ll never forget. I was run down, beat up, discouraged, drained, exhausted, at my wits end, and ready to throw in the towel. As someone who hates to be around “Debby Downers”, I rarely voice my frustrations with the world. Not sure if it’s because my mama used to tell me, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all” or if it’s because I know the power that our words have in the spiritual realm. Whatever the reason, I tend to keep quiet about life’s problems and instead take my cares straight to the Lord. However, this particular day, I turned to my community of homeschool moms and voiced my frustrations with them, shared with them my concerns about seeing such ugly character traits arising in my children, and confessed all of the doubts I was having. Honestly, as soon as I sent the text, I regretted ever sending it because the enemy immediately filled my thoughts with all of the worst-case things they may think about me! However, after only a few short minutes, a friend responded with what I believe was a word from the Lord, because it has forever changed my life. Her words still play on repeat in my head on the hard days. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’d love to share her thoughts with you and I pray they encourage you as much as they have encouraged me. I wish I had kept the text over the years so I could copy word for word, but I’ll paraphrase the best I can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Homeschooling is not for the weak. It is hard…really hard. Instead of looking at your situation through the lens of how life would be easier if you sent your kids back to school, begin to thank the Lord for this opportunity to see a glimpse into the heart of your child. Sure, if they were gone for seven hours each day, you may not be the one that has to deal with those heart issues, but just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. They are. And what a gift you have been given to deal with those issues in these foundational years. Could you imagine if those heart issues didn’t surface until they were teenagers?! It’s hard to see the ugly parts of your child’s heart, but our Heavenly Father has called you and equipped you to be your children’s parent. He has called and equipped you to teach them, train them, and educate them. He longs for their heart and He is using YOU to reach the places of their heart that are not completely surrendered to Him. What a gift you have been given. Don’t be discouraged when you see the ugly parts of their heart surface. Be thankful for the opportunity to impart truth, show grace, and pray fervently for your child. If you send them back to school, it may not be your problem anymore, but I can guarantee you, no one will take the time to win your child’s heart like you will. No one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I pray you have more good days than bad, but on those hard days…let these words be on repeat in your thoughts and prayers. You can do this! You are equipped! And friend, you have been chosen for such a time as this! Love you, praying for you, and I’m hear for you if you need me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-40092642048004758802020-03-01T23:19:00.002-06:002020-03-01T23:55:27.471-06:00Too Many Devotions and Not Enough Bread<div style="color: #454545; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
Earlier this year, my daughter came to me and told me she really felt lead to read the entire Bible through in one year. She was so eager to study God's Word and her discipline to read her Bible every single day has been inspiring. As we saw her love for God's Word grow, we also introduced her to the YouVersion Bible app, which is an amazing Bible Study resource that I only wish I had as a child! So, in addition to her Bible in a year plan, she also decided to start a devotion with her cousins, a mother daughter devotion with me, and then we do a family devotion together every night as well...all of which are amazing.<br />
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She came to me this weekend and explained that since she has started so many devotions with her family, it's harder to keep up with all of her Bible reading, so she was asking for my permission to quit the Bible in a year plan. I explained to her how proud I was of her for developing a daily routine of spending time reading and studying God’s Word, but that she would need to pray and make that decision based on what she felt the Lord was leading her to do. </div>
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In our conversation, I told her that the Lord is clear that we need to renew our minds in His Word every single day and feed our hearts and minds with His "Daily Bread", but that He doesn't tell us how much of His Word we should read everyday, so that was something she should pray about and ask Him for answers. I felt prompted to explain to her that all of the devotions she has been reading are excellent tools to study scripture, but she needed to keep in mind that those devotions are typically about 5 minutes worth of man's interpretations and only one isolated scripture of Bible reading. If she completes all 3-4 of her devotions, she is gaining some great insight into God's Word, but it is all open to human error since it's taught out of context and it is man's interpretation. I suggested to her that it may be better to read God's Word 5-10 minutes every single day and forego the topical devotions if it was too much to keep up with because when we read the Word of God in full context, the Holy Spirit will bring fresh understanding and revelation to our hearts and minds. Ultimately, I told her I would support whatever decision she felt lead to make because I love seeing her growing in God's Word! </div>
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As I have reflected on that conversation, it made me recall a comment that one of our Sunday school teachers made a while back. In addition to being a psychologist and theologian, he is also a college professor. After teaching Bible courses to students from all over the world, he discovered that the majority of self-proclaimed Christians are Bible illiterates…I would totally include myself in this category! After much research, he discovered that for the majority of Christians, their entire faith revolves around the 3 point sermons taught on Sundays that focus on one isolated scripture, often taught out of context. </div>
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Do the math. There are 52 Sundays in a year. Let’s just say that if a person didn’t miss a Sunday sermon, by the time they are 20 years old, they will have only heard 1,040 sermons by the time they leave the nest. Assuming they stay in church for the remainder of their lives, they would only hear approximately 5,200 scriptural teachings if they live to be 100 years old...and we all know many of those sermons are repeat teachings on the same scriptures! Let’s just say they also did daily topical devotions that focused in on a different scripture each day. 365 devotions every year over the course of 20 years would still only be 7,300 scriptures read. Over a 100 year lifetime, doing daily devotions would expose you to about 36,500 scriptures, but again, we know that many of those are repeat teachings so our exposure is actually less than that. That sounds like a lot of scriptures, but there are a total of 31,102 verses in the Bible!!! I can see how studying one scripture at a time is giving us (those of us who have grown up in church all of our lives) a false sense of knowing God’s Word, when in reality we are missing so much truth. </div>
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God’s Word says my people perish because of a lack of knowledge. I don’t know about you, but I want to teach my children habits that will set them up for success! If I know a lack of knowledge will cause them to perish, I want to use the 20 years that I have influence on them to teach them as much of the Word as I can. Just imagine the power of reading 31,000 scriptures every year for the next 10 years...that's 310,000 scriptures that are alive and active being planted into your heart and mind! </div>
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So, how will I study the Bible moving forward and how will I teach my children to study God's Word? Are we gaining all of our knowledge of God's Word through other people's interpretations and by studying isolated scriptures? Don't get me wrong...I have gained great insight and have learned SO much through great Bible teachers, books, devotions, and Bible studies. However, I wonder how much more we would know Jesus and how much more victory we would have in our lives if we prayerfully opened up the Bible and read the living and active Word of God for ourselves. Just something I have been convicted of over this weekend. I don't think we need to toss out all of our devotions, but I pray you are challenged to seek the Lord and ask Him to give you personal understanding and revelations as you open your Bible and read the living and active Word of God for yourself. The Holy Spirit is and will always be our best teacher. </div>
Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-18343302379752725382020-01-01T02:07:00.001-06:002020-01-01T02:07:35.487-06:00My Toxic Thoughts and Habits of 2019<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
Happy New Year friends!!!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As I reflected all day (yesterday) on 2019, I have experienced a flood of emotions!<span> </span>Trials, Peace, and Faithful…those are the words that come to mind to describe my year.<span> </span>Our family has faced many trials this year in our health, yet through it all, we experienced God’s peace and His presence like never before.<span> </span>Tears flow as I think about the goodness of God.<span> </span>It’s hard to find words to describe.<span> </span>I have walked out this year in the kind of peace that the Bible describes as “peace that passes all understanding.”<span> </span>However, today, it’s as if I am experiencing the raw emotions of all that we faced for the first time…months later!<span> </span>How does that even happen!?<span> </span>I don’t know if it’s just the enemy trying to stir up anxiety or if I have suppressed these emotions all year long without even realizing it, but today has been hard.<span> </span>It’s almost as if the Lord peeled back a mask that has been covering up thoughts and emotions and He exposed things I wasn’t even aware of. <span> </span>Here’s what I have learned…<o:p></o:p></div>
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As most of you know, we came so close to losing my sweet mom earlier this year.<span> </span>It’s a miracle that she survived.<span> </span>From the moment that my Dad called me that afternoon on April 18<sup>th</sup>, it has literally felt like I have had an out of body experience.<span> </span>Nothing about that day or weeks following felt normal.<span> </span>You guys know that my mom is a pillar in our family.<span> </span>She has many roles in my life, but to just list a few…mom, friend, helper, encourager, advisor, counselor, babysitter, intercessor, cheerleader, giver, listener, teacher, leader, and hero…yeah, I know that’s more than a few, but those all make the top of the list!<span> </span>To have come so close to losing all of those roles in my life, you would expect my “normal” reaction would have been to fall apart and be beside myself!<span> </span>However, because of God’s tangible presence, I was so calm…so confident in His Word and promises…and so far removed from the reality of the circumstances.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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In the weeks and months following her miracle, there were fearful and anxious thoughts that would try to creep into my mind, but I recognized that knock and replaced those thoughts with truth and God’s Word.<span> </span>I refused to dwell on the “what if’s” because I’ve been there, done that, and it kept me in bondage for years!<span> </span>I wasn’t about to allow Satan to take me there again.<span> </span>Again, peace covered me.<span> </span>Although the Lord was faithful to give me peace in those hard and difficult situations, He showed me today some toxic thought patterns and habits that I unknowingly took on this year and as I have faced these realities head on today, I have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions! <span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Here are a couple of the toxic thought patterns and habits that I adopted this year without even being aware of it fully until today:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->We are not guaranteed tomorrow, so live today like it’s your last.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Invest in the relationships that matter<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those sure didn’t seem like toxic thoughts when I had them earlier this year, but unfortunately, after having time to reflect on how those thoughts impacted my living this year, they were very toxic.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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For the past 3 years, I have been on a journey to improving my health.<span> </span>Over 3 years, I have lost nearly 100lbs.<span> </span>This year, I gained 30 of those lbs. back.<span> </span>When I was working on my health, I had to learn to say no to the things that would stunt my progress.<span> </span>There were times I felt isolated, lonely, and felt like I was missing out.<span> </span>When I almost lost my mom this year, I was so thankful that the Lord spared her life.<span> </span>I didn’t want to miss out on another opportunity to spend time with her, fellowship with her, or enjoy her company.<span> </span>Life seemed so precious to me and I wanted to live life to the fullest.<span> </span>I felt compelled to invest more time with not only her, but with all of my loved ones and friends.<span> </span>I found myself reaching out more often to friends and family members and taking the time to get together more frequently.<span> </span>And you know what…in the world we live in, fellowship = food!<span> </span>This year, I can truly tell you my heart is full from the movie dates, brunch dates, lunch dates, dinner dates, vacations, adventures, play dates, road trips, Bible studies, connect nights, parties, date nights with my husband, and day dates with the kids.<span> </span>I genuinely invested time into the relationships that matter in my life.<span> </span>Unfortunately, my heart wasn’t the only thing full…so was my belly!<span> </span>Somewhere along my journey to cherishing life, I forgot to cherish my health. <o:p></o:p></div>
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This year, with the Lord’s help, I am going to try to learn how to balance a healthy lifestyle with a happy and fulfilled life.<span> </span>I don’t want to sacrifice my relationships for my health, nor do I want to sacrifice my health for relationships.<span> </span>Surely, there is a happy and healthy place in the middle!<span> </span>I am so thankful for all that the Lord did in 2019 and I am grateful that He allowed me to walk into the new year with fresh revelation.<span> </span>I know He has more good things in store for our family this year and I’m grateful to have Him walking me through it day by day.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As we begin a new year, I want you to know that I love you and I am praying blessings over you and your family in 2020!<span> </span>May this be a year of fulfilled promises in your life!<span> </span>God bless you all!<span> </span>Love and Hugs!<span> </span>Here’s to a new year and a new healthier me!<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-89444331252912388372019-02-25T21:32:00.000-06:002019-02-25T21:35:33.250-06:00Oh Be Careful Little Eyes What You See<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
This past weekend, my husband and I got away for the weekend and took in an OKC Thunder game! It was so much fun and probably the best game we have ever seen! As exciting as it was, there was one thing that left me feeling troubled. Call me sheltered or just naïve, but I was completely shocked when the OKC Thunder cheerleaders took the court Friday night. I think my jaw dropped as they ran out shaking their pom-poms in nothing more than a sparkly blue bikini with their perky bottom cheeks hanging out. The first thought that came to my mind was, “Wow! Cheerleading isn’t anything like I remember!” What I saw this last weekend was NOT cheerleaders standing on the sidelines shouting out cheers to encourage their team or facing the fans trying to promote crowd participation. Instead, I saw a group of talented young ladies using their bodies as sexual tools to entertain and entice the crowds. There were no cheers…only dancing. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I will be the first to admit that I love me some dancing! I have always been a sucker for all of the dance shows, but several years ago, the Holy Spirit began convicting me every time I watched my favorite dance show. It was a show I had watched for years, however, as the show went on over the years, the costumes got sexier and the moves got raunchier and I knew that what I was watching grieved the Holy Spirit because I could no longer watch it without coming under conviction. I knew in my heart that what I was watching was not promoting Godliness in my life and it sure wasn’t modeling Godliness for my children. I felt the Lord prompting me to guard my heart and the hearts of my children and to prayerfully consider if what I was watching was pleasing to the Lord. If there was an ounce of conviction or even an ounce of doubt, I chose to turn it off…even my favorite dance show that I had watched since the beginning. For me, the decision was easy because a moment of entertainment just wasn’t worth risking being out of right relationship with Jesus. He’s been too good to me and the thought of doing anything that grieved Him hurt my heart to the core. I want to live a life that pleases Him. Since then, I have been extremely guarded as to what I allow into my heart. I don’t want to knowingly open up the door to my heart to anything that would grieve the Lord and I sure don’t want to open the door to my heart for any strongholds to take root. With all that said, this weekend was a reminder that no matter how careful we are, we can’t always control what our eyes see. <o:p></o:p></div>
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We sat right behind three young teenage boys and I couldn’t’ help but notice the sheepish grins they gave each other as the Thunder cheerleaders moved their bodies in sexually explicit ways and did the booty shake so well I’m sure even Beyoncé and J.Lo would be proud. As a mama of a young boy, I wanted so badly to cover their eyes and tell them it wasn’t worth it. That moment probably seemed so innocent in their eyes, but little do those young men know the stronghold that can take root from that one moment. Lust is a very real thing and let me tell you something…our young men need our prayers in a big-time way! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I couldn’t help but think of David in the Bible. He is described as “a man after God’s own heart, one who would do everything the Lord wants him to do.” He loved the Lord with all of his heart and desired to please Him in all he did. Yet, even he, fell into the enemy’s trap the day his eyes fell onto a beautiful young woman bathing and lust filled his heart at the sight of her and a stronghold took root. The mere sight of her nakedness stirred his sexual desire to the point that he had an adulterous affair, conceived a child out of wedlock, and then eventually had the woman’s husband murdered to cover up his sin! Ya’ll this happened to the only man in the Bible described as “a man after God’s own heart!” If it can happen to David, how much more can it happen to my son!? Men don’t have to seek it out...women are freely flaunting it and don’t get me started on what our sons can come across in one accidental computer click. I’m sure there were plenty of men and young boys who arrived to that game Friday night with the sole purpose of watching the game and yet, many probably left there struggling with lustful thoughts. And I’m certain there are good men and young boys every single day who leave their homes with the best of intentions but stumble across beautiful women who have bared far more than the common man should see and lust fills his heart and a stronghold takes root. I see what girls wear these days…the booty shorts where the shorts are so short, you can see the pockets hanging out the front and the cheeks hanging out the back, the midriffs, cleavage baring, tight clothing, and thong bikinis. It’s an open invitation for men to lust after them and its wrong ladies. I believe we will be held accountable for our actions that cause others to stumble. How in the world do I protect my son’s heart from falling into lust when he’s surrounded with temptations everywhere he goes?<br />
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<o:p> </o:p>This was the question I was left asking the Lord all weekend? I worry for all men, but I especially worry for our young men. I found myself praying for my son and this generation of young men being raised up to be the next Godly leaders and men after God’s own heart. I cried as I prayed and asked God to guard their hearts. I felt worry come over me as I looked at the problem through my natural eyes. Pornography is everywhere, half-dressed women at sporting events, and beautiful girls everywhere you go so if David fell into lust after seeing a naked woman once, it seems impossible for the average guy to not fall into sin too! And it never stops with lust! Sin will always take you farther than you ever wanted to go and keep you longer than you ever wanted to stay and take more than you ever wanted to give! David wasn’t the only one to suffer from his sin. It affected his entire family and ultimately the entire nation. As I thought of my son falling into those temptations and the consequences of sin that could follow, it scared me. There is nothing…I mean NOTHING…that is more important to me as a mother than to see my children grow up and live a life completely surrendered to the Lord, obeying his commands and following Him. Nothing. The thought of any one of them straying from God makes my stomach turn in a matter of seconds. Truly, the thought can make me ill. Hell is real and I don’t wish it upon my worst enemy, let alone my beloved children. But as I was praying and asking the Lord to protect my son from the traps and temptations of the enemy, the Lord was so gracious to open my eyes so that I could see things from His perspective. Oh friends, the tears that flowed! They flow all over again as I share His Words with you. The Lord reminded me that He made each of us in His image and that He didn't make a mistake when he designed men to be sexually stimulated by sight. He reminded me that because this was part of His perfect design, He also has equipped men to control their sexual desires, but that doesn't mean it's going to be easy. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">The Lord reminded me that </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">“<i>His Word is alive and active” (Heb. 4:12) </i></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">and<i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">that </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">He is watching to see that His Word is fulfilled” (Jer. 1:12</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">). </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1 John 5:14-15 says, “This is the confidence we have approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” </span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Did you get that?! When we pray the Word of God, we are praying His will. And when we pray His will, He hears us. And when we know He hears us, we can be confident that we have what we ask of Him! So, we don’t have to fear for our children’s futures! We don’t have to worry that they will fall into the traps of the enemy! We can be confident that God will see to it that His Word is fulfilled! Praise God! The night we came home from our trip, I went to bed so troubled in my spirit so I took out my prayer journal and just began writing to God and writing down my prayers for my son. As the Lord reminded me of the truths above, He began laying on my heart specific scriptures to pray over my son. I was writing as fast as I could in my journal to get them all down and then I later went and looked up several more scriptures to pray over my son. After some sweet time with the Lord, I went to sleep in perfect peace. I know the Lord has great plans for my son and I know he WILL grow up to be a man after God’s own heart, one who surrenders his heart to the Lord, follows Him completely, and obeys all of His commands. I am confident in this because this is my prayer for him today and every day. <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, help Kipton to live according to Your Word, the Bible. It is Your Word that will keep him on the path of purity. May Kipton seek you with all of his heart. May he never stray from your commands. And may Kipton hide Your Word in his heart that he might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:9-11)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, may Kipton turn to you to change how he thinks. Help him to not be drawn to the behaviors of this world, but instead, may he turn to You to be transformed, and may he actively seek Your will. (Romans 12:2)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, may Kipton clothe Himself in your righteousness and put on Your armor daily to stand firm. There’s a war raging for his soul. Help Kipton to realize that You’ve provided everything he needs to fight effectively. (Eph. 6:11-12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, may Kipton know Your Word and be quick to do what it says. May he not be deceived by thinking that knowing it is enough. Help him to be quick to act! (James 1:22)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, help Kipton to make a covenant with his eyes not to look with lust at a young woman just as Job did. (Job 31:1)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Lord, Your Word says that no temptation has overtaken You and that God is faithful to help my son overcome every temptation as well. Thank you, Lord, that you will not allow Kipton to be tempted beyond what he is able, but that he will take the way of escape that you are faithful to provide for him every single time. (1 Corinthians 10:13)<o:p></o:p></span></i></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Fill in the name of your son or all of the men in your life and pray this prayer over them in confidence. There’s an army rising up and our young men will be on the front lines! The enemy thinks he can overtake them. He has them surrounded from every direction bombarding them with distractions and dangling temptations to get them off course. But God. He is faithful. The enemy didn’t take into account the powerful prayers of Godly mothers and grandmothers. Ladies, your prayers are powerful and they are literally changing the course of your children’s lives. Be diligent to pray God’s Word over your children and pray continuously in the Spirit. And when the enemy’s lies cause fear to creep in, silence him with the truth of what God’s Word says and then watch the Lord be faithful to perform His Word! Our sons (and future sons-in-law) need to be covered in prayer and we need to teach our daughters to protect the hearts of men by teaching them to be God-fearing women, dressing and acting in a manner that pleases the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">Next time you begin to worry about your son’s path to purity, remember this line from one of my favorite worship songs…” It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surround by You! This is how I fight my battles!” And then get on your knees and cover your sons in prayer!<o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-34242867181325945552018-12-31T13:15:00.000-06:002018-12-31T13:15:04.024-06:00Lessons Learned in 2018<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
There’s just something about closing out a year that often results in deep reflection for me.<span> </span>As I look back on 2018, it was full of many wonderful times and memories and although there were too many blessings to count, it was also a tough year for our family and so many others that are close to me.<span> </span>I’ve had to remind myself over and over this year that our fight isn’t against flesh and blood.<span> </span>This year seemed to be just one attack after another.<span> </span>I’m not going to lie…it has been very hard.<span> </span>I love deep and I care big.<span> </span>I hate seeing people mistreated and taken advantage of.<span> </span>I tend to expect justice to always win so when things are unfair, it bothers me.<span> </span>Seeing someone I love so much be mistreated has been brutal.<span> </span>There were moments this year I asked God if we had missed it.<span> </span>Did we do something wrong?<span> </span>Does He have something new in store for us?<span> </span>I was desperate to make sense of our circumstances.<span> </span>In those moments of crying out to God, He didn’t answer all of my questions, however, He was always faithful to reveal Himself to me in the storm.<span> </span>I’m so grateful for the peace and presence of God.<span> </span>I don’t know how people make it through the storms of life without Jesus.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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When you are in the midst of the storm, your perspective is often clouded.<span> </span>Things seem way worse when we allow the enemy to take control of our thoughts and emotions.<span> </span>Fear paralyzes us.<span> </span>Confusion overwhelms us.<span> </span>And feelings fail us.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As we faced each and every attack this year, we were faced with a choice.<span> </span>Were we going to wallow in what we were feeling or were we going to take ahold of what was true.<span> </span>I wish I could say our faith has not been shaken this year and we have chosen truth every time, but I’d be lying if I sat here and told you that.<span> </span>In my moments of weakness, I am so thankful for those who speak truth to me and expose the enemy’s lies with the light of God’s Word and His promises.<span> </span>It allowed us to walk this year out in peace despite the trials and disappointments.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking back over this year, I am overwhelmed with emotion.<span> </span>It’s been so difficult, but I can see God’s fingerprints all over the pages of our life story.<span> </span>God reminded me earlier this year, that He goes before us and prepares our path.<span> </span>You see, in August 2017, I felt the Lord impress on my heart that I needed to take a season of rest.<span> </span>It’s so easy to overcommit our time doing things we enjoy and before we know it, we often find ourselves in a state of exhaustion all the time.<span> </span>Meanwhile, the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.<span> </span>We are most susceptible to be devoured when we are tired and weak.<span> </span>I felt lead to lay aside several of my responsibilities outside of the home, as well as eliminate as many extracurricular activities from our family schedule.<span> </span>I felt Him leading me to focus on our family and get back to the basics of making Christ the focus of my life, my marriage, and our family.<span> </span>We got back in a regular routine of doing our family devotions and being intentional about renewing our minds in the Word daily.<span> </span>Then, a month after I made these big changes in our schedule, I felt the Lord impress on my heart to pray for my marriage.<span> </span>You guys, I’ve never heard God’s audible voice, but when He laid this on my heart, it caused a physical reaction because it was such a strong alert.<span> </span>I felt an urgency in my spirit to cover my marriage in prayer.<span> </span>The Lord opened my eyes to the fiery darts around us that were on assignment to tear apart Godly marriages and families.<span> </span>The devil knows his time is short and he wants our families!<span> </span>Spiritual warfare is real friends and if you are following the will of God for your life, you can better believe that Satan has sent an assignment to kill, steal, and destroy that which God has purposed for you.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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At the time that the Lord had placed this all on my heart, there probably wasn’t a time that my marriage had been stronger.<span> </span>But God knew what was ahead.<span> </span>Nothing that has happened this year has caught Him off guard.<span> </span>Do you know how much peace that nugget of truth has brought to me this year?<span> </span>Nothing has caught Him off guard…nothing!<span> </span>He had me feeding my spirit truth for months and covering my marriage in prayer for months before we faced what would be the most challenging year of our marriage yet.<span> </span>That is no coincidence friends.<span> </span>He goes before us and prepares our path.<span> </span>In January this year, the Lord impressed me to find a good marriage counselor and be proactive to address the weak spots in our marriage.<span> </span>He alerted me that Satan is aware of the weak spots and if he can just find one little crack, he’ll use it as an entry point into our marriage and family.<span> </span>Once again, there was an urgency to act.<span> </span>My husband and I had never even considered counseling before because we have always been happily married, but once the Lord opened my eyes to the spiritual attacks against the family unit, I wasn’t about to let the enemy have my family without a fight!<span> </span>I was prepared to be proactive and do whatever the Lord lead me to do to fight for my family and boy am I glad I obeyed.<span> </span>We learned things about each other in those 8 weeks that we hadn’t discovered in the 20 plus years that we have known each other!<span> </span>We acknowledged the areas we needed to work on and we gave those areas to God and asked for His help.<span> </span>It was so fun and refreshing and our marriage was strengthened through that process.<span> </span>I didn’t think I could love Nathan any more than I already did, but this year my love for him has grown even deeper.<span> </span>God was preparing our path for the hard days ahead.<span> </span>You guys…He is so faithful and His goodness overwhelms me.<span> </span><span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Satan loves to try to catch us off guard.<span> </span>He loves blindsiding us with circumstances that trigger emotional responses because people often say and do things that they later regret when emotions are heightened.<span> </span>But when you know his tactics, you don’t fall into his traps.<span> </span>I can’t imagine what damage Satan would have caused in my marriage and family this year had I not listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit all those months before. I have no doubt that those months of renewing my mind in His truth, covering my family in prayer, and sitting under godly teaching from our counselor learning how to effectively communicate to my husband in times of conflict saved our marriage and our family.<span> </span>When the Lord told me to pray for my marriage months before, I didn’t know how to pray because I thought my marriage was already amazing.<span> </span>So many times, I would just pray in the spirit as I felt prompted.<span> </span>I was praying for things unknown to me, but by His spirit, I was praying the perfect will of God.<span> </span>Friends, praying in the Spirit is vital!<span> </span>He goes before us and He gives us utterance to pray for those things that we don’t have the understanding to pray for yet!<span> </span>God’s presence has been so evident in our lives.<span> </span>He is faithful to carry out to completion that which He has begun and we are confident He is working on our behalf.<span> </span>He has used that which was meant to harm us this year and He has worked it for our good.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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We have grown so much this year, but growth doesn’t always feel good.<span> </span>We have had people we love and care about attack our character and few defended us.<span> </span>When it would have felt better to defend ourselves and expose lies, the Lord asked us to humble ourselves and lay aside our pride and remain silent.<span> </span>I can let it roll off my shoulders pretty easily when people treat me badly, but you mess with my husband or my kids and my mama bear side comes out and I want to defend those I love.<span> </span>I wanted to see my loved ones vindicated and I wanted others to know how wrong they were for their hateful words and actions.<span> </span>But God needed to work on ugly parts of my own heart that I didn’t even know were there.<span> </span>When you genuinely pray, “Search my heart O God and rid me of any sinful ways,” just be ready for some ugliness to be exposed.<span> </span>This year has been a humbling year.<span> </span>As I have prayed for the Lord to change the hearts of others, He has exposed plenty of areas in my own life that need to be given over to Him.<span> </span>As hard as it was to acknowledge, in the process, he gave us compassion for those who hurt us.<span> </span>God even allowed us to grasp some truth from the criticism and grow in areas and then he healed our hearts and allowed us to release the rest.<span> </span>Only God can do that friends.<span> </span>As hard as this year has been, I wouldn’t change it for anything.<span> </span>It was necessary.<span> </span>God has used this year to get things in order in every area of our lives…spirit, mind, body, and soul.<span> </span>We suffered loss this year in many areas, but God filled us with exactly what we needed and promised us He will always go before us and lead us to victory.<span> </span>I’m no longer fearful of the future because I know the promises God has spoken to us in His Word and those He has spoken to our hearts will come to pass.<span> </span>We are believing 2019 is going to be a year of peace and the year promises are fulfilled.<span> </span>The Bible doesn’t promise us this life will be easy.<span> </span>Comfort has never been the goal.<span> </span>Following the will of the Lord is the goal and fulfilling your God-ordained purpose makes it all worth it.<span> </span>I’m so thankful I don’t walk this journey out alone.<span> </span>I can’t think of anyone else I’d want by my side than God Himself and my amazing husband.<span> </span>Wherever You go, I’ll go.<span> </span>Thank you for leading and preparing the way.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p>As I close out this year, here are the life lessons that I am taking with me into 2019. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The Lord goes before us and prepares our path. (Deut. 31:8) No matter how difficult the journey may be, He is with us, fighting for us, and He is leading us to victory! (Deut. 1:30) Just trust Him and continue following Him, even when you don’t understand His ways.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. (Prov. 3:5) His ways truly are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. (Isa. 55:9)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is more concerned about our character than our comfort and He’s more interested in making our life holy than He is making our life happy. (Romans 5:3-5)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Peace doesn’t only come in the absence of troubles.<span> </span>You can experience God’s perfect peace even in the midst of life’s storms.<span> </span>When you focus on God’s promises, you won’t be moved by your circumstances.<span> </span>(Isa. 26:3-4)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->No weapon formed against us will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17) <span> </span>No matter the plans and schemes of man, the Lord’s purpose will prevail. (Prov. 19:21)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Our problems are magnified when we become focused on ourselves.<span> </span>Lift up your eyes and look for opportunities to serve others.<span> </span>It’s great medicine for the heart and soul.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Delayed obedience is disobedience and the consequences are evident.<span> </span>Trust the nudgings of the Holy Spirit and obey quickly. (Psalm 119:60)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When we blow God’s plan A, He still has plans B, C, or so on.<span> </span>His counsel shall stand and He will accomplish all of His purpose when we seek His ways. (Isa. 46:10)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->God is faithful to perform His Word. (Jer. 1:12)<o:p></o:p></div>
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No matter how difficult 2018 was for you, I pray you are encouraged today.<span> </span>God loves you and He has good plans for you and your family.<span> </span>Greater days are coming and just remember, storms may come, but you are only passing through the storm.<span> </span>It was never God’s plan for you to camp out in the storm or die in the storm.<span> </span>Remember, His plans are good.<span> </span>Hold on precious friend and put all of your trust in Him.<span> </span>I see the sun and the light of His glory ahead.<span> </span>Victory is ours in Jesus’ Name! <span> </span>Happy New Year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-43560852323537275852018-07-31T08:42:00.000-05:002018-07-31T09:08:07.172-05:00Clinging to Promise<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Promise…something I have had to cling to this year.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anyone who knows me at all, you KNOW that I am a planner! I thrive on schedules, routines, and being prepared. I make plans…that’s just what I do! But this year, the enemy has worked overtime to derail the plans that my husband and I have worked hard to accomplish. It’s been a year of heartache, disappointments, and at times, uncertainty. Of all the things we have been up against this year, do you know what I have struggled with the most? The uncertainty. The enemy has tried to use the unknown as a playground for fear. But do you know what…FEAR IS A LIAR! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Life isn’t fair. Sadly, we live in a world where bad things often happen to good people. When those things happen, it’s my nature to want to put a plan into place to fix it! But I learned a long time ago that although we may not be able to control every situation and outcome, we CAN control our attitude and how we deal with it. <b><i>John 16:33 says, “we WILL have troubles here on earth.” </i></b>It’s inevitable on this side of heaven, but that verse doesn’t stop there! Jesus goes on to say, “<b><i>But take heart! I have overcome the world</i></b>.” This year, I have had moments where I have questioned myself, my family, my plans, and my future. But one thing I have never questioned is God’s faithfulness. He has been my constant in a season with so much uncertainty<b><i>. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” </i></b>I have held onto that promise over and over this year and I truly believe that with all of my heart. My husband and I have always tried to live our lives with purpose and especially in recent years, our greatest desire has been to live our lives completely devoted to the Lord. I have spent countless hours over the years seeking the Lord, asking Him to reveal to us His plans. There’s nothing I want more than to do what He has called us to do here on earth for the short time He has placed us here. I believe The Word when it says we were created for a purpose and that He has good plans for us. I believe that! Do you? As the Lord has shed light on His plans and purpose for our lives, my husband and I have made plans and done everything in the natural and to the best of our ability to live out the plans He has for us! We have made mistakes along the way, but I am so grateful that <b><i>His mercies are new every morning and that He is faithful to complete the work that He has already begun</i></b><b><i>(Lamentations 3:22-23 and Philippians 1:6)! <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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When things don’t go the way we have planned, we have a choice. We can choose to look at our situation through our fleshly eyes and be resentful, bitter, upset, and use our words to tell others how we were wronged, mistreated, or justified…OR…we can choose to look at our situation through the lens of The Word (TRUTH) and be hopeful, content, comforted, and use our words to speak the promises of God. People will disappoint us, but God promises us that <b><i>“No man can close the door that the Lord has opened for you!” </i></b>That means that even when our plans fail or appear to be failing, God’s plans for our lives will prevail to those who seek and obey Him! That is a promise I have had to cling to this year! There have been moments where I have cried out to God and said, “Lord! We don’t deserve this! This isn’t fair! We have been faithful! Why, Lord?! Is this really in Your plans?!” And in those raw moments with my Savior, His presence was tangible and His voice was as clear as ever as His promises filled my heart and He gently reminded me to <b><i>“Trust the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5) <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Jesus is my constant. He is my Rock! If there is anyone or anything I can fully put my trust into, it is Him and Him alone! He has never failed me and He never will. I may not understand His ways at times, but I trust that <b><i>His ways are higher than my ways </i></b><b><i>(Isaiah 55:9) </i></b>and I have peace in that and can rest in knowing that. You will never hear me question God’s goodness as long as I live here on this earth. He has been so so good to me. If I listed out the troubles we have faced this year and allowed those things to become my focus, it would easily ruin my year as it would override all the good that has happened this year...and there have been so many blessings and joyful moments even in the midst of trials. That’s what the enemy loves! <u>If He can get us to focus on what God isn’t doing for us, we fail to recognize everything that He has done/is doing and that will keep us in a place of bondage and fear!</u> When hard times come, lean into Jesus! Recognize there is an enemy, but <b><i>what the enemy means for harm, God will use for good to accomplish His purpose (Genesis 50:20)</i></b>! That’s a promise! Trust in Him! Trust in His promises! Trust in His plans for your life! They are GOOD plans! Ask the Lord to change your focus today. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m reminded of the Israelites. God delivered them from slavery and gave them a promise! He promised to take them to a new land…one that was plentiful where they wouldn’t have to work hard for food, one where the land was plush and water was abundant. He had a good plan for them and He desired to see them free! They witnessed God’s miraculous powers on this journey! An angel of God guarded them all and the Lord Himself lead the way by cloud and a pillar of fire at night! The seas were split and they walked across on dry ground! The enemy’s army was swallowed and drowned by the sea! Bitter waters were made sweet, manna rained down from heaven for bread, quail was sent to provide meat, and water poured out of rocks! <u>These people witnessed God’s goodness, felt His presence, heard His voice, and yet, the moment hard times came, what was the first thing that came out of their mouths?</u> Complaining and grumbling! Their focus shifted from the promise to the problem! When that happened, anxiety and bitterness overcame them and they actually believed that God brought them out of Egypt, out of slavery, just to watch them suffer and die in the wilderness! Lord, help us! Guard our tongues! Keep us from complaining and grumbling about our circumstances Lord! Guard our hearts so that we don’t lose hope in your promises! <b><i><u>Complaining and grumbling kept the Israelites from their promise and it will keep you from yours too</u></i></b>! I don’t know what you are going through today friends. You may be going through what feels like your own personal hell. I am not discounting your pain. But let me assure you, God has good plans for your life. Take hold of the promises that He has spoken over you and declare them over your life, over your family, and over your future. Trust in Him. When you feel your promise slipping through your fingers and it appears everything the Lord has promised you is gone...cling to His promise and guard your words! Don’t let your problems dismantle your promise. God is good and He IS faithful to fulfill His promises! Whether you are standing on the promises of God that are for all believers or you are standing on a specific promise that God spoke directly to you, cling to it! Don’t let your troubles cloud your perspective from all of the miracles and blessings He is pouring out over you. God isn’t caught off guard by our troubles. He goes before us and although we may not understand why things don’t turn out the way we have planned or thought they would, rest in the fact that even when the enemy uses situations to cause pain and trouble in our lives (and even if our pain is a consequence of our actions), God is with you and He will work all things for good according to HIS plans and purpose. Trust in Him. In a land full of complainers, be a Joshua and go claim your promise! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-13373846274978766402018-05-08T06:01:00.000-05:002018-05-08T06:01:50.287-05:00Love Nuggets<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Don’t you just love it when the Lord uses your life experiences to make such profound connections to His Word? I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit because He is always speaking, guiding, teaching, and correcting us so that we can live out our lives in a manner that reflects Christ and be most effective for the Kingdom and eternity! Recently, I had one of those moments where the Lord made a clear connection between something I had went through and His Word and it allowed me to see His Word with such clear understanding. The Word of God is alive and active and I have found over the years that when the Lord reveals Himself through His Word to us, it always prompts action on our part! My heart has been stirred friends and I am on a mission to live out my days here on earth loving God in a way that is so clear that He wouldn’t ever need to ask me the question “Do you really love Me?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Let me begin by telling you what happened to me earlier this year. But before I do that, I need to lay some ground work. My husband and I have quite the love story. Our story goes all the way back to grade school, but we didn’t officially become “sweethearts” until junior high. We dated for six years before getting married and he truly was (and still is) my very best friend. I love that man with all of my heart and I would do absolutely anything for him. It’s hard to find the words to explain how much I love him. My love runs so deep that just the thought of him can bring happy tears to my eyes and a flood of emotions can well up inside of me. There’s not many relationships in my life that have that kind of effect on me. Have you ever felt that kind of love before? I can’t help but think about him and be overwhelmed with gratitude that I have someone and something so special. I don’t ever want to take him or our relationship for granted so any time we have the opportunity to invest in our marriage and show each other how much we love one another, we are both pretty good about making it known…whether that be through words or actions. We have been married for 15 years and I have poured everything I have into loving my man! Sure, I have moments when I fail and there have been days I could have loved him better, but for the most part, I have loved him the best I could.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, we started seeing a marriage counselor and one of the first exercises he gave us was to write down a list of love nuggets. Love nuggets are specific, yet practical behaviors that our spouse can do to make us feel loved. In our 15 years of marriage, I had never really thought about what it was specifically that my husband does to make me feel loved. I just knew he loved me well! But you know, as I began to think about it all week long, I started to realize that when my husband calls me or texts me throughout the day, that really makes me feel loved. When he leaves me an encouraging note or gives me a card expressing his love for me, that makes me feel loved too. Embracing me with a big squeeze when he gets home from work, holding my hand, or wrapping his arm around me to hold me close…those are all easy and practical ways for him to make me feel loved. Even things like filling my car up with gas or helping me clean up the house…those were indeed my love nuggets! Those were the kinds of things that truly make me feel loved. As I made my list of love nuggets, I couldn’t help but think back to a book I read years ago called “The Five Love Languages”. As I looked over my list of love nuggets, it was apparent that my primary love languages are physical touch and words of affirmation, but acts of service was evident too. What do you think your love language is? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nathan and I didn’t talk to each other about our lists of love nuggets all week. Our counselor asked us to wait and discuss them together at our next session so I had no idea what Nathan’s love nuggets were. I figured Nathan could guess all of mine because I’m a pretty good communicator when it comes to letting him know what I like and don’t like. He knows me pretty well and after being together for over 20 years…he gets me. Honestly, I figured I’d know his love nuggets too! As he began to read them off during our session, I was shocked that what I thought were his love nuggets didn't make the list! Out of the 10 love nuggets that he listed, I only did a few consistently and knowing that…well, let’s just say it crushed me! Here I have been married to this incredible man for 15 years and to discover that I have been falling short for so long in making him feel loved…it made me feel sick to my stomach…literally! Everything on his list was so easy and effortless…if only I had known. I would have been doing them all along! As I processed the fact that for so long I have been loving him the way that I best felt loved, I realized that in doing that, I failed to love him the way he deserved and desired to be loved. That hurt my heart so much and later that night, I just broke down and cried. My husband tried to reassure me that he has always felt loved by me and that he loves all of the ways I show him that I love him, but these were just some of the first things that came to his mind as he quickly made his list. I felt a little better by the end of our conversation because he explained to me that he had procrastinated on his assignment (gasp…not <i>my </i>husband!) and was having a hard time thinking about specific actions so he scanned the list of ideas that our counselor provided and chose some of those ideas that he thought sounded great and thought that would definitely make him feel loved! Even then, because of my deep love for him, it tore me up to think I could have done more to make him feel loved and appreciated over the years. It didn’t upset me because I felt like I failed. It upset me because he’s been too good to me…I <i>WANT </i>to give him everything he ever needed, wanted, or desired! That’s just how much I adore him! I didn’t want to start doing these things because he was making me or asking me to…I simply wanted to do these simple things for him because he was worth it and so much more! Since we made our original lists of 10 love nuggets, we have gone back and added many more! Any time Nathan does something for me that makes me feel loved, I always tell him, “I’m adding that to my love nuggets list! That made me feel really special and loved!” and he does the same for me! It has completely transformed the way we love each other! He is worth the extra effort to love him in ways that may not necessarily come natural for me and he thinks I’m worth it too! I just wish we had communicated these love nuggets to each other earlier in our relationship because I don’t want to waste a day when it comes to loving my husband. It’s an honor to love him and it's been so fulfilling to know that when I do these little love nuggets that he feels just as loved as I do. That’s what I want him to feel all the days of our lives! I wake up every single day now thinking what can I do today to show him he is loved and I make sure to hit as many love nuggets on the list as possible! We thought we had a great marriage before, but man, our love nuggets have only intensified the love we share! I encourage you to make a similar list with your spouse! My husband appreciates a good sappy love note, but he’s an acts of service guy! If I cook a good meal and have dinner ready for him when he gets home or plan a golf outing together or even a night for him and his buddies…now that <i>really </i>makes him feel loved! Whereas, my husband could buy me gifts all day long, but if he isn’t giving me enough physical affection or words of affirmation, I may be asking myself, “Does he <i>really </i>love me?” We need to learn what our spouse’s love nuggets are and then love them whole heartedly in those areas!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast forward a few weeks later after learning this about my husband…the girls and I had been studying about the death and resurrection of Jesus in preparation for Easter. One morning, as we wrapped up our unit on Christ’s resurrection, we camped out on the story of Peter and the disciples having breakfast with Jesus on the shore before His ascension into heaven. Peter still hadn’t gotten over that awful night when he had denied Jesus three times. He was absolutely heart sick over his actions and he had wept bitter tears as he was truly sorry and repentant for his failure. He loved Jesus with all of his heart and I’m sure after hearing about Christ’s resurrection, he probably wondered if Jesus still wanted him as one of His special disciples. As Jesus and Peter sat together on the beach, apart from the others, we see in <b><i>John 21 </i></b>that Jesus turned, looked into the eyes of Peter, and gently said, “<b><i>Simon (Peter), do you love Me more than these?” <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Jesus said, “Then feed and care for My lambs.”</i></b> Jesus knew that He would soon be going back to heaven and He wanted Peter to become a good shepherd and help teach His Word to all of the new Christian believers. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Jesus asked Peter a second time, “Simon, do you really love Me?”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>“Yes, Lord,” Peter answered, “You know that I love You.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>“Then take care of My sheep,” Jesus said.</i></b> Jesus meant that Peter must help care for all who would become His disciples and followers. He knew that His flock would have trouble, temptations, hard tests, discouragements, and battles; and He wanted Peter to help them to grow strong and become true, steady Christians who could lead others to know Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>Once more, Jesus asked him, “Simon, do you really love Me?”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Peter was grieved and hurt that Jesus asked the question this third time. Once more Peter assured Him, “Lord, you know my heart and You know all things; you know that I love you.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Jesus said, “Then feed My sheep.” <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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That day on the seashore, Jesus ended His conversation with Peter by saying, <b><i>“Follow Me.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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As I read this story, I felt the Holy Spirit impressing that same question on my heart, “Do those who say they love Me <i>really </i>love Me?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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Have you ever wondered why Jesus asked Peter the same question three times? I don’t think it was because Jesus needed to be convinced that Peter loved Him…He already knew all things. I believe He asked the same question three times so that Peter was convinced! Peter loved Jesus with all of His heart, but He didn’t know <i>how </i>to show that love! He was loving Jesus the best way He knew (kind of like I was loving my husband the best I knew how, yet if I had only known his love nuggets I could have loved him so much better!) So, look what Jesus did…He gave Him a list of love nuggets before He ascended! Did you see that? Just as Nathan listed out clear as day what I can do to show him I love him, Jesus told Peter as clear as day, “If you love Me, then feed and care of my lambs and sheep <i>and </i>follow Me!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the Lord began to make this connection in my spirit, I just began to weep. “Yes, Lord! You know I love you!” I cried out. My heart hurt just as it did when I realized I had wasted so many years not loving my husband in the best way. The Lord has been so good to me…to us all! It broke my heart that He may not feel loved by those who profess to love Him. I found myself asking the Lord, “How can I love you better?” He deserves our best love! I don’t love Him simply to be promised heaven, I love Him because He is worthy of my love. It’s an honor to live my life loving Him the way He desires to be loved. But the Lord began to reveal to me that He has so many children that say they love Him, they profess to love Him, they profess to be devoted to Him, yet they are loving Him the way they think is best, meanwhile, their love falls so short from what the Lord really desires! They are missing all of His love nuggets! You see, many Christians believe reading their Bible every day means they love Jesus or praying often and going to church is how they show Jesus they love Him. Others think volunteering and giving to charities show they love Jesus. Those are all great things to do, but that’s not what makes Jesus really feel loved. You see I was doing a lot of great things for my husband…all of which he appreciated and enjoyed…but when I realized what his love nuggets were, I was loving him in a way that assured him I really loved him. That’s what Jesus wants from us! He hears us tell him we love him, He sees us trying to show Him we love Him, He knows our hearts desire, but He gave us His love nuggets list and He’s waiting to see if we <i>really </i>love him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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John 14:15 says, “If you love me, keep my commands.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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John 14:23, Jesus says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, when Jesus asks each one of us the question over and over, “Do you <i>really </i>love Me?” It may be that He’s trying to tell us, “I know you say you love Me, but if you really loved Me, you would be keeping my commands and obeying my teaching.” The ten commandments are in essence God’s love nuggets to us and just as Nathan and I have added to our original list of 10 love nuggets, Jesus has done the same thing throughout His teaching! Everything that was taught in God’s Word after the original commandments, are more love nuggets for us so we can know what it looks like to love Christ! God’s Word says anyone who believes in your heart that Jesus died and was raised from the dead and you confess with your mouth that “Jesus is Lord”, you will be saved. We are saved by grace and we don’t have to earn salvation or follow a list of love nuggets in order to be saved. However, just as in marriage, our relationship cannot withstand the pressures of this world if the only thing we have is a marriage contract. When we said our vows, we said them in faith that each one of us would keep our vows and live in a way that reflected the love we professed for one another on our wedding day. So it is with our relationship with Christ! Our relationship with Jesus can’t withstand the pressures of the world on words alone. When we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, we are making a profession of faith that we are going to live like Jesus is Lord. He’s asking us today, “Do you <i>really </i>love Me?” I say “Yes, Lord!” I choose to keep His commands even when it’s hard. I choose to follow His teachings even when everyone else has compromised. I choose to follow <i>all </i>of his commands, and not dismiss the ones that don’t line up with today’s worldly views. I choose to stand alone. I choose to obey his teachings even when persecution comes. I choose to keep his commands even when it’s unpopular. I choose to give Him my whole heart for all the days I have left here on earth because He’s worthy of my love and He deserves my best love. I choose to love Him the way He desires and not just what is comfortable for me. He’s been too good to me. What an honor it is to keep His commands and obey His teachings…it’s not burdensome at all when you truly love someone. Can I ask you the question today…”Do you <i>really </i>love Him?” <o:p></o:p></div>
Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-43906761099591370702018-04-20T06:49:00.001-05:002018-04-20T07:23:34.685-05:00Marriage Under Attack<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
Happy New Year friends! This year is already flying by! How can it already be mid-April and yet, this is the first post of the year? Despite my absence, God has been far from silent. He has used this season to draw me in so close as He reveals His love and goodness to me. He is speaking to me and His words are changing me from the inside out. He is so good to me. Let me catch you up on life a little! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Last summer, I began to feel a shift happening in my life. I felt the Lord leading me to give up some responsibilities and focus on my family. We simplified our schedule and really focused on being intentional with our time together and focusing on training up our children in the Lord. Shortly after making these changes, I felt the Lord impress on my heart to pray for my marriage, specifically against the spiritual attacks of the enemy. My marriage has always been fulfilling and although not perfect, our love and relationship has come fairly easy and our love for one another has never been tested. Despite being in a good place with my husband, I couldn’t shake that nudging to pray a hedge of protection around my marriage and my family. The more I prayed for my marriage, the more the Lord opened my eyes to the spiritual attacks against Godly marriages and families. The Lord showed me a vision of the enemy standing outside the doors of Christian marriages and the devil was just giddy to get a foot inside. As he waited so patiently outside the doors, he was peeking through windows, looking inside, peering, pacing, eagerly rubbing his hands together and snickering an evil laughter as he anticipated getting inside. He knew that if he could just get a foot into the door, that’s all it would take to push in full force and wreak havoc not only in that marriage, but in that entire family. The Lord began to reveal to me over weeks of praying that it only takes the smallest crack for Satan to slip into a marriage and take up residence and the Lord showed me that most of those cracks begin as a fleeting thought. In fact, I wrote a blog about this last year. You can read it <a href="http://nathanandmary.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-silent-killer-in-christian-marriages.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Those thoughts, when entertained, become imaginations and that opens the door for the devil to have a foothold in your life and if not taken captive, they become strongholds and an open invitation for the enemy to wreak havoc in your life, in your marriage, and in your family. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For months, I prayed for my marriage. There were times I didn’t even know how or what to pray since our marriage was in a good place, so I just prayed in the spirit. <b><i>Romans 8:26 </i></b>says when we don’t know what to pray, <b><i>“the Holy Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings and words that cannot be uttered</i></b>” so when we pray in the spirit, we are praying the direct will of God Himself and praying for things we don’t even know we need to pray for! <b><i>Ephesians 6:18 </i></b>says<b><i>“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on all occasions.” <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Within weeks of all of this, I found out that several Christian couples we knew had filed for divorce. My heart absolutely broke at the news because although I didn’t know the details surrounding each breakup, I knew exactly who was to blame for destroying these Christian families and it was the devil himself. He knows his time is short so he is being very strategic on who he seeks to take out. He’s after our seed! That’s why he’s targeting the family unit and the church…that’s where the fertile soil is and that’s where the good seed is being planted! If he can break the family unit, the seed gets disturbed and the roots are pulled. Without deep roots, the seed may die because it’s ability to get proper nourishment is hindered. He’s going after ministers for the same reason...he wants their seed! If he can distract the shepherd and get him off course, he can sweep in and wreak havoc on the sheep! I kept hearing the Lord whisper to me, “Pray for your marriage and be on guard! Your enemy is prowling like a roaring lion, waiting for someone to devour and he wants your seed because your seed reaches far beyond the four walls of your home.” Initially, I felt like Peter when the Lord told him he would deny Christ three times, he argued with the Lord and told him he would NEVER do such a thing. I said the same thing to God! “No, Lord! Not us! We would never get divorced! That’s not an option for us! We have a strong marriage! We would never let that happen.” But just like Peter, if we get too comfortable in our own strength and in our ability to fight off temptation in our own strength, we will fail miserably. The Lord began showing me that my husband and I were not off limits. In fact, he began to remind me that the enemy is threatened by us and our children so we are on his list of targets and the devil would love nothing more than to take us out! When I truly understood this reality, I wasn’t overcome with fear, but instead, something rose up within me like nothing I have ever experienced before. It made me MAD! I was ready to put on the armor of God and step into the ring with Satan himself because this meant war! I was ready for the fight and I was determined to send the devil running back to where he came from and make him sorry he ever had me on his target list! Devil, you can’t have my marriage and you sure can’t have our seed!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I had spent weeks praying for my marriage, but as the Lord opened my eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare waging in the heavenlies not only for my marriage but for all Christian marriages, I went to my husband and filled him in on what the Lord had been speaking to me. I looked him straight in the eye and told him if we so much have a crack in our marriage, we need to identify it and close it before the devil comes in and magnifies it! I wasn’t’ about to let the devil gain access into our marriage through some crack that we had overlooked or perhaps put a Band-Aid over without resolving the issue that caused the crack in the first place! No way! Despite our great marriage, we both easily identified a weak area that if left unaddressed could be used by the enemy to bring division in our marriage and that’s all it would take to open the door to the enemy! We came together and prayed over that area for the next several weeks and with the Lord’s leading, we decided to be proactive and take steps to strengthen that weak spot in our marriage long before it ever turned into a tool for the enemy to use. We were committed to guard our marriage and protect our family. We have faithfully renewed our minds in God’s Word daily and prayed together regularly. We have continued doing devotions together that build our marriage and we have been careful to place healthy boundaries in order to guard our marriage from even the appearance of anything questionable. We also decided to see a marriage counselor to seek advice in improving our communication with one another. That has been one of, if not the best thing, we have ever done for our marriage…well, that and faithfully attending our Married Couples Sunday school class at church! In fact, when we left our first session of counseling, we both said in the car ride home that we felt like we had just sat in a private Sunday school class with the best teaching from some of our favorite books like “Love and Respect” and “The Five Love Languages”…except we felt like we were drinking from a firehose! Whoa! It was awesome! I highly encourage every couple to invest in marriage counseling throughout their marriage! We go to our doctors for yearly preventative checkups to ensure we remain physically healthy and we go to church even in the good times so that we can stay spiritually full and healthy. Why would we not treat our relationships with the same care and nurturing that we do our physical and spiritual health!? Don’t wait for a crisis to occur! God wants us to be a part of His maintenance care plan so that He can fix the problems as soon as they arise so that minimal damage is done and we get back on His course! He is faithful and He is for us! I have loved this season of growing with my husband and looking back over the past several months, I can’t help but smile and see how God has been so faithful to guard and protect us. He is such a good, good Father. He goes before us and prepares the way. He orchestrates His plans so beautifully and he takes the things that the enemy means for harm and he works it for our good! Only God can do that! Only God! <b><i><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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I don’t know what season you are going through, however, I do know Satan is on an all-out warpath and he is targeting Christian families and ministers! I want to remind you that<b><i>we don’t fight against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms</i></b>. <b><i>(Eph. 6:12)</i></b> The enemy is NOT your spouse! Once you recognize that the real enemy is the devil himself, you will stop wasting your time and energy trying to change your spouse or your circumstances. The only way to overcome the spiritual attacks on your marriage is to rise up and fight with your spiritual weapons! Listen, you are NOT off limits! If you are breathing and you love Jesus and you are trying to raise your children to follow Jesus or spread the gospel…Satan has already sent out assignments to destroy you! But do not fear! The Lord has given us everything we need to stand against the devil’s evil schemes! We have been given the full armor of God AND the covering of the blood of Jesus! And let me just tell you something…the Word of God is our sword! All of the armor of God is designed to protect us and defend us but I don’t know about you but I don’t want to be on the defense all the time! That gets exhausting! I want to be on the offense! That’s where the sword of the spirit comes into play! That is the only piece of the armor of God that puts us on the offense! The Bible says the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow! When we pray the Word of God, declare the Word of God, and meditate on the Word of God, it’s as if we are piercing the devil himself every time! He has no option but to flee or die when we fight with the Word of God!!! Find a scripture and a promise to stand on and declare it over your marriage, over your family, and over your home and watch the Lord work on your behalf! <b><i>Isaiah 54:17 </i></b>is a good one to start with! <b><i>“No weapon formed against me will prosper!”</i></b> Declare that today! God is faithful and He has not forsaken you! Rise up! Fight for your family and be on guard! If you are on guard, you won’t be given a surprise blow that takes you and your family out! I’ll leave you with this quote from Michael Todd…”It’s the punch you don’t see coming that knocks you down.” Be alert and stand guard!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s evil schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people!” Ephesians 6:10-18<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-59077486206160854872017-12-22T06:47:00.000-06:002017-12-22T06:47:31.937-06:00Keepin' It Real!<div class="MsoNormal">
“Just bein’ real”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a phrase I hear often, especially on social media
and I’m not gonna lie…I cringe when I hear it or any form of it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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#keepinitreal #realtalk #letsbereal #justbeingreal<o:p></o:p></div>
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To me, it’s one of those phrases that is full of
passive-aggressive punch and condescending tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s usually always a not so nice message
wrapped up in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Typically, these
phrases insinuate that unless you share some or all of your not so pleasant
moments, you are lying or just an overall fake person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have even heard some people go so far in
saying it actually makes them sick when people don’t acknowledge their
#keepinitreal moments and act like their life is perfect because they know…it’s
obviously all a show. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I’m not
really sure how long this saying has been going around, but these dramatic
statements have only been magnified to me within the past year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I first started noticing people share their desire for
“realness” and “authenticity” on social media, it seemed to be coming from a
place of insecurity and it always reminded me of Steven Furtick’s quote, “We
compare our behind the scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
some reason, people can no longer just see the highlight reel from someone’s
life and recognize that these shared moments are only a glimpse into that person’s
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Social media has given people a
false sense of entitlement to know the intimate details of everyone’s life and
when they don’t get those details, they begin to fill in the details themselves
based on their limited information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
for many, they make inaccurate assumptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They assume people are trying to
convince others that their life is perfect if they only share the good times
when in reality, they aren’t trying to convince anyone of anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They truly are just enjoying the moments as
they come and get excited to share these moments with their family and friends
hoping to bring a smile to their face as it did theirs!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, maybe people really do take the time
to stage photos and lie about conversations and events to paint a lovely
picture in an effort to cover up the pain that’s really happening in their
lives, but come on people…are we really that insecure with ourselves that we
are going to assume the worst about people when all they do is post happy and
encouraging posts on social media?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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It kind of takes me back to my middle school days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who remembers the term “goody
two-shoes”?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This term was used to
describe an excessively virtuous person, a do-gooder…but it had a very negative
connotation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wanted to be “that
person”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember when someone would
get called a “goody two-shoes”, they would begin to spill the beans on every
little bad thing they had ever done because God forbid, no one wanted to be
known as that kid…the always do-gooder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
were the ones that would get made fun of and they never fit in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They wouldn’t get invited to fun parties because
the good girls and boys made people uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren’t relatable or liked by most. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many kids spent lots of time and energy trying
to convince others that they weren’t as “perfect” as others saw them and many
of those kids were embarrassed about being labeled the good kid. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When I started seeing this “let’s be real” trend on social
media gaining popularity, I found myself thinking like those middle school kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At first, I felt like I needed to tell
everyone all my struggles and failures just so they didn’t think I was a fake. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started questioning everything I posted on
social media and said to people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would
my words be received with smiles or eye rolls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found myself feeling like I needed to convince others I wasn’t
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And what better way than to
share all my struggles, weaknesses, and mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, that’s what people are really looking
for when they want others to “be real”, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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But every time I started to post about my “real” moments…you
know, those less than flattering moments, I heard that still small voice whispering
to me that I needed to delete and not post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That still small voice was the Holy Spirit and do you know what I have
learned?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit is our filter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helps us take those thoughts captive
before we speak them…or type them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
urges us to be silent when our quest to be transparent can in turn tarnish our
witness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He convicts us of our wrongs quietly
and seeks repentance when we would rather use our struggles as an area to
connect and be relatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He seeks
change when we seek comfort in knowing we are in good company.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He really began to work on my heart about this
#keepinitreal trend and here is what he taught me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The quest to be relatable isn’t worth
sacrificing my influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m afraid that’s what is happening all over social
media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are sacrificing our influence
all for the quest to be likable and more relatable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see it on my newsfeed, I see it in blogs,
and I even hear it in some churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a call for authenticity and transparency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People want to relate to their peers,
bloggers want to relate to their readers, and speakers want to relate to their
audiences so in their quest to be more relatable, they share some of their more
vulnerable or “real” moments in life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
all about building connections and relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been told “You lead with your
strengths and you connect in your weaknesses” so in an effort to build
connections with people, we are being more vulnerable and opening up about
struggles, our weaknesses, and our failures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But social media is not the place to share our vulnerable moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I am extremely cautious as to who I accept friend requests
from on social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because I post
pictures of my children and family, I have very secure privacy settings and I
only accept friend requests from people I actually know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even then, I still have close to 800
friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t even know I knew that
many people! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My friends list is made up
of family, dear friends, acquaintances, old classmates, previous students and
coworkers, pastors, teachers, and many who I admire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that all of these different groups of
people have access to my posts, I have to make sure everything I post is
filtered by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether I
like it or not, people are watching me and my words and actions will leave a
lasting impression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a Christ
follower, I am more concerned that my posts, words, videos, and photos leave a sweet
fragrance that reflects Jesus than I am about people relating to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Several years ago, I did a Beth Moore Bible study and in it
she said something that was so profound to me that it stuck with me all these
years later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said, “Be authentic to
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be transparent to most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And be intimate with few.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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I looked up the definitions to those words because they seem
to be trending on social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be
authentic simply means to be genuine and accurate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be authentic to all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we post things on social media, we need
to be sure we are giving an accurate glimpse into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice I said an accurate glimpse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s just a glimpse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be posting false information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be authentic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Transparent means easy to perceive or detect, evident, and obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should be transparent with most.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That means most of the people on your friends
list and in your sphere of influence should be able to detect what kind of
person you are by reading your posts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The things you post and the things you say should serve as evidence as
to who you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you are
transparent, people don’t have to make guesses or assumptions about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your values, convictions, and priorities are
obvious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s transparency.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there is intimacy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Intimate means private or personal, detailed
knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kind of information is
intended for just a few people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This small
circle of friends knows your dreams and your fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know your strengths and your
weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They know the intimate
details of your life and your children’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sharing private and personal information on social media when you have
several hundred or thousands of eyes reading is just not wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may get more followers, more likes on
social media, and more clicks on your posts, but at what cost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christ followers, being relatable and
likable shouldn’t be our goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
to be set apart from the world and we should be living by a different
standard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are we perfect?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Absolutely not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But do we really need to share our flaws and
failures to the world just so others can relate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see so many people that have a great call
on their lives to be influencers and it makes me so sad when I see them
compromising their ability to influence all for the sake of likability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Research has proven that people remember negative memories
far more than the positive ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
true!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a billion amazing memories
of my childhood, but wouldn’t you know it that I still remember the one time
one of my elementary school teachers had a melt down and cried in front of our
class?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the 36 years I have lived,
I still remember the only time my parents were in a “heated argument” and then
there’s that awkward time my Facebook friend told the world what she really thought
about her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My point is it doesn’t
matter how many encouraging words you say over your lifetime on social media or
how many good things you do, that one bad seed can leave a lasting impression. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As Christ followers, our sphere of influence should be far
greater than our circle of friends that we are intimate with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too much transparency can tarnish your
influence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe as Christ
followers, our number one tool to influence and touch lives is living out your
life in a way that reflects Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hands down…a life well lived will leave a far greater impression on
those you leave behind way more than any words or stories you shared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So please don’t feel like you need to be transparent with everyone in
order for the door to be opened to make a difference in their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me…people are watching you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They notice how you handle tough
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They notice the way you look
at your husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They notice the way you
love your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let that speak
volumes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let the Holy Spirit be your
filter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Him silence you when
necessary and let Him lead you to speak when a message needs to be heard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Often
times, the strongest messages and lessons learned can come from a place of
weakness, so I’m not saying never share…just be sure your message brings glory
to the Lord and not just another comforted follower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And don’t be afraid to share your
highlights!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think you are
bragging or being fake!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m so thankful that the Lord has surrounded
me with amazing friends and leaders!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love learning from you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being
challenged by you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love learning from
you on how to be a better mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love to
see where I can be a better wife!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
love it when you challenge me to go deeper in my relationship with Christ!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m watching!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m listening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You make me want
to be better and do better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So keep
sharing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I think we should start a new “let’s be real” trend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think we need to change the tone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would love to start seeing #keepinitreal on
all of the blessed moments of your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Christians, we are living in the favor of God and its time we get
real about sharing how blessed we truly are and stop being ashamed about
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine living any other life than this
blessed life that I get to call mine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God is so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So can we start
being real without others getting sick of our happiness and mushiness?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is short people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s embrace the good and trust God to
change the bad and let’s leave behind a sweet fragrance of Jesus with every
word we speak and every word we type friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here’s to my new favorite hashtag for the coming year! #keepingitreal<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-75109702622962238702017-10-30T05:53:00.000-05:002017-10-30T05:53:10.472-05:00The Silent Killer in Christian Marriages<div class="MsoNormal">
Not long ago, I felt the Lord leading me to intercede for my
marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being that I already pray for
my husband and our marriage daily, I found this nudging a little alarming…to
the point that I stopped and asked God right then, “Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is something wrong?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No sooner than that thought crossed my mind…literally,
I didn’t even have enough time to voice my question to the Lord…He
answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His response was so clear, it might
as well have been an audible answer, but it wasn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the Lord tell me, “All is well, but
there is an enemy waging war for your marriage and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell you to pray that so that you will be alert and aware of his tactics.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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For those of you who don’t have a personal relationship with
the Lord, you may not understand how someone can have these clear conversations
with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even explain it other
than just tell you that all believers have the Holy Spirit living inside of
them and although the Lord speaks to us through His Written Word and through prophets,
He most often speaks to us through His Spirit that is within us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before Jesus left this earth, He told His
disciples “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I
do not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I go, I will send him to you (John
16:7.)</i></b>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit is a
game changer in the life of a believer because He is our helper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Holy Spirit plays many roles in a
believer’s life, but one of His roles is to be our Guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t imagine trying to navigate this life
without the help of my guide!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He goes
before me and prepares the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He leads
me every step of the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as my
guide, He is in constant communication with me preparing me for the next step
so that I won’t stumble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the Spirit
of Truth, only speaking what the Father says Himself (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John 16:13</i></b>) and I trust
Him completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When He speaks, I
listen.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So when I felt Him leading me to pray for my marriage, you
better believe I was on it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not knowing exactly
how to pray or what to pray, I just prayed in the Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ephesians 6:18 says, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pray in the Spirit at all times
and on every occasion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stay alert and be
persistent in your prayers.</i></b>”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
recognized that there is indeed an enemy waging war for my children and my marriage,
but as a believer I don’t have to live in fear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As long as I am living my life devoted to the Lord, I understand that I
pose a threat to the devil!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows his
time is short and it makes him mad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
is desperate to take out as many as he can in what time he has left and those
who are fully devoted to Christ have the biggest targets on their back because they
pose the biggest threat to keeping him from accomplishing that which he has
come to do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend who
describes it as “New levels, new devils!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As we walk in obedience to what God has called us to do here on this
earth and go to new levels in our relationship with Christ, the devil isn’t
just going to leave us alone and move on to the next one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
just ups his games and tries to come at us from a different angle in hopes to
catch us off guard and defeat us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
thank goodness for God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, because with them, we have
everything we need to be victorious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As I have been interceding for my marriage these past few
months, the Lord has really opened my eyes to the attacks of the enemy on
marriages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen the effects of
those attacks on marriages inside the church today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It breaks my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I catch myself saying, “I would never…” or wondering
“how did it get to this?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but then the
Lord gently reminds me that no one is off limits when it comes to the attacks
of the enemy and it very well could be me if I am not on guard and protecting
myself from the silent killer in Christian marriages today…Satan’s deception
runs deep friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It starts with a
thought…and then turns to imaginations…and then becomes a stronghold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once that spirit of deception takes root in a
person’s heart and becomes a stronghold, that’s when a person begins taking
actions that lead to destruction…right where the enemy desires to see you
fall!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">John 10:10 says the devil comes
to kill, steal, and destroy</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hates seeing your marriage flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
hates seeing our families grow and prosper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wants to destroy it all and steal all your happiness along the
way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hates seeing husbands being the
priest of their homes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hates seeing
mothers and fathers train their children in the ways of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants our kids and he is willing to use
whatever he can to get them…even our schools, our government, and our
entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever doors he can
open, he’ll go after it because all he needs is a point of entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The devil is no dummy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows that if he destroys the family unit,
he has easier access to our children so he is waging war on Christian families
like never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And his tactics...DECEPTION…the
silent killer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It begins as an innocent
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every broken marriage…every
family unit destroyed…it began as a thought.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If my husband/wife was more like __________, my life would
be so much better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If my husband didn’t work so much, I would be happier.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She’s/He’s really good-looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish my spouse didn’t ____ so much.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He is such a great guy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She is a really good person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish my spouse treated me the way _____ does.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish we had a life like _______.<o:p></o:p></div>
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This isn’t the life I dreamed about.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I wish…<o:p></o:p></div>
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If only…<o:p></o:p></div>
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We’ve all had them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially now that we
have social media showing the highlight reels of everyone’s perfect moments, it’s
even easier to have these or similar thoughts cross our mind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when we are alert, grounded in
faith, and have the Holy Spirit as our Guide, we recognize these thoughts as
bait from the enemy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is at work
friends and we have to be alert and take these thoughts captive before
imaginations begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, pretty soon
we will find ourselves imagining what life would be like if we left our spouse
or if we had a life like someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We will begin imagining how much better our life could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">2 Corinthians 10:5 tells us to “take every
thought captive and make it obedient to Christ</i></b>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When a couple says their vows, they make a
covenant to keep those vows “until death do us part.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Marriage is a BIG deal to God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, marriage is the closest thing we
have to describe Christ’s relationship with the church!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Bible tells husbands to love their wife
like Christ loves the church and God’s Word tells us Christ is coming back for
a spotless bride!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you see why the
enemy would want to destroy this covenant so badly?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It represents so much more than just a family
unit! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Don’t allow Satan’s lies to take root in your heart to the
point that your family is destroyed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take those thoughts captive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t care how bad things are in your marriage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No marriage is too broken for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He can restore your marriage and make it stronger than ever before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be an easy road, but with God, all
things are possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognize that your
battle is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>not</u></i> against your
spouse, your finances, or a career.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For
though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weapons we fight with are not the weapons
of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the contrary, they have
divine power to demolish strongholds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the
knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2 Corinthians 10:3-5.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Our
battle is with the one who comes to kill, steal, and destroy…not our
spouse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be alert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognize that when those thoughts come, that
is just the enemy’s tactics to bring division in your marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Division is an open door for the enemy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="font-weight: bold;">“A house divided against itself cannot
stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark 3:25.” </i>The devil wants you to ignore the spiritual reality behind the physical one, because as long as you're focused on what you can see with your physical eyes, he can continue to run rampant underneath the surface. </div>
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I am so thankful for the role of the Holy Spirit in my
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am thankful that God is fighting
on my behalf and that through prayer and spiritual warfare, we have the power
to thwart the attacks of the enemy completely...those fiery darts that we don't even see yet...we can fight for our marriage and prevent the problems before they arise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, the devil is real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, his
attacks are very real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, he wants to
steal our joy and destroy our future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
no joke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But you need to hear something
today, friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to what God’s
Word says and get it into your heart today!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Put on the FULL armor of God, so that you can STAND against the devil’s
evil schemes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For our struggle is not
against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,
against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil
in the heavenly realms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, put
on the FULL armor of God, so that WHEN the day of evil comes, you may be able
to STAND YOUR GROUND, and after you have done everything, to stand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand firm then, with the belt of truth
buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and
with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to all this, take of
the shield of faith, with which you can EXTINGUISH ALL the flaming arrows of
the evil one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the helmet of
salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the world of God.” Ephesians
6:11-17<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Submit yourselves to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>RESIST the devil, and he will FLEE from you.” James 4:7<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Be self-controlled and alert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for
someone to devour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>RESIST him, standing
firm in the faith.” 1 Peter 5:8-9<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper.” Isaiah 54:17<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“In all these things, we are MORE than conquerors through Him who loved
us.” Romans 8:37<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus
Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But the Lord is FAITHFUL, and He will strengthen you and protect you
from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over all the power of the enemy, and NOTHING shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you lose on earth will be loosed in heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on
earth agree about anything they ask for, it WILL be done for them by my Father
in heaven.” Matthew 18:18-19<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated
before you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They shall come out against
you one way and flee before you seven ways.” Deuteronomy 28:7<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God is FAITHFUL; he will not let you be
tempted beyond what you can bear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
1 Corinthians 10:13<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Fight the good fight of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made
your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Do not fear them, for the Lord your God is the one fighting for you.”
Deuteronomy 3:22<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“If God is FOR us, who can stand against us?” Romans 8:31<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Through You we will push back our adversaries, through Your name we
will trample down those who rise up against us.” Psalm 44:5<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For You have girded me with strength for battle; You have subdued
under me those who rose up against me.” Psalm 18:39<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, when we belong to Christ, we are victorious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just the short list of scriptures
that reference battle and how to overcome the attacks of the enemy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If anything, we need to be aware that there
is a real war waging and we need to be alert and aware of the enemy’s
tactics!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be deceived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take those thoughts captive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not saying to ignore problems in your
marriage as they arise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There may very
well be things in your marriage that need to be addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get wise counsel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be honest about those problems and ask God to
intervene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But recognize who the battle
is with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s NOT your spouse!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real enemy is the one waging the war on
your marriage…it’s the DEVIL himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Take those thoughts captive and don’t even entertain them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those thoughts cannot become a stronghold in
your marriage when you begin to take them captive and make them obedient to
Christ!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past few months, I have been praying continually for
my marriage and for my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
been putting the full armor of God on daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have talked to my husband about what the Lord has put on my heart and
we have prayed together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have put
boundaries in place to protect our marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We don’t even want to open a door for compromise...not in our marriage and
we sure don’t want to be responsible for opening a door in someone else’s marriage!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen, husbands and wives…guard yourselves
and take steps to protect your marriage now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do not seek out or accept friendships on social media of anyone you have previously dated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Do not fall into the comparison trap. Just don't do it! Don't compare your spouse to anyone else. </span>Do not call or text <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">anyone </i>from the opposite sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you feel comfortable calling or texting
someone of the opposite sex for just casual conversation, there is a boundary
that has been crossed that can easily lead to something more friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guard yourself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Avoid situations where you are alone with
someone of the opposite sex…not only to avoid the appearance of anything inappropriate but to protect yourself too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s just not wise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemy is
sly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is patient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will work on one boundary at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be deceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Recognize his tactics and take precautions now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Establish boundaries and take those thoughts
captive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not be deceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be strong and courageous, do not be
afraid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The battle belongs to the Lord,
and He has the final victory!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just walk
in obedience and be alert!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“As for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Begin covering your marriage and your
children with prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray in the Spirit
and put on the full armor of God…daily!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Read the Word of God daily because the more you know God’s voice, the
easier it is to recognize the lies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
pray together! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A marriage that prays
together stays together!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am lifting
you up friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I see the enemy at work
and I see the lives he has already destroyed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It breaks my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It stirs me
to action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that those who read my
words today will be stirred to action as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are in the fight of our lives friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be caught off guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have all the tools necessary to be
victorious but if we don’t see the enemy coming, he’ll blindside us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Open your eyes…your spiritual eyes
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll leave you with this today
and pray it over your marriage daily…”<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And the two will become one flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So they are no longer two, but one
flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Therefore, what God has
joined, let no one separate</u>.” Mark 10:8-9.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-69626225328087132002017-09-22T23:31:00.003-05:002017-09-22T23:31:55.879-05:00Is Jesus Really Coming Back Tomorrow?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I’m sure by now many
of you have come across an article claiming that Jesus is coming back tomorrow,
September 23, 2017!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many
different articles floating around from those who believe tomorrow will be a
significant day for believers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
for every article that I have seen proclaiming the significance of tomorrow, there
are two more professing it’s all a conspiracy and nonsense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So which is it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is the rapture really happening tomorrow?!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I am no expert on
end times nor have I ever extensively studied the book of Revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I have listened to preachers and
teachers who have spent their lives studying end time events and Biblical
prophecies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, it fascinates me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From what I have read in my Bible and from
the limited information I have learned from respectable teachers and preachers…notice
I said respectable, because there are plenty of loonies out there professing a
false doctrine…here’s what I have gathered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Book of Revelations was written by John after Jesus ascended into
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is believed that after
speaking with God the Father, Jesus revealed these things to John through the
Holy Spirit, whom filled every believer at the time that Jesus departed this
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8yH-UTHyDlNTUjcPuNcQl00Z4AGjRndFjf1TfNRpSCB6LBJku0h9sZskOuz7b8upWF9jclvIgOkgud-RxT6KLgkA67Rhy6bmA2fyY-O7HN2aHsG058cFSGvFRNkuURS4_iXw4bIyFN92/s1600/31763-Revelation-bookofrevelation-Bible-Scripture.1200w.tn_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8yH-UTHyDlNTUjcPuNcQl00Z4AGjRndFjf1TfNRpSCB6LBJku0h9sZskOuz7b8upWF9jclvIgOkgud-RxT6KLgkA67Rhy6bmA2fyY-O7HN2aHsG058cFSGvFRNkuURS4_iXw4bIyFN92/s320/31763-Revelation-bookofrevelation-Bible-Scripture.1200w.tn_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The Word of God
says that no man knows the day or hour of Christ’s return but our Father in
Heaven, not even the angels in heaven nor Jesus Himself. <b><i> </i></b></span><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“But about that day or hour no one knows, not
even the angels in heaven, nor the Son</span></i></b><b><i><sup><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">,</span></sup></i></b><b><i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> but only the Father” Matthew 24:36. </span></i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Keep in mind, Jesus said this during His time
here on earth. I highly recommend you
read the entire chapter for more information about that day. </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Although
it may not be possible to pinpoint the exact time Jesus will return, because of
the revelations that Jesus made to John, we can very well know the season. I don’t know of any respectable teachers of
the Word that are confidently saying tomorrow is the day. However, they are saying that tomorrow is a
very significant day. I won’t get into
the details of that because honestly, much of it is way over my head. I’ll leave that up to the experts. All I know is as I listen to them connect the
dots in scripture, it stirs an excitement inside of me as I begin to see the
big picture and realize that we most certainly are living in the last
days. Instead of asking the question “<i>IS</i> the rapture going to be tomorrow?”, I
think the better question is, “<i>COULD</i>
the rapture be tomorrow!?” The answer to
that question is certainly YES! Whether
it’s tomorrow, next month, or years to come…the important thing is that we
recognize that we are indeed seeing Biblical prophesies fulfilled and we need
to be ready and watchful. </span><b><i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Therefore
keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour” Matthew 25:13. </span></i></b><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic";">God revealed things to us in His Word to
watch for and when we begin seeing those things fulfilled, that’s
exciting!!! </span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because
of all of the articles floating around this week, it really had me thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I began to consider all the things that
God has revealed to us in His Word and making a mental checklist of all the
things we have already seen fulfilled, I couldn’t help but wonder…what if the
rapture really did happen tomorrow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don’t know if it will happen, but what I do know is that God loves each of us
so much that He gave His Word and revealed to us warning signs of the
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t have to do that, but He
didn’t want any of us to be caught off guard and not be ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He doesn’t want anyone to miss out on his
coming, so He gave us all the signs so that we would be ready and <u>waiting</u>
for His return<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christ was
sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second
time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are <u>waiting</u>
for him” Hebrew 9:28.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">All
of these signs that will occur leading up to the rapture of the church have
been fulfilled and there are even more I haven’t listed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nations are rising up against nations (Matt.
24:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We will hear of wars and rumors of wars
(Matt. 24:6) …this situation with North Korea is certainly a sign of the times
and then today Russia threatened to strike back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Russia is mentioned in the Bible as an end
time player so be watchful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Men will be lovers of self, lovers of money,
boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, and unholy (2
Tim. 3:1-2)</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">False prophets will arise and mislead many
(Matt. 24:11) …I can name a handful off the top of my head of those preaching a
false doctrine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mockers will come with their mocking,
following after their own lusts (2 Peter 3:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Great earthquakes shall be in diverse places
(Luke 21:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There will be signs in the sun, and in the
moon, and in the stars (Luke 21:25) …the blood moons, solar eclipses, and
tomorrows alignment of the stars and planets could be significant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The sea and the waves will roar (Luke 21:25)
…It was brought to my attention today that the two hurricanes making landfall
currently are named Maria and Jose…in English, these are the names of Jesus’
earthly parents, Mary and Joseph!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
write all this to say…be ready friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not saying He’s coming back tomorrow, but if so all the warnings
were there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, we still have all
the warnings that it will be soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
started my day today, I couldn’t help but think what it would be like tomorrow
if Jesus does come again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know from
the Bible that at least half of us will remain<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be
taken and the other left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two women will
be grinding grain together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One will be
taken and the other left” Luke 17:34-35.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i></b>I would imagine there will be many people who are fearful when
that day does come and they realize they have been left behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where will they turn for answers?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would they run to the nearest church and
begin reading whatever they could get their hands on until they found the
answer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would they run to their neighbor’s
house whom they knew was a believer?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe they would run to the nearest book store and buy a Bible hoping to
find an answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found myself wanting
to prepare my home today just in case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if someone comes to my home looking for answers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I leave my Bible out on the table and
have it opened to key verses?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Should I
write a letter and leave it tucked inside my Bible?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Someday
I will make my departure from this earth…whether it’s through death or the
rapture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though death is still far
from now, I have already begun to make preparations to help those I leave
behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be prepared and have
everything in order when that time comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I began to think about the rapture of the church, it really had me
thinking…shouldn’t we do the same for those we leave behind then?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer is that all of us would be taken in
the rapture, but unfortunately that just isn’t so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thought of any of my friends, family, strangers,
or acquaintances being left behind, just grieves my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began imagining the panic that everyone must
feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then, I began to think of the hard
times they would all endure during the tribulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to think of the questions they may
have and as I started to think of all of this, it stirred me to sit down and write
this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would I want those left
behind to know when I’m gone, should the church be raptured in my lifetime? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First
of all, there is still hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You still
have one more chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t wait, make
things right with the Lord right away…right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next 7 years will be very hard times and
this time is referred to as the tribulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You can read all about the tribulation in the Bible, in the book of
Revelations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time, the
antichrist will appear and a great world war will begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be famine and inflation due to the
war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One fourth of all the people and
living creatures will die as a result of the war.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be a mighty earthquake like never
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of this will occur in the
first quarter of the tribulation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People
will be required to display the mark of the beast in order to hold a job and
buy things…DO NOT TAKE THE MARK OF THE BEAST!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To take the mark is to reject Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There will be even more death and destruction in the later years of the
tribulation because of God’s judgement on the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you couldn’t follow Christ in these days
leading to the rapture, it will be even harder to follow him now because there
will be great persecution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of those
who choose to follow Him will be killed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will you deny Him once again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please don’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be absent from
the body is to be present with the Lord when you are a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christians don’t have to fear death because
we know where our future will be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stand
strong and pray the sinner’s prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has given you one more chance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the
7-year tribulation, all those who don’t believe in Jesus will be thrown into
the lake of fire for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No more
chances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves each of you so much
that He sent His one and only Son, Jesus, to save the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much as He wants you there, it would
pollute the very goodness of Heaven and go against God’s nature to allow any
sin, wickedness, corruption, or anything bad into heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s why at His final judgement He will
throw all those who refused to believe in Him into the lake of fire because
their sins were never washed clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
loves us too much to pollute the goodness of heaven!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s going to be an amazing place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our minds can’t even fathom the beauty or
goodness that awaits us there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My
prayer is that all would come to know Jesus before the rapture because life
during the tribulation is not going to be pleasant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s never a bad idea to take time to reflect
and ask yourself the question: If Jesus returned tomorrow, would I be
ready?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you can’t answer that question
with confidence, do me a favor and pray this prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s that simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You just have to confess and believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Dear God,</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<b>I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness.</b><br />
<b>I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died</b><br />
<b>for my sin and that you raised Him to life.</b><br />
<b>I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord,</b><br />
<b>from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will.</b><br />
<b>I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you prayed that prayer and truly meant it, you
are ready for that day when Jesus returns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is no need to be fearful about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s exciting times for a believer friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are seeing scripture being fulfilled and
whether it’s today, tomorrow, or years from now, we are nearing that day when
we will be standing in the presence of our Savior!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that’s something to look forward to!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The older I get, the more I long for that
day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will come a day when there
will be no more sadness, no more death, no more evil, and no more pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, what a day that will be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Come, Jesus, come!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m ready!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Are you?</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<!--[endif]--></span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-22135975725974954342017-09-04T08:38:00.000-05:002017-09-04T08:38:49.310-05:00Juggling it All...When the Demands of Life Leave You Feeling Less Than & Inadequate<div class="MsoNormal">
Today’s post is for all of the tired mommas out there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that’s you, lean in today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen, parenting is amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether you birth your children from your
body or from your heart, there’s just absolutely nothing that compares to the
miracle of birth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I look at my children, I see God’s amazing handprints all over them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get
overwhelmed with emotion when I stop to consider that my children are not an
accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has a plan for each one of
them…a beautiful and perfect plan…and when He created my children, I was part
of His perfect plan!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You…You were part of God’s perfect plan for
your children!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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For as long as I remember, I have always wanted to be a
mom. I wanted the big family and used to
dream about being a wife and mother. I had
this perfect picture painted in my mind of what it would be like! The nice house…with a well-manicured lawn,
organized and clutter-free within, the fresh scent of a candle filled the air,
and everything beautifully decorated and in its proper place, yet it was comfortable,
cozy and lived in. It was a home filled
with lots of love and laughter…a peaceful place…somewhere you would want to
be. God's presence dwelled there. The children...they were all close
in age…stair steps of each other. They
were respectful, kind, obedient, well-mannered, and they loved Jesus and each other
well. I imagined them playing joyfully
with one another as laughter filled our home.
It was a beautiful picture of what a family should look like…wouldn’t
you agree? Then, there’s the picture I
painted of what marriage looks like. Oh,
I couldn’t wait to get married and be a wife!
I was a daydreamer and oh, how I used to plan out my future! Living my life with my husband, my best
friend…madly in love…holding hands, snuggling on the couch, lots of hugs, kisses,
and caressing…that’s what good marriages looked like, right? Long walks, deep conversations, daily devotions and growing in the Word together, kind words,
and lots of affection. It was any girls
dream! I imagined all the family dinners,
the holiday traditions, the birthdays, and celebrations…always joyous
occasions. I imagined us on the sidelines
cheering our children on as they played sports.
Of course all the kids took an active interest in watching their
siblings play and they cheered them on, offering one another only words of
encouragement. Life would be blissful…so
I dreamed…I waited…oh, how the time couldn’t come soon enough! Then…click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK-RxM85Www" target="_blank">here</a> for sound effect.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Who was I kidding!?
Either my parents made parenting look way too easy or those Little House
on the Prairie episodes skewed my reality.
Fast forward twenty-five years and now we have social media and
Pinterest to further warp our sense of reality!
It’s ridiculous friends! We have
created such unrealistic expectations of what a good mom and wife should look like
that it’s no surprise that 1 in every 4 women are on medication to treat
depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders. Ladies, we are literally driving ourselves crazy
trying to achieve an unrealistic dream!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiATwZrFcVhrmu_tRcSdU0b-3h3Wfkmg4mM-DLP-x_fGXiJzpSO6quw1ULn-KCntSn2wScWWPclY0V1hIduvfm8meF7Um9vyx_hJRMRR0zeHsKZyDRCQj9T8BfXEj9XDKBdQlj9NLphch2/s1600/9908e92329cee80e9edcf5f46b2bca3e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="420" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiATwZrFcVhrmu_tRcSdU0b-3h3Wfkmg4mM-DLP-x_fGXiJzpSO6quw1ULn-KCntSn2wScWWPclY0V1hIduvfm8meF7Um9vyx_hJRMRR0zeHsKZyDRCQj9T8BfXEj9XDKBdQlj9NLphch2/s320/9908e92329cee80e9edcf5f46b2bca3e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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It’s healthy to have goals and dreams, but ladies, you are
one person with only 24 hours in a day.
You can’t do it all and that’s okay.
Did you hear me clearly…IT’S OKAY!!!
You are not a bad mom if you don’t cut your child’s sandwiches into cute
shapes and pack it in a cute container with the correct serving size of fruits
and veggies! You are not a bad wife if
you don’t have dinner ready when your husband gets in the door every single day
nor does it make you a mess of a woman if you wear yoga pants all day or go a
couple of days without shaving your legs!
We were never created to be perfect friends…just willing and obedient. <b><i>Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the good of the land.” </i></b></div>
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Listen, parenting is hard.
It’s a lot of work. Marriage is a
lot of work! But let me tell you
something…if God calls you to it, He will equip you to do it! You are equipped ladies! Your life was ordained for this moment, for this
season. God had your days written before
you were even formed! He knew how many
children you would have, He knew who you’d be married to, He knew what your
career would be…He knew it all! And
because He knew before He ever formed you, He so intricately placed within you
every strength, talent, characteristic, personality, and detail so that you
could fulfill the plans He had for you!!!
Notice, I said for YOU!!! Stop
trying to do and be everything that the mom next door is for her kids. You have no idea what her story is and what
God has called and equipped her to do.
Stay in your lane and be willing and obedient to do what God has called
you to do because when you do that, God promises us in His Word that we will
eat the good of the land. That means we
will live a good life, be happy and blessed when we are willing and obedient to
do what God has called us to do! When we
get our eyes off of what God’s calling us to do and we get it onto others, we
put ourselves into a comparison trap and no longer see the good that God has
blessed us with. Instead, our perception
gets skewed and we start to see all that we lack! Look where that got Adam and Eve! Eve had a beautiful and perfect life…she had
everything she ever wanted or needed.
But she listened to the enemy’s lies long enough to change her
perception of God. Instead of being
grateful for ALL of the good God had blessed her with, she allowed her thoughts
to focus in on the ONE thing that God kept from her. When her focus changed, it caused her to fall
into sin. I see how easily that can
happen to women today as well! Listen, I
don’t know why God hasn’t given us all the hour glass figures, the bubbly
personality, and the love for early mornings!
However, I have a choice. I can
focus on what God has given me and use that to be willing and obedient to do
His will OR I can focus on what I don’t have and allow myself to chase after
something that was never intended to be mine in the first place which results
in us disobeying God…and that only leads to sin, temporary satisfaction, and an
unfulfilled life! So just stop it
already! </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I found myself feeling pulled, stretched,
overwhelmed, stressed, burdened, and really feeling less than. It’s easy to get to that place when you are responsible
for so many little humans. However, I
got to a point of where I had exhausted all of my own strength and mental
energy when I stopped and asked myself, “Is this really what God desires for
me?” I knew it wasn’t! <b><i>Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I
have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.” </i></b>God’s plans for
us are GOOD! Now, we aren’t promised a
life free of trials, but His plans are good plans! When I began to feel the stresses of life
overwhelm me, I began to pray and ask for God’s help. Almost immediately I felt Him speak to me
that I was simply trying to do too much.
I asked Him for wisdom and direction.
I prayed that God would guide my footsteps and that He would help show
me the areas that I needed to lay down.
My hearts greatest desire is to always be willing and obedient to do
what God desires for me. I want to live
my days in the center of His will...not mine.
<b><i>“Not my will, but Yours be done.” – Luke 22:42.</i></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent the next few days praying and just reflecting on
what was it that was contributing to my feelings of stress, doubt, and
insecurities. It was such a sweet time
with The Lord. Ladies, talk to God. Tell Him your fears, your failures, and how
you feel. He already knows, but ask Him
for His help. <b><i>James 4:2 says, “You have not, because
you ask not.” </i></b>If you aren’t
happy, feeling fulfilled, and living in the good of the land, ask God to change
your circumstances! He will when you
ask, but you have to be willing and obedient to do what He leads you to
do. During those days in prayer, I felt
the Lord speak so clearly to me. He gave
me such clear direction on some things that I needed to lay aside for this
season in my life and it has made all the difference in just a few short weeks. All the difference. The peace is there. I have joy in the journey and the
insecurities have all faded away. All
because of obedience. When we keep our
eyes on God and stay focused on fulfilling His will for our lives, that’s when
life is best friends. We feel
fulfilled. We are happy. We are content. And we are confident! </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I am in my happy place…doing what God’s called me to
do. I wanted to share with you what the
Lord lead me to do during those days of prayer because I really think it may
help many of you too. As I was praying
one day, I felt the Lord lead me to write down the three things that were
causing the most stress in my life. I
felt lead to ask my husband to do the same.
We made our lists and for both of us, the top three things were easy to
pinpoint. We took time to talk about our
lists and together, we came up with a plan of what we could do to eliminate these
stresses from our lives. And the ones
that we couldn’t eliminate (um, one or more of my children may have made my
list), we took those burdens to the Lord and began to pray about them. We began to believe God to turn those burdens
into blessings and give us a plan of action on how to help bring peace to what
was currently a stressful season or situation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I felt the Lord instruct me to write down my number one
goal as a mother, a wife, and as a woman.
Once again, all three goals were easy.
For me, as a mother, my ultimate goal is to raise children who fear the
Lord, live holy and pleasing lives, are filled with the fruits of the Spirit,
and live to be happy, independent and productive citizens. As a wife, my ultimate goal is to be a helpmate
to my husband, loving him and serving him well. As a woman of God, my ultimate goal is to live
a life that pleases the Lord and make a difference in the Kingdom of God! After I wrote my goals down, I once again
asked my husband to do the same. Then,
the final step the Lord impressed me to take was to prayerfully consider what
in my life have I committed time to that doesn’t lead to any of those goals. He was asking me to simplify my life and stay
focused on the ultimate goal. Too many
times we just try to do it all. We think
filling up our schedule with fun and good things will bring joy and fulfillment,
but more than not, it just eats up our time and has us spinning our
wheels. The busy life that results from chasing such unrealistic expectations that we place upon ourselves leaves us feeling
rushed, flustered, stressed, tired, and robs us of so much joy in the
journey! </div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
The Lord began to expose those
areas that I had busied my time with that didn’t serve a purpose in His
plans. Instead of being a blessing, these
areas were burdensome. He was asking me
to lay them down. I knew of a few things
that our family could give up that would immediately alleviate some stress in
our lives. It would allow us more time
at home in the evenings together which was one of the things my husband said he
needed in this season. There were other
areas the Lord revealed that didn’t necessarily have anything to do with our
top three stresses in life. However, after
taking time specifically praying for wisdom and asking for God’s help and
guidance to make our lives as stress-free as possible, we felt lead to lay it aside
for a season. <span class="text"><b><i>To
everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1.</i></b> God calls us to do
some things for a season and we need to be obedient to release those things
when God says it’s time. We may not
understand the reason, but God’s ways are higher than our ways and He knows
best. </span></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
As my husband and I began to make some decisions and act in
obedience and began doing what we felt The Lord was leading us to do, everything began to
fall into place beautifully. We saw God’s handprints all over. The Lord began to give us wisdom and clear direction
on what we needed do to eliminate the stresses in our lives. He gave us a clear plan and path and that
alone was all we needed. I was no longer
overwhelmed, burdened, and feeling inadequate.
Instead, there was a peace, thrill, and confidence within. That’s what happens when we chase after the
things of God instead of chase what others have.</div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="chapter-1" style="margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
If you find yourself feeling tired, overwhelmed, stressed,
unhappy, and feeling less than, I encourage you to stop right now and ask for
God’s help. Ask Him to give you the mind
of Christ and change your perspective.
His plans are good plans and He desires to see you living the good life,
the fulfilled life, and the blessed life that He has for you. It may not look like the life you have
pictured in your mind nor will it look like the life of the mom you admire on
Facebook or down the street, but trust me…His plans are far greater than yours! Learn to be content in what God has for you
and be obedient to do what He called you to do and I promise, it is there that
you’ll be most confident and you will be able to see all the good that you are
doing! Stay in your lane girls and do
what God has called you to do! It’s okay
to seek advice from other moms and improve where you can, but stop trying to do
it all and be it all. Instead, just do
what you are equipped to do and then do it well. God has placed that within you for a purpose,
so do it well. Silence the lies of the
enemy when he tries to tell you that you aren’t a good mom. Silence the lie when he tells you your
children would be better and happier if only they had a different mom. Silence the lie that you are less than and
not good enough! It’s a lie! Take those thoughts captive! Begin confessing daily over yourself what God’s
Word says and what God thinks about you!
You have been chosen. God
ordained you to be a mother, wife, and woman of God for this time, this season,
and this life. You are an important part
of His plan so He needs you to be all in and in your lane, running YOUR
race. I’ll leave you with this. I first heard this at a women’s conference
several years ago at my church. Let it
encourage you and let it replace all the doubt that fills your mind today. Moms, you are doing a good job! You’ve got this. You will not fail!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watch Video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyAftxWpJQ4&t=3s" target="_blank">Here</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-12517265869308963572017-08-30T02:12:00.001-05:002017-08-30T02:12:37.358-05:00Do You Believe Him?<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I couldn’t wait
to sit down and write today’s post friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God has been stirring something in my heart for a couple of weeks and it
has been bubbling up inside of me and today I literally feel like I’m going to
explode if I don’t do something with it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me start
with this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never felt so sure
about being in the perfect will of God than I am about my call to homeschool my
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even explain it
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fully believe what scripture
says about God writing our days out before we were even formed in our mother’s
womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“</i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days
ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” Psalm
139:16.</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Knowing that my days have been ordained by God, I don’t
ever want to coast through this life doing what is easy, comfortable, or accessible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just because I can do something doesn’t
necessarily mean it’s God’s plan for my life, so I want to constantly be
seeking God’s will for my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When it
comes to homeschooling my kids, I may not know what God has in store for me and
my children in the years to come, but I am certain that we are walking out the
story that He had written for us before we were even formed and it feels good! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I started this journey three years ago, I remember
praying that God would grant me wisdom and equip me to teach my kids well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just wanted them to learn and my biggest
fear was that I wouldn’t teach them everything they would need to know and they’d
grow up stupid!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I still pray for
wisdom daily, God has opened my eyes to just how much He wanted to teach ME in
this journey…even more so than my children!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Six years ago is when the Lord began leading me to
homeschool the kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a Bible
study and the entire study was on Deuteronomy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When we got to chapter 6, the Lord messed me up! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">“These are the commands, decrees and laws the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you
are crossing the Jordan to possess, that you, your children and their children
after them may fear</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">your God as long as you live</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">by keeping all his decrees and commands</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hear, Israel, and be careful to obey</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">in a land flowing with milk and honey,</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">just as the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">, the God of
your ancestors, promised</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">you.</span><sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></sup>Hear,
O Israel: The</i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">our God, the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">is one.</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Love</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">the</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal;"></span></span></i></b></span><span class="small-caps"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lord</span></i></b></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">your God with all your heart</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">and with all your soul and with all your strength.</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at
home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.</span></u></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></u></i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></sup></u></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tie them as symbols on your
hands and bind them on your foreheads.</span></u></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></u></i></b></span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><sup style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></sup></u></i></b></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">Write them on the doorframes
of your houses and on your gates.</span></u></i></b></span></span><span class="text"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman";">”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deuteronomy 6:1-8</span></i></b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was a fairly new mom and when I began to study this passage
and really think about it, it messed with me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized that parenting was far more than snuggles, smiles,
milestones, and play dates!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been
given a mandate from the Lord and my parenting changed that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I vowed to be intentional with my time with
my children and I desired to be that mom who talked with my kids about God’s
commandments and God’s goodness from the time they woke to the time they went
to sleep and I wanted my home to be Christ-centered and that has been my
husband and I’s goal ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
this scripture and goal that ultimately lead our family to the decision of homeschooling
our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our children attended an
excellent Christian school for pre-school so they were receiving great teaching
that backed what we were teaching them at home, however, the Lord began showing
me that we were living in a day where deception runs deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God had placed an urgency in my spirit to
pour the Word of God into my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt Him warning me that this generation will not be able to stand on two feet
without the unwavering foundation of God’s Word because the deception was
deep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when Myka was in
kindergarten, I read an article titled, “Christianity Is a Generation Away from
Extinction.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reading that article just
confirmed what the Lord had already been stirring inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was calling me to use these foundational
years to POUR God’s Word into their hearts and lives with great purpose and
discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that’s why we
homeschool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because our ultimate goal of homeschooling is using these
years to pour God’s Word into their hearts, Bible time is a huge part of our
day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Cue the floodgates friends!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t hold back my tears as I think back
over these past three years and consider what I have been able to teach my
children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lessons, the stories, the
devotions, the scriptures, the memory verses, the questions, the conversations…oh
friends, they are hiding God’s Words in their hearts and that alone is worth
every minute, every hour, every frustration, every sacrifice, and every
struggle that homeschooling has cost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psalm
119:11 says, “<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320;">I have hidden your
word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”</span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what it’s all about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a world where deception runs deep, our
children must have the unwavering truth hidden in their hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, they are going to be fed bold lies
and even worse, half-truths that sound good but that will ultimately lead them
to a path of destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate
and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.<sup><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></sup>But small is the gate and
narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” Matthew 7:13-14.</span></i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen, our children need a foundation more
solid than just Mom and Dad’s opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
need a foundation stronger than a few songs and Bible stories they learned in
Children’s Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our children need a
personal encounter with the living Jesus and they need the living and active
Word of God alive in their hearts!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom
and Dad’s faith won’t keep our kids from being deceived but the living Word of
God alive in their hearts and active in their spirit will be able to judge the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart and therefore will not be deceived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320;">For
the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart” Hebrews 4:12.</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Someone stop me before I start preaching!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just so passionate about being
intentional when it comes to pouring God’s Word into our children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I better get back to sharing what I came here
to share!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I say all that to tell you that while I have been trying to
teach my children as much about God’s Word for these past three years, God has
used some of the simplest stories and lessons to do such a work in my own
life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me just tell you, there is no
better way to learn about God’s Word than to start with a children’s Bible
curriculum!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The stories are so simple,
yet so powerful and always end with an opportunity for salvation and a call to
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have heard many of these
stories all of my life, yet as I read them to my children from the lesson book
and show them the pictures that go along and discuss the questions at the end
of each lesson, I find myself struggling to get through the stories without
tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My kids have learned that people
cry when they are happy and when they are overwhelmed with God’s goodness
thanks to Bible time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless their
hearts, they were so concerned the first time I sobbed through an entire story
and couldn’t understand why mommy was crying if I was happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They get it now and just carry on as
normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes they even join me now!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know that in my journey to teach
my children, God would be teaching me something new every single day and
awakening my faith in a new way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
seen first-hand childlike faith and I understand why we are instructed to
become like little children in Matthew 18:3. And<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320;"> he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become
like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320;">Watching my children take God at His Word has taught me
more about faith than any teaching I have heard over my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This past week we learned
about Jesus healing the nobleman’s son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because
of some needs that my family has been praying and believing for, this story just
stirred something inside of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt
lead to write a post last week and didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then when the story came up in my devotion a few days ago, it was just
confirmation of what God was stirring in my heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In John 4:43-54, we learned about an official
whose son was very sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s apparent
this was a well-off man so I’m sure he had access to the best care in his time
and yet nothing was working and his son was near death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had exhausted all options when they
began to hear talk about this man named Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They heard about how he performed miracles and word was spreading that
he was coming to a town nearby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being desperate
to help his son, this father thought maybe, just maybe he could go find this
man and ask him to come heal his son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His son was so sick, he wasn’t even sure he’d make it back in time but a
parent’s love for their child runs deep and he was willing to do anything if it
meant his son might be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
two-day journey just to get to Jesus and when he found him, he begged Jesus to
come with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told Jesus about his
dying son and asked him to come to his home to see if he could heal him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus continued teaching despite the man’s
pleas and I can only imagine the relentless pleas of a loving father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean could you even imagine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was desperate and I know Jesus must have
heard the urgency in his pleas. Yet, instead of coming with the man, Jesus
looked at the official and said, “Go home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your son is well.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, keep in
mind that this man was not yet a believer, yet it says the man took Jesus at
his word and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I read this story
to my kids, I found myself wondering if there was something in Jesus’ voice or
a look in his eyes that made this man believe him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man didn’t question Jesus at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took him at his word and left!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t help but wonder if I had traveled for
two days knowing my son may have already died, I probably would have been
asking, “Are you sure?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you come with
me just in case?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, not a question from
this man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s faith!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Believing what he could not yet see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFuTmp3dMtE7aQRYUOGjnqJTa3p3Ugg-Pc8TjPuBQR10M2FU7BT2Kn0Aw0wkHNY5sqwwmfKaoVEUSMMW0A5scGsGXxHKcsYWrM81FSLsTFVB8aHDXVldlXChMawLE7tluhHW2X-cLWOuS/s1600/3da7f1b87500d149949ee494daf3bf22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="407" data-original-width="336" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYFuTmp3dMtE7aQRYUOGjnqJTa3p3Ugg-Pc8TjPuBQR10M2FU7BT2Kn0Aw0wkHNY5sqwwmfKaoVEUSMMW0A5scGsGXxHKcsYWrM81FSLsTFVB8aHDXVldlXChMawLE7tluhHW2X-cLWOuS/s320/3da7f1b87500d149949ee494daf3bf22.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">This father left knowing
his son was healed.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He couldn’t call and
check with his family and he didn’t wait until he returned home to
believe.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Scripture says he “knew”
because Jesus said it.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">What a great
reminder!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I look at my children and they
are much like this nobleman.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">They have
the word of God inside of them and when I listen to them pray, they fully
expect God to do what He says He will do.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I mean, why wouldn’t they?</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Is it
that same nudge that father must have felt that day?</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">That nudge that whispers, “He’s serious.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It’s done.”</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I want to live out that kind of faith because it’s that kind of faith
that allows us to rest in the journey.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I
can only imagine that father’s journey home.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When he left his dying son, I’m sure there was a cloud of fear hovering
over him the entire journey.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Could you
imagine the doubt that swirled in his head not knowing if he would even be
there for his son’s last breath?</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Oh, how
the journey home was different!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He “knew.”</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">I’m sure he was still in a hurry to get home
to his son, but this time it wasn’t because he was fearful that he’d be too
late.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Oh no!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He was expectant!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He was eager to confirm what he already
knew!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Praise God!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">He was met by his servants the next day and
they confirmed that his son was indeed well!</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">When he asked at what time he was well, he realized it was the exact
moment Jesus said he was healed.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friends, what is Jesus
saying to you today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His Word is the
same yesterday, today, and forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
never changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s no diagnosis that
is too difficult to cure and it’s never too late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But will you believe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s Word is filled with His promises to
those who believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to wait
to see the doctor’s report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
have to wait to see the evidence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
“know” because Jesus said it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can
rest in our journey when we take Jesus at His Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find yourself in need of healing
today, allow your heart to be encouraged as you read what God has said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I have come so that you
may have life and that you may have it abundantly.” –John 10:10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“No weapon formed against
you will prosper.” –Isaiah 54:17<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Greater is He that is
within you than he that is in the world.” -1 John 4:4<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“By His stripes, you are
healed.” –Isaiah 53:5<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Nothing is impossible with
God.” –Luke 1:37<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am the Lord that healeth
thee.” –Exodus 15:26<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He Himself took away our infirmities
and bore away our diseases.” –Matthew 8:17<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“My words are life to those
that find them, and health unto their flesh.” –Proverbs 4:22<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“And this is the confidence
we that we have in him, that, if we ask any anything according to his will, he
heareth us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if we know that he hears
us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of
him.” -1 John 5:14<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Beloved, I wish above all
things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
-3 John 1:2<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Fear not, for I am with
you.” –Isaiah 41:10<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">It doesn’t matter what you
are facing today because we serve a God that we can place our confidence
in.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">We don’t have to question if He’s
really sure He’ll do what He says He will.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">His Word never returns void so rest in your journey.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Don’t wait to believe His Word until you see
the evidence.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Believe it today and be
expectant.</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Daughter, <u>your faith
has healed you</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Go in peace.” –Mark 5:34<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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has made you well</u>.” –Luke 17:19</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-76904773140747107792017-07-28T09:10:00.001-05:002017-07-28T09:10:50.543-05:00Resisting Growth<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm back! Summer is
coming to an end and as much as I have loved having all of my sweet kids at home as
we enjoy the carefree days of summer together, I would be lying if I didn’t
tell you I have missed those quiet times where I can just sit and listen to
what the Lord is speaking to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
past several weeks, those moments have been very few and far between and the longer I go without them, the more desperate I get to hear His voice!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been many moments where I just pray
and cry out to Him, desperately wanting to feel Him and hear Him, but in that
rare moment of silence that I have to wait on the Lord, it quickly fades and I find myself
once again in the middle of structured chaos with four kids running around
joyfully (and other times not so much) and enjoying the whims and wonders of
summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had these seasons in my
life before where although I <i>know</i> God is near, He <i>feels</i> so far away because He’s
quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Truthfully, it may not be that He’s
quiet, as much as I haven’t had the time to devote to listening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mom of four, there’s not a whole lot I
can do about those seasons other than making sure I’m not overcommitting my time and making my time with the Lord a priority by
setting time aside reading His Word and praying often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have served the Lord long enough to know to not let
my feelings fail me in these seasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Growth can still occur in your quiet spiritual seasons, so don’t ever be
discouraged when you don’t <i>feel</i> God’s closeness or hear His voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s still there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s still good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s still pleased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> He's still working on your behalf. And </span>He’s always faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, when I felt the Lord prompting me to start a
blog, I already had a full schedule so I didn’t just need another thing to
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember asking The Lord what in the world will I even write about and He so clearly told me that He would give me the words. As the weeks went by this
summer and knowing I hadn’t made a post lately, there were several times I sat
at my computer wanting to write a quick post because that’s what bloggers are
supposed to do…keep their readers engaged at least once a week…or at least that’s
what I always thought I was supposed to do!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, no matter how many times I have asked the Lord what I need to
write about, the words didn’t come and with four kids always around and lots of
interruptions, there just hasn’t been enough mental energy for me to sit and
compose my thoughts into complete sentences!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Every time I tried to think of something to post, I always felt the Lord
gently reminding me that there are plenty of blogs out there with people’s
opinions and funny stories to keep my friends and readers entertained, so I
didn’t need to let the pressure to post lead me to write about anything that
The Lord didn’t speak to me about first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore…my silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been
waiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been seeking Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Silence…until this week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has really been speaking to me this week
about growth and the dangers that ensue when the church resists it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This past year has been a year of spiritual growth for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As I reflected upon the growth that has occurred in my life recently, I couldn't help but acknowledge what I had to give up in order to see that growth! </span>It has been a pruning season in my life for
sure…a bit painful but necessary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I
felt The Lord give me direction for this post, I had this vision of a gardener pruning away the unpleasant parts of a plant so that it was healthy again. Afterwards, I looked up the definition of
pruning and this is what I read, “to trim by cutting away dead or overgrown
branches or stems, <i><u>especially to increase fruitfulness and growth</u></i>.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you catch that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read that this week, I cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past year the Holy Spirit has prompted
me to prune some of the unpleasant things out of my life...things that were preventing fruitfulness and growth such as wrong attitudes, impure entertainment, and wrong motives. It has been painful and a bit humbling to have these areas exposed by God's Word. <i><b>John 1:5 tells us "God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all."</b></i> When we use God's Word and God's character to test the things in our lives as right or wrong, trust me there are NO gray areas. God is light. Sin is darkness. His light exposes every dark area in our life and we can either run farther from His light in hopes that others won't see what has been exposed (resist) or we can repent and allow God's light to shine brightly in our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Earlier this year, I read John Bevere’s book called “Good or
God” and this summer I have been reading his book, “Driven by Eternity”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe The Lord spoke a powerful message through
John Bevere that the church so desperately needs and I am thankful for his
obedience in writing these two books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have caused me to ask God to search my heart and expose anything
that isn’t pleasing to Him. I wanted to cut every unpleasant thing out of my life because I truly desired to be fruitful and be more like Jesus. Can I tell you something? God's goodness overwhelms me friends. I don't understand it and I sure don't deserve it, but His goodness is simply overwhelming. I can't talk about His goodness or write about His goodness without tears filling my eyes because I have experienced His peace, His presence, His direction, His provision, His healing, His love, His comfort, His power, His deliverance, and I know Him as my Savior. His goodness has no ends. I know there is nothing I can do to make The Lord love me anymore than He already does, but friends if there is anything I can do to show my love for Him, I want to do that. I love Him more than anything in this world and I so deeply desire to honor Him with my life. He's been so good to me...I feel like that is the very least I could do in return. As I prayed for God to expose those dark areas, He did. The Holy Spirit began to convict me of those areas in my life that were unpleasing to the Lord. As I repented and cut those things out of my life, it hasn't always been easy and I was resistant to some changes at first. That pruning process has been painful, difficult,
and at times lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I was at a
place in my life that I truly desired to “increase fruitfulness and growth”
more than satisfy any temporary and earthly desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I read these books and heard the
scriptures that backed up what John Bevere was teaching, there were some
awkward moments where I thought he must have been a fly on the wall in my home
because he was talking directly to me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have
you ever been in a church service where you felt like the Pastor is talking
only to you? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s how I felt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the power of the Holy Spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a way of personalizing the gospel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I read, the more the Holy Spirit
pricked me about certain areas in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead of closing the book and saying “how dare you step on my toes and
tell me what God’s Word says about that”, I chose to ask God to rid me of anything
that was preventing fruitfulness and growth in my life and that wasn’t pleasing Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did I know how much junk
I was still holding onto!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more He
exposed, the more I surrendered and laid down at His feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still a work in progress and He is still
shining a light into those darkened areas of my heart and life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He desires my motives to be pure, my attitude
to be right, and my heart to be clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
fail daily, but with the help of God’s Word teaching me, the Holy Spirit
leading me, and good teachers challenging me, I am growing and getting closer
to becoming the woman that I know God created me to be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s what I have learned through my pruning season and
this is possibly the most painful part for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the Lord prunes something in your life, it makes others
uncomfortable because when God's light is shining in your life, His light in you is used to expose the darkness. When others are
uncomfortable, they will either distance themselves from you or try to make you
feel like you are in the wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one
wants you shining a light on all their junk!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Listen, I get it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have our
junk drawers or that closet that people aren’t supposed to see!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s a very real thing in our hearts too…in
each and every one of us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ALL have
areas in our lives that when God begins to expose to us that He wants more <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for</i> us or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">from</i> us, it’s a little embarrassing and a lot challenging because it
usually means we have to change or give up something that we enjoy or
desire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of that time I
went to the doctor and the doctor told me I was obese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was embarrassed, ashamed, and it honestly
made me mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew I was overweight,
but to hear someone tell me I was clinically obese, it felt like the doctor took
a flashlight…shoot, more like a spotlight…and shined it right towards the
number on the scale for all to see my shortcoming!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, she didn’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said it in the privacy of a small patient’s
room there in her office, but the awkwardness I felt at hearing her words, she
might as well of been holding a spotlight on me yelling it aloud for all to see
and hear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, at the moment I heard her
words, as painful as it was, I knew she was right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left there challenged and my journey to a
healthier me began.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God used the words
of my doctor to expose something in me that I already knew was there, but it
needed to be exposed in a way to bring change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I could have gone home mad and upset and decided to never go back to the
doctor again because I didn’t ever want to hear her tell me that again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we all know that’s dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, it’s just as dangerous to do that
spiritually, but Christians do it all the time! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my case, none of what The Lord exposed was
a salvation issue, but because it didn’t bring honor to Him and because it was
not pleasing to Him, it was stunting my growth and fruitfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gods ways are higher than our ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants so much more for us friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although life was good a year ago, God wanted
more for me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He needed to prune some areas
in my life so that I kept growing and producing new fruit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we come to a place of contentment in our
spiritual walks, that’s when growth stops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a lost and dying world out there, and I don’t ever want
anything in my life to prevent God from using me to reach others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So my prayer will continue to be for God to expose any area in my life
that is not in any way bringing honor to Him and I would hope that I will
always allow Him to prune those areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am grateful for God's Word and the Holy Spirit who exposes those areas in our lives, but I am
also thankful for my friends, family members, teachers, and
preachers that God has placed in my life to challenge me to examine my heart,
my motives, and my actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are the
ones that God uses to bring growth in our lives, but what we choose to do when
we are challenged will ultimately determine how much fruit and growth we
experience in our own lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we
choose to resist the challenge and refuse to makes changes, our choices could
ultimately lead us to opening a door of compromise in our lives that allows the
enemy to come right in and wreak havoc in our lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust the Lord enough that if He convicts
me about an area in my life, I don’t care if it’s a salvation issue or a
holiness issue…I’m going to trust Him and make some changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows our tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows what is waiting around the corner
and my resistance to give something up today, may just lead to a stronghold
tomorrow, which could result in a salvation issue down the road and that is
dangerous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t have people in
your life that challenge you to be more like Jesus, you may be resisting
growth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surround yourself with people
that challenge you to be better and do better and don’t let the awkward moments
of exposure keep you from embracing the challenge to improve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As a mom, I want to be surrounded by other wonderful moms
who challenge me to become better! I need those who have successfully raised their children to become adults who love and serve the Lord in my life because they can offer me wisdom and encouragement along the way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a
wife, I am always watching those who have successful marriages because I want
to surround myself with women that make me better!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> How can I serve my husband better? God often uses the words or actions of a friend or mentor to show me! </span>As a follower of Christ, I have surrounded
myself with mentors who I admire and desire to become more like because I see
something in them that looks like Jesus and I want others to see that in
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be challenged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be sharpened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t ever want to stop growing and being
fruitful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, place these people into
my life and bring these good teachers across my path so that when I see them
and hear them, I’m challenged to examine my life and see areas that you still
desire to prune so that I can be more like you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t ever let me feel intimidated by those who are one step or one
hundred steps farther than me in my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, help me learn from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help me to trust your ways more than my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to never make excuses for my shortcomings,
but help me to be quick to repent and let go of those ungodly attitudes,
actions, thoughts, and motives that become exposed along my journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surround me with those who challenge me to be
more like you and help me lead a life that challenges others to become the person
you desire for them to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“As
iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-214272401292484602017-06-01T03:57:00.001-05:002017-06-01T03:57:46.651-05:00What is Modesty?<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, I took my daughter shopping for her 9<sup>th</sup>
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wanted clothes this year
which made me sad all in itself because that alone screamed she’s not a little
girl anymore!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean, it seems like
yesterday that her birthday lists comprised of baby dolls, stuffed animals, and
princess accessories so when she begged me to go shopping for maxi dresses,
casual outfits, and jewelry, my heart sunk!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I officially have a tween!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
typing that makes me shake my head!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
just doesn’t seem possible that my first born baby…that chunky bundle of joy I
held in my arms for the first time as a mom…can already be a tween.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People told me to cherish every moment
because they go by fast, but come on people…no amount of words could have
prepared this momma’s heart for how quickly those moments and years really pass
by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, here we are…raising a tween
daughter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As we entered the store on her birthday, there was so much
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anytime I get a chance to go
shopping without impatient little ones, that’s something to get excited about…even
if I’m not shopping for myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
started looking through the racks, what I thought was going to be a fun moment
for me and my daughter quickly turned into a sad life lesson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We didn’t even make it past the first few
racks before my daughter made a comment about some of the outfits not being
very appropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, she was
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quietly watched my daughter as
she looked through the clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw
her spot an outfit on the racks and excitedly scurried over there only to watch
her smile turn slanted as she held it up and realized the entire back of the
blouse was backless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then again, I saw her face light up as she saw some bejeweled jean
shorts only to be disappointed to unfold them and see they were so short that
the pockets hung out the bottom of the shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I listened as she asked me why people even make these kinds of clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Modesty is not a foreign topic in our home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We talk about what is appropriate and inappropriate
to wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We discuss often that we should
honor God in what we wear and in all that we do and say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my effort to raise children who are
modest, I have learned that modesty has far more to do with the heart more than
what you wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I grew up in a Christian home where modesty was taught and
encouraged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember being mindful
as a teenager to make sure my midriff was covered and cleavage concealed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t necessarily remember doing these
things in an effort to please the Lord as much as dressing modestly out of respect
for my parents and myself, as well as not giving the wrong impression to
guys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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As true as this is, I have since learned that modesty has
far more to with a person’s heart than it does the clothing they wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I became a mother, there was a shift in my heart that
took place when I truly understood the magnitude of my responsibility to raise
this human being.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To hold that miracle
baby nine years ago and realize that God chose me to be her Mom…I was in awe
that He entrusted me to love her, care for her, and guide her to become the
woman He created her to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
realized what gift The Lord had given me, oh how I wanted to cherish that gift
and do a job well done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart opened
up that day to God’s correction like never before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I desired to please Him more than my own
desires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that used to not bother
me, all of a sudden began to make me squirm and my view of modesty was one of
those areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that I once ruled to
be okay for me to wear, didn’t seem so appropriate when I imagined my daughter
wearing the same thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted better
for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do that as moms, don’t
we?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much more does our Heavenly
Father want for us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my heart began to open up to the
understanding of His goodness, there was something in me that desired to please
Him more and more and that was and is what I continue to teach my children
today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will never be worthy of all
that God has done for us and all the blessings He has poured into our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t do anything to deserve His love…He
gave it freely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as we seek Him
more and come to know Him better, there comes a point where our greatest desire
is to please Him because He is good, not because we want to be good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We no longer make decisions based on man's opinion of good or
bad, religious expectations, or other people’s rules…after all, those standards all change with time. Instead, it comes down to "What does your Word say?" and “Is
this pleasing to You Lord?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was this
process and shift in my heart that lead me to seek scripture about modesty as I
desired to please God in the way I raised my daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Peter 3:3-4 says, “Do not let your adorning be external---the
braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you
wear---but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the
imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very
precious.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Timothy 2:9-10 says, “Women should adorn themselves in respectable
apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or
pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess
godliness---with good works.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
As I studied these and several other scriptures on modesty,
I took away a few things…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Modesty is dressing in a way that draws others
to see our hearts before our bodies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Modesty is revealing the beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit instead of revealing the beauty of a body that we worked hard for
at the gym.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Modesty is respectable.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I began to pray about these nuggets that I took away from
scripture, the Lord began to expose some areas in my life where I very well
desired the attention from others and I became painfully aware of why I had
chosen to wear certain things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
exposed a proud and haughty spirit, not the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit
that The Lord finds so precious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
repented and asked God to forgive me and this is why I have chosen to raise my
daughters (and son) to be modest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want my children to grow up with a set
of rules of what they can and can’t wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, I want them to ask themselves, does this outfit please the Lord
and does it draw attention to me or does it still allow others to see my gentle
and quiet spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Modesty is much more than an outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our attitudes can be immodest just as much as
our clothing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just had to teach my
daughter this lesson not too long ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had bought her some yoga pants with a cute top from Old Navy a few months ago
and she loved it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t realize it
when I bought it, but when she tried it on, I noticed the back of the shirt had
an opening up at the top that showed part of her back and then it was split
about half-way down the shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I probably
wouldn’t have bought it had I seen that in the store, but after seeing it on
her, her hair covered the opening on her back and the split just showed a sliver
of her back because her pants covered everything else so I told her it was
fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t think much about it,
until I started noticing she was wearing that outfit almost every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the days it was dirty, I’d find her
digging through the hamper looking for it and asking me when I was going to do
laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She acted like it was the only
outfit she owned!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began noticing her
looking in the mirror over her shoulder, holding her hair up so she could see
her own back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was becoming very obsessed
with how “cute” she looked in this particular outfit and fished for compliments every time she wore it asking, "What do you think, do I look cute (insert pose)?".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To anyone else, this outfit would have been
deemed modest…it was pants and the top was a tunic style that covered her rear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the Lord began to open my eyes to a
change in my daughter’s heart that was directly related with this outfit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This outfit made her feel older, sexier, prettier,
and better than her other outfits did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wore it with a proud heart and her actions revealed that prideful
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say she was working
it in the mirror and thought she was pretty hot stuff!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I brought it to her attention and told
her what I had noticed, she began to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s
extremely sensitive to spiritual matters and she told me that she felt ashamed
the first time she wore it because she knew it wasn’t respectful to God, yet she
wore it anyway because I told her it was fine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She explained to me that one of her friends wore an outfit like that a
lot and she wanted to be “cool” like her friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It broke my heart to hear her words for a couple of
reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, I pray daily that
my children would be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and that the Holy Spirit
would be their guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It broke my heart
that I silenced that leading by telling my child something was okay even though I
knew when I saw it that I wouldn’t have bought it had I known it looked like that in the back…I should have
listened to that initial leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
made excuses as to why I thought it was okay even though I knew it wasn’t
something I would have purchased had I seen it in the first place because it
wouldn’t have passed the question of “Does this please and honor God?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Secondly, it broke my heart because we have
to teach our girls that their value does not lie in the opinions of others, their
physical beauty, or in their abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, their value and true worth comes in
their identity as a child of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
need to know WHO they are IN CHRIST!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When they do, their quiet and gentle spirits will shine and they won’t
need to adorn themselves with outfits to draw attention to themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am determined to teach my children their
value because that’s where true modesty will be learned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-20310053404018065582017-05-15T07:38:00.000-05:002017-05-15T07:38:46.158-05:00Lessons Learned<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In honor of Mother’s Day, I’d love to dedicate today’s post
to the greatest woman I know…my beautiful mother and dear friend, Shirley
Roberson.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even begin to describe
how much I love this woman and how much she means to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would be impossible to tell you all the things
I love about her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is simply too
much to write in one post!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPvd_HHPIqQ5qsDQ5_5vT7l0XDmnFSiX7TRjR4wnp5RDBTWshzCsOzWyZN4jZhpbaCDQPSCDimJZepo2PdwYuxTaqfZ182D0l3ohQ6Xo6OA02Wf6QlQsxyUYE7jqShX8CnlRdS_2BhH31/s1600/18446507_10212969957106725_7815634933859442389_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPvd_HHPIqQ5qsDQ5_5vT7l0XDmnFSiX7TRjR4wnp5RDBTWshzCsOzWyZN4jZhpbaCDQPSCDimJZepo2PdwYuxTaqfZ182D0l3ohQ6Xo6OA02Wf6QlQsxyUYE7jqShX8CnlRdS_2BhH31/s320/18446507_10212969957106725_7815634933859442389_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you who don’t know my mother personally, she is
full of Godly wisdom!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She is a mother to
many because people are drawn to her sweet spirit and wise words.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She’s a Proverbs 31 woman through and
through!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, I’d love to share some
wisdom that my mom has imparted into my life over the years.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have learned anything over the years, it’s
that Mom’s words are always filled with truth and wise counsel.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again, there are too many lessons
learned to mention them all, but here are a few that have been life-changing
for me.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These lessons ultimately made me
a better person and shaped me into the person that I am today.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So thankful for a mom who chooses to speak
truth into my life even when it wasn’t what I necessarily wanted to hear.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She’ll never know how her words have impacted
my life.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that as I share some of
these valuable lessons from my mom, may her words speak life to you as well!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be blessed
friends as you soak up her wisdom!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lessons Learned from Mom:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Lesson #1- <u>Establish<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></u></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><u>Healthy
Boundaries<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The week before I got married, I can
remember laying in my room talking to my Mom just as we did pretty much every
night before I went to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
remember talking about the wedding and I broke down in tears and told my mom
that I didn’t know why I was crying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
explained to her that I loved Nathan so much and couldn’t wait to marry him,
but that I was so sad about leaving home at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart was being pulled two different
directions and I was having such a hard time making sense of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had such a close relationship with my Mom
and Dad and I was dependent on them for so many things that even though I
was only moving a few miles away, I literally felt like I was
preparing myself for a death in the family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but that’s how close we
were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart felt such a void just
knowing that I wasn’t going to see Mom every day and get to have our talks at
the end of the day, or have her there to help me through my panic attacks, or
have her lay hands on me and pray for me anytime I needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was so confused about my sad feelings in
the midst of such a joyous occasion!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remember Mom telling me that my feelings
were completely normal and she assured me that it would get easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She told me it was time to start leaning on
my soon-to-be husband for those things and that as I did that, our relationship would
change and she assured me that was okay too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can still remember telling her just a few days before I married my
husband that there was no way I would or could love Nathan more than her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During those first years of marriage, there
were some defining moments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still
called my mom several times a day and because we were close, I even stopped by
often just to hang out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were times
when I was struggling with fear and anxiety that I would call Mom in the late
hours of the night just to have her pray with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were days when I was sick and I just
needed my Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mom now, I could see
where that must have made Mom feel so good and met a desire to feel needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure the separation was just as hard on
her, if not harder, so I can only imagine how easy it was for her to just jump
back in to the role of being my caretaker and go-to person when I reached out
to her for help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But being a wise woman
and a woman of the Word, my Mom taught me something in that first year of
marriage that changed my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
taught me boundaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know my Mom well enough to know that
setting boundaries was probably one of the hardest things she had to do, but
she had to let me go no matter how much she wanted to hold onto her baby
girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There came a time where my Mom started to
tell me she loved me, but that I needed to turn to my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She recognized that I was never going to put
my husband first as long as she kept allowing me to turn to her for advice, for
spiritual nurturing, and care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As much
as she desired to help me, she knew it would eventually cause marriage trouble
if she continued allowing me to turn to her anytime I needed something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’d call her for advice, she began
responding with, “Well what does Nathan think about that?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I’d ask her for her opinion, she’d
respond, “I think that’s a decision that needs to just be between you and
Nathan.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a process, but my parent’s
actions taught me such a valuable lesson by setting those healthy boundaries in
our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They taught me what a
marriage should look like and they taught me what the role of my husband should
be in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the first few years
of our marriage, these healthy boundaries ultimately lead my husband and I to
becoming each other’s lifeline, confidante, and best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I never thought it was possible, I
began to see my heart shifting and my husband eventually became the most
important person in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s my
very best friend and I love him more than anyone else in this world…and I have
my Mom to thank for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My husband has so much love and respect for
my parents and I truly believe it’s because my parents have always set healthy
boundaries and never overstepped into our relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over our fourteen years of marriage, my
husband has come to cherish the opinion of my parents and I believe that’s
because he has never felt threatened by their opinions in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have never offered unwanted advice or stepped
in with an opinion when unwarranted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They have remained silent when they disagree and they have never said an
ill-word even when I vented my frustrations about my husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They never took “my” side...rather, because
they were on “our” side, they always encouraged me to be submissive and
respectful to my husband and to not let things fester.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always encouraged me to go to my husband
when there was an offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have
always offered sound Godly wisdom and never an emotional response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love them for that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will never know how this lesson of
healthy boundaries has shaped me as a wife and a mother!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Lesson #2 - <span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Choose
Joy<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years, I have called my Mom and
filled her ear with plenty of complaints and frustrations about life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It's nice to have someone to talk to where you can trust your words to stop there. </span>It doesn’t matter how bad the situation is,
Mom’s response is always the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Choose
joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She always has an encouraging
word!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom is not the one to call if you
want someone to have a pity party with or if you need someone to tell you they
understand why you are so mad, sad, or upset!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She’s going to tell you to get over it and choose joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As frustrating as that may sound, this is a
lesson that has been invaluable in my life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is not always fair and it’s not always
sunshine and roses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But for those who
have a relationship with Jesus, we have a hope and a joy that doesn’t depend on
our circumstances!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mom has taught me to
look past my circumstances and focus on what the Word says about it
instead!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you look at things with a
Kingdom mindset, your perspective changes and you are able to see the blessings
in the storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s life-changing and
life-giving!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever you are going
through, just remember it is only temporary and because of Jesus, there is hope
and a way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing in this
world that can steal your joy, but you can sure give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you Mom for teaching me that I have a choice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of your wisdom, I am able to choose
joy daily…often many, many times…instead of letting someone or something ruin
my day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">Lesson #3 -<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Respond
in Love<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can’t always control people’s
reactions, but you can control your response!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s one of the greatest lessons my mother has taught me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life is unfair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People can be ugly and mean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just as the Bible says, “Do not repay
evil with evil”, my mom taught me that I can and should respond in love even
when others don’t “deserve” it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom, thank you for choosing to not feed a
reaction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can always count on you to
change my perspective when I am out of place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even in moments when I know it was hard for you to hear that someone
treated your daughter poorly, you have always encouraged me to keep my head up
and to respond with love and to pray and ask God for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mother, there is nothing that gets my
feathers ruffled quicker than for someone to be mean to my babies so I know there
have been times where it would have been easy for you to jump on the bandwagon of getting
even!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, you always take the high
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of the lessons you have
taught me, I take the time to control my response and although there are times
when tough conversations may need to happen, I can choose to respond in love
because of the lessons you have taught me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have taught me that the Lord will equip me
with the words to say when I choose to respond in a way that is pleasing to Him
and you have taught me that when I pray about a wrong that was done, Jesus has
a way of changing my heart so that it doesn’t bother me anymore or He just
completely makes it right again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you for your many lessons in love and forgiveness!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has freed me from so much heartache over
the years because you have taught me to not focus on the reactions of others
but to just be responsible for my own response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
stopped trying to change other people’s opinions of me and trying to respond in
a way to please other people all of the time, it brought so much freedom to me
and it ultimately brought healing to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom, thank you just doesn’t seem like enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wisdom you have poured into me over the
years has been life-giving to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank
you for always speaking truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are
the most loving and selfless person I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I watch you serve your family and your church and I’m always
amazed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never met anyone in my
life that serves with such a cheerful heart as you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You never complain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You choose joy and that joy is so
contagious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love being around you
because I always leave feeling better after spending time with you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s just the kind of person you are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are kind, compassionate, and always
encouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your love for Jesus and for
others is so evident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel so
incredibly blessed that God chose you to be my mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They just don’t come any better than
you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love you dearly and I am so incredibly
thankful for you Mom!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Happy Mother’s
Day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-15606047690275048852017-05-10T06:49:00.000-05:002017-05-10T06:49:37.314-05:00OOPS, I Did It Again!...Fighting Temptations God's Way<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Today is a new
day and I am NOT going to give in again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can do this!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only I had a
dollar for every time I’ve said that in my life regarding temptations…then,
maybe then it wouldn’t have felt so painful when I failed to accomplish that
goal! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Have you ever
been tempted to do something that you knew was wrong?</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">If you are living and breathing, I’m certain
the answer is YES!</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">In case you didn’t
know, we live in a fallen world and temptations are all around.</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';">Some are subtle…others are in your face!</span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic';"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">God’s Word says
we were made in God’s image (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Genesis 1:27</i></b>), fearfully and
wonderfully made (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psalm 139:14</i></b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet,
because of the fall of man, we were all born with sinful natures (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Romans
3:23</i></b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever thought
about what your sinful tendency is?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
is it you are tempted to do most often?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
of us could probably list our top 3 strongest temptations and tendencies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For some of us, they may have been evident
from a young age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others may have developed
over the years as a result of our environment and choices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Genetics and environment most definitely play
a factor in our temptations and tendencies!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Regardless of when those tendencies became evident in our lives, we all
fight the temptations from the enemy…he just targets us in different
areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have four young children and I
can already identify in them some of their sinful tendencies and I can see how
the devil tempts them in that area!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have one child who has a quick temper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From a young age, we have had to learn how to tame the beast!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I laugh as I write that, but seriously, she
has a tendency to lose her anger and Satan uses that sinful nature/tendency to bait
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He recognizes her tendencies and he
is crafty enough to customize his schemes to her tendencies…and he is
successful many times as she loses her temper and hauls off and hits her
brother or sister!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Whether your sinful
tendency is rage, addiction, sexual immorality, or overeating…the enemy recognizes
your tendency and you can be sure he’s going to tempt you where you are weak
because he desires to keep you in a life of sin and bondage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">John 16:33 says, “Here on
earth you will have many <u>trials</u> and sorrows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But take heart, because I have overcome the
world.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Pay particular
attention to the word “trials” in that passage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, read what James 1:2-4 says below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Consider it a great joy, my
brothers, whenever you experience various <u>trials</u>, knowing that the <u>testing
of your faith</u> produces endurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and
complete, lacking nothing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 1:2-4<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Trials test our
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Testing of our faith produces
endurance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Endurance must complete its
work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we are complete and lack
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This sounds simple,
but I’m sure you have learned that it’s not near as easy when you are in the
midst of experiencing those trials and testing of your faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemy loves to strike us where we are weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we are weak, we don’t have as much
endurance so we need to do what we can in the natural to build up our defense and
then activate our faith so that God can do the supernatural!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For the person who
tends to turn to alcohol to solve your problems, your defense would be to never
enter the bars and stay away from the gatherings that are inundated with
alcohol!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your defense is stronger when
the drink isn’t right in front of your face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Satan knows he can tempt you easier if he gets you to the party or to
the bar, so you can be assured he’s going to place people in your lives or in
your work environment that drink.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
you take the bait?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For the person
who has a tendency to lose your anger, your defense would be to get a good night’s
rest and allow yourself plenty of time to get things done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your defense is stronger when you are well
rested and not rushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan knows he
can tempt you easier if he can keep you feeling stressed and overwhelmed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be assured he’s going to place people
in your lives to get in the way because he knows it will bring frustration and
that’s how he can steal your joy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will
you take the bait?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">For the person
battling fear, your defense is obviously going to be tailored to what you
fear!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, since I fell into this
category, I’ll tell you what my defense is!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have learned to recognize my tendency to worry and be fearful about certain
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that’s an area of
weakness that the enemy has always tempted me with in an effort to keep me in
bondage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because one of my biggest fears
has to do with sickness, death, or something happening to one of my children or
family members, there are specific things that I can do to build my
defense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to stay away from scary
movies, articles, and shows that chronicle real life stories about life
altering scenarios.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They only produce
more worry so I just can’t watch them or read about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also need to stay off of the internet when
I get sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I google my symptoms or
the symptoms of my child, it almost always tells me I’m either dying or have a
serious disease so my defense is stronger when I stop so that my mind doesn’t
start dwelling on worst case scenarios!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I don’t live in denial, but I have learned that the enemy uses those
search results to keep me in bondage so in an effort to build my defense in the
natural, I choose to stay away from it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d
rather trust the expertise of my doctor more than some stranger who posted a
comment under the same question I typed into my search bar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can be assured that Satan will use social
media, entertainment, and the news stations to surround me with stories of
sickness, death, abductions, and tragedies so much so that I could become a
prisoner in my own home because I’m afraid to leave my home or let my family
leave the house for fear of catching something or something happening to one of
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will I take his bait?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you take his bait?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The enemy is
always scheming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s always tempting us
to take the bait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mentioned there are
things that we can do in the physical realm to strengthen our defense and we
need to do everything in the natural that we can do to resist the devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when we look at the life of Jesus,
we can learn firsthand how to resist and have victory over the devil’s
temptations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This past week, I was
reading the portion of scriptures in Matthew where Jesus was led to the wilderness
to be tempted by the devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Jesus was tempted
three times and each time he responded with, “It is Written.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Matthew 4:1-11 <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be
tempted by the Devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After He had
fasted 40 days and 40 nights, He was hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the tempter approached Him and said, “If
You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread
alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the Devil took Him to the holy city, had Him stand on
the pinnacle of the temple, </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">and</span></sup></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> said to Him, “If You are
the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written:</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He will give His angels orders
concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you
will not strike your foot against a stone.”</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></sup></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the
Lord your God.”</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, the Devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him
all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. </span></i></b><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></sup></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And he said to Him, “I will give You all these things if You will
fall down and worship me.”</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written:</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Worship the Lord your God, and
serve only Him.”<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></sup></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then the Devil left Him, and immediately angels came and began to
serve Him.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isn’t it just like Satan to wait and strike us
with temptation when we are at our weakest?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Notice Satan didn’t even approach Jesus until AFTER he had fasted 40
days and nights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was physically weak
and hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These temptations for Jesus
were just as real and personalized as the temptations that we face every single
day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Satan knew Jesus was hungry so he
tempted him in his weakest area at that moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He does the same to us…tempts us in our weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As I read this portion of scripture aloud, the
words “IT IS WRITTEN” just stood out to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the past, I have read this story and thought “Well, this is
JESUS!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course he’s not going to fall
for the tricks and temptations of the enemy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s the Son of God!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
this time as I read it over and over, I realized what Jesus did!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen, friends…GOD IS SO GOOD!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves us so much that He came to earth in
the form of man so that He could pay the ultimate price for our sins so that we
could have eternal life with Him someday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As if that wasn’t enough, Jesus left us an example all along the way of
how to live victoriously over the enemy while we are here on earth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t have to wait for heaven to have
victory over the enemy and Jesus proved it here in this story!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many times in our lives do we try to build
our defense in the natural only to realize we are too weak and continually give
in to the temptations of the enemy!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
many times have you said to yourself I’m going to start eating healthy only to
realize that you are too weak to resist that piece of pie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have you told yourself you are
going to stop smoking only to realize that you are too weak to resist the
desire?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How many times have you told
yourself that you are going to choose joy only to realize you are too weak to
resist the urge to lose your temper when your kids get out of bed for the tenth
time at bedtime?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ya’ll, let me tell you
something…we ARE too weak!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we need
to do our part in the natural, but Jesus said it best… “IT IS WRITTEN”!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s our defense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The written Word of God is our defense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a reason God’s Word is called the
SWORD of the Spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s what we battle
with friends!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the enemy tempting
you with today?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting you to
depend on a substance?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting
you to take hold of the doctor’s report?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is he tempting you to be fearful for your children’s safety?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting you to be unfaithful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting you to lose your temper?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting you to be deceitful?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is he tempting you to receive that sickness
that is trying to attach itself to you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is he tempting you to give into that tendency that you have had for so
long?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s time to tell the devil, IT IS WRITTEN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS PERMISSIBLE TO ME IS
BENEFICIAL TO ME.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I WILL NOT BE MASTERED
BY ANYTHING!” (1 Corinthians 6:12)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “PRAISE THE LORD, MY SOUL, AND FORGET NOT ALL HIS
BENEFITS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>HE FORGIVES ME ALL OF MY SINS
AND HEALS ALL OF MY DISEASES!” (Psalm 103:2-4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME WILL PROSPER!” (Isaiah
54:17)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “HE HAS GIVEN HIS ANGELS ORDERS OVER ME AND MY
CHILDREN TO PROTECT US IN ALL OUR WAYS!” (Psalm 91:11)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “MY GOD OF HOPE HAS FILLED ME WITH JOY AND PEACE!”
(Romans 15:13)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I WILL BE GLAD AND REJOICE IN IT!” (Psalm
118:24)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM A CHILD OF GOD!” (Galatians 3:26)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME, THAN HE THAT IS IN
THE WORLD!” (1 John 4:4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM THE HEAD AND NOT THE TAIL.” (Deuteronomy
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM BLESSED GOING IN AND BLESSED COMING OUT!”
(Deuteronomy 28:6)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM LOVED!” (John 3:16)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM FORGIVEN!” (Luke 7:48)<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I AM HIGHLY FAVORED!” (Luke 1:28)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “BY HIS STRIPES I AM HEALED!” (Isaiah 53:5)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHIRST WHO STRENGTHENS
ME!” (Philippians 4:13)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “I HAVE NO FEAR!” (2 Timothy 1:7)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “IF GOD IS FOR ME, WHO CAN STAND AGAINST ME!”
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “EVERYHTING I PUT MY HAND TO WILL PROSPER!” (PSALM
1:3)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">IT IS WRITTEN: “THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!” (Nehemiah
8:10)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever it is that the devil is tempting you
with today, I can assure you there is a scripture written in the Word of God
that you can declare to resist his lies and temptations!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop fighting in your own strength.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stop giving in and taking the bait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead resist him with the Word of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time you feel the tendency to give in,
remember these words…IT IS WRITTEN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
only took hearing those words three times from Jesus Himself before Satan had
to flee!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every written Word of God
spoken, it was like a stab in the heart with a double-edged sword!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Word of God is alive and active!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s powerful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked for Jesus and it still works for
you today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are victorious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>IT IS WRITTEN!!!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-38860356531231310562017-04-06T02:09:00.000-05:002017-04-06T11:18:58.412-05:00Conditioning the Hearts of Our Children<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was a kid growing up, on any given Friday night, one of
my favorite places to be was at home curled up on the couch with my family
watching the TGIF line up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank God It’s
Friday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember the laughs we
shared together as a family as we watched all of our favorite sitcom shows!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those were the days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It saddens me when I turn on the television now
to any major network station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The filth
that permeates our homes today grieves me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What has happened to clean family entertainment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays, if I turn the television to any major
network on any given evening, most if not all shows are filled with sex, violence,
provocative clothing, and cursing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most
sitcoms normalize affairs, broken homes, homosexual relationships, disrespecting
parents, and living together before marriage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s just on television!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
even get me started on movies and the internet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I often ask myself how in the world did we get here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We live in a transient world and things are constantly
changing in the entertainment and fashion industries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What shocks me is the moral shift and change that has occurred in my
lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could you imagine how our
parents and grandparents would have been outraged 20, 30, or 40 years ago to
turn on their television and see two half-dressed adults gyrating on the
television screen during primetime hours?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Oh, and the commercials today…could you even imagine their
disbelief?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their heads would have been
spinning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how exactly did we get
here?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If our grandparents and parents
wouldn’t have allowed it then, how did we become a generation that doesn’t see
any harm in it…after all, it’s just mindless entertainment, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, after an incident this last week with
my own daughter, my eyes were opened to how this change has slowly crept in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me share.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every week, we look forward to visiting our local library
and the kids check out new books and I let each of them choose a movie to watch
that week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our library has a huge selection
of kid and family friendly movies so they look forward to finding a new movie
every week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a DVD player in the
car so most of the movies are viewed while driving around town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, this past week, the kids were all
engaged in a suspenseful movie that we hadn’t ever seen before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could just hear the sound of them
breathing, that’s how quiet they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was deep in thought when my oldest spoke up just as adamant as could be and she
said, “Mom, you need to turn this movie off right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hurry Mom, turn it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This isn’t a good movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We shouldn’t be watching this one.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My initial response was to question her and ask
why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am always very careful to check
the ratings and I always get G-rated or PG-rated movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although in the past, I have had to turn some
PG movies off due to curse words, I didn’t catch anything as it was playing
this time, so I was surprised to hear her say it was bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She explained to me that the little boy in
the movie was naked and his privates were showing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked and asked more questions which
lead me to finding out that the little boy was wearing a shirt but no
underpants and when he bent over to pick up something off of the floor, it showed
his bottom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After finding out that this
boy was only a toddler boy and it didn’t really show much other than his crack,
I found myself about to tell my daughter that is wasn’t a big deal, but if it
showed anything else to let me know and then I would turn it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But just as quickly as that thought and response came to me, the
Holy Spirit stopped me mid thought and I felt Him tell me so clearly as if correcting me to stop asking question and just shut the movie off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I did.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My response was almost immediate but in those few seconds after
my daughter told me to turn it off and why, I found myself trying to determine whether
or not this movie was in deed inappropriate or if she was just overreacting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still mad at myself for even considering
the latter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That day, the Lord used my daughter to teach me a really good
lesson!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord showed me that as her
mom, I have tried to do my very best to teach her right from wrong since the
moment she was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have taught her
that some words are not okay to say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have taught her that we don’t show our private parts to others, nor do we look
at other people’s privates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
taught her that certain behaviors and actions are wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a huge part of parenting, but
ultimately, it’s what my children do with that knowledge that will determine whether
or not they stay on the right path.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that
moment, the Lord showed me that my daughter’s little mind processed what she was
seeing in that PG-rated movie and then she tested that information to what her
parents have taught her and that’s how she came to the realization that this
went against everything she has learned was right and she didn’t want to
continue watching it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Period…end of
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honestly, knowing my daughter so
well, why would she?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She desires to
please us as her parents and she knows that everything we teach her and the
boundaries we put into place are because we love her and because we want to
protect her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about that for a
minute!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what our Heavenly Father
has done for us and because we love him so much and desire to please Him, we
should do the very exact thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
would we ever consider doing differently!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to that realization, I repented
because I almost conditioned my daughter’s sweet and innocent heart to be okay
with something that was in deed inappropriate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In one moment, I almost unknowingly taught her and her siblings that there
is actually a margin of error for those rules and boundaries that I have so
diligently taught them over all these years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In one moment, I almost hushed
the voice of the Holy Spirit and told them that it wasn’t all that bad since it
was just a little boy…just a quick shot of a bottom…just once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s when The Lord reminded me of the verse
in 1 Peter 5:8.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your enemy the devil prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V7L-zCxQd6JgK334BzHpJH-Ze-Nc0utXmrlFfF_xWcACbCYx9Cave0WCxIxiuCu-tmwhpBvkk9lFme-IweMi9MTi7oSeDA1v7GqOtOdzef-smu2PdgoYbGfoOPLSsTgXnkPcla6LnZ_C/s1600/bc465c0e0cb0a3d874304a51d2499743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5V7L-zCxQd6JgK334BzHpJH-Ze-Nc0utXmrlFfF_xWcACbCYx9Cave0WCxIxiuCu-tmwhpBvkk9lFme-IweMi9MTi7oSeDA1v7GqOtOdzef-smu2PdgoYbGfoOPLSsTgXnkPcla6LnZ_C/s320/bc465c0e0cb0a3d874304a51d2499743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow! Thank you, Lord
for reminding me that this is a spiritual battle. Friends, Satan is smart, strategic, and ever
so patient. He knew 30 years ago that
the church would riot if he made his way into the entertainment industry
overnight. So, he went on the prowl…carefully
and precisely seeking out those who were willing to have their hearts slowly conditioned
to wickedness…one curse word, one image, and one sinful scene at a time. And over those next 30 years, look where that
has lead us. First we overlooked a curse
word on primetime television, then a few years later we found ourselves
overlooking a short sex scene on our favorite show. Then, a few years later we found ourselves overlooking more and more curse words and sinful ways because we have conditioned
our hearts to think it’s okay as long as…honestly, I’m not sure where our
boundaries lie now. I found the Holy
Spirit telling me in those moments after my daughter’s comment that God has
taught us through His Word what is right and what is wrong. He has placed clear boundaries for us as
believers because He loves us and He wants to protect us. He desires me and you to respond the way my daughter
did when we encounter <b><i>anything</i></b> that goes against what He
has taught us…be quick to turn it off and have nothing to do with it! It is time for us to stop conditioning our
hearts and the hearts of our children!
Stop telling yourself it’s okay as long as…fill in the blank! If we continue on this path, can you even
imagine what our children and grandchildren will be inundated with 30 years
down the road? My great-grandmother
would roll over in her grave if she knew the kind of stuff that was permeating
the homes of believers today! I’m sure back
then, much of what we see on TV today would have been considered hard-core
pornography! It grieves me to think that
what we see now as adult content will soon look like an innocent children’s
movie in another 40 years from now! How
have we turned a deaf ear and blind eye for so long? Lord, forgive us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believers, it’s time we wake up and look around!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemy is laughing at us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of our lack of obedience to what we
have been taught, he has slowly crept into our homes, into our computers, into
our phones, into our cars, and into our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has successfully normalized sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has deceived our children into thinking that sin is okay so long as it’s not
blatant or in excess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our boundaries
have expanded and the enemy’s territory to prowl has grown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He will devour you and your children when you
least expect it and the church has no one to blame but ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were the ones who willingly opened the gates and
expanded his territories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were the
ones that conditioned our hearts to say one drink is okay, one bad scene is
okay, if it’s funny it must be okay, if it has a good beat it makes the song
okay to listen and sing along to, I’m an adult so it’s okay, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how that must grieve our Heavenly
Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would grieve me to no ends to
see my children turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the things my husband and I
have taught them and trained them to do, yet I’m guilty of doing that with The
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know what is right and wrong,
yet I find myself saying it’s okay as long as…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m taking back the enemy’s territory today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He no longer can have an entrance into my
home and into the hearts of my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord,
forgive me if I have been guilty of conditioning my children’s hearts to open
the door to sin and inappropriate actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help me be quick to trust your teachings and turn away from all
wrongdoing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to instill those
same teachings into the hearts of my children so that they will be quick to
turn from it too, even though their friends may be conditioned to think it’s
okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us be alert and open our eyes
to the schemes of the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not let
us be deceived, but rather help me to live out Ephesians 5:11.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose
them.” Ephesians 5:11<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are in a spiritual battle and the enemy is looking for
someone to devour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let it be you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let it be your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We live in a world of darkness and we <i>will</i>
encounter things that go against our Father’s teachings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will happen, but be quick to turn from it
and have <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i></b> to do with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t allow your heart
to be conditioned to thinking it’s okay as long as…it’s never okay and it most
certainly grieves The Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-38323297612383738232017-03-17T07:17:00.000-05:002017-03-17T07:17:05.243-05:00God's Design for Sex...When Is It the Right Time To Talk To Your Children <div class="MsoNormal">
We live in a culture where girls are pressured to act and
dress older than they really are and kids in general are much more knowledgeable
of sexual terms and behaviors thanks to the internet and our entertainment
industry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a mom, I deeply desire to
maintain my children’s innocence, but there’s a fine line between preserving
innocence and just being naïve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple
of years ago, when my oldest daughter was just six years old, I started
researching and praying about when and how to begin the discussion of sex with
my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I found out there are
thousands of books and even more opinions on the matter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I obviously wanted to discuss sex with my
kids from a Biblical perspective, so I began researching some of the Christian
authors that had books on the subject of teaching children about sex.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the questions that raced through my
mind included:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->At what age should I sit my children down and
have “the” talk?<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->How much do I tell them?<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->At what age should I stop bathing my children
together?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->When should I stop dressing in front of my
children?<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Should I wait until they see or hear something
and then start the conversation? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->If I talk to them too early, will it cause unnecessary
curiosity?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
Is it better for me to talk to my children about sex alone or should my husband and I have this conversation together? </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Should I talk about everything all at once or just a little at a time and have a longer, ongoing discussion?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I just had so many questions and after reading several of
the book summaries, I had even more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
there is one book that I believe to be a successful parenting tool, it is the
Word of God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe every word of the
Bible to be true so I started there!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
began to pray for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James
1:5 tells us “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>I fully believe that the Lord will
equip us to fulfill our calling and purpose and parenting may be my most
important calling of all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“May
the God of peace equip you with everything good that you may do his will,
working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ.”
(Hebrews 13:21).</i></b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing these
two truths gives me so much peace as I go along my parenting journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It really is true that it takes a village to raise our
children and I am so thankful that The Lord brings the right people into our
lives at the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it’s from
family, friends, pastors, teachers, authors, or online bloggers, I am open to receive
wisdom from them all when it comes to parenting my children in the ways of the
Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is for this reason I write this
blog today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who are in
a similar season with the same questions I had, I have found a great resource
for parents to teach their children about sex!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Obviously, I would encourage you to pray and seek the Lord as well,
because He knows your kids best!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, I hope you will find this information helpful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After reading through dozens of book summaries and over one
hundred reviews from parents, I chose to purchase the “God’s Design for Sex
Series” by Stan and Brenna Jones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
series comes with four different books and each book is geared towards a
specific age range.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first book is recommended
for ages 3-5 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My girls were almost
4 and 6 years old at the time that I purchased them so I read it to them
together and have since read it to my now 4 year old son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book was very age
appropriate and was in a picture book format.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The story portrays the love and goodness of God and emphasizes how each
of us are uniquely designed by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
teaches proper names for private body parts and talks about how special it is that we each were made a boy or girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love that
the book paints such a beautiful picture of the family unit as God’s context
for love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My girls really enjoyed it and
the content was nothing new to them, as they learned how God created boys and
girls differently when their little brother was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I left it on their book shelf for them to
read at their pleasure over the next year and it was read again several
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second picture book is recommended for ages 5-8 years
old so I waited a year and then read it to them together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one included a lot more details on
sexuality, human reproduction, and the miracle of childbirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were parts that were difficult to read
with a straight face, but one thing I felt the Lord impress on my heart from
the beginning was to teach my children that sex was a wonderful thing that the
Lord created for marriage and not to make it something to be awkward or embarrassed about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With that in mind, I read the book with a
very matter of fact attitude and allowed my girls to stop me anytime throughout
the story and ask questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
some wide eyes and surprised faces and honestly afterwards, I walked away
wondering if it was too much too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
prayed about it again and still felt a peace that it was part of the process of
training up my kids in the ways of the Lord so I left the book on their bookshelf
and allowed the Holy Spirit to water the seeds that I had just planted into the
hearts of my girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly, my girls
would mention something about what we read and they wanted to know more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, my answers to their questions were
all they wanted and the conversations were quick and other times those answers led
to even more questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The dialogue
that has started though has been so beautifully orchestrated and I know the
Holy Spirit has guided my words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
girls are only 7 and 8 years old today, but they already have an understanding
that sex is a wonderful thing for a husband and wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because of these books, we have already got
past the awkwardness of that first conversation so they are comfortable coming
to me to ask me about what to expect when they
get married someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am so thankful the Holy Spirit led me to start these
conversations early on because they are already forming their opinions on sex
and learning what is appropriate according to God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like the information they have learned
has also helped protect them from sexual abuse because we have started healthy
conversations of what’s appropriate and what’s not appropriate and how to
respond.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having that Biblical perspective
revealed is so important for kids and they really need that foundation before
they hit puberty so that they can process the information without all of the
emotions that they are experiencing during puberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have the last two books to read
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book 3 is recommended for age
8-11 and book 4 is for ages 11-14.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
of the parent reviews recommend waiting until the latter part of the age
recommendations, so I am still praying about when to read book 3 with my
oldest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will be 9 in May and I have
not felt the leading to read it yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
book deliberately exposes the moral messages that our culture sends to our kids
and scenarios that they are being exposed to that are contrary to God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in a question and answer format between
the kids and their Mom and Dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Basically, they go through each question and do a great job at building
their child’s defense against it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every
answer builds your child’s understanding of why God intends sex to be reserved
for marriage and it will definitely shape your child’s moral character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author firmly believes that first
messages are the most powerful, so why wait until they hear the wrong thing
from friends and then try to correct it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s direct, but presented in a wholesome and understandable way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Book 4 equips kids to understand and deal
with the changes of puberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
examines why God intends sex for marriage, discusses love and dating, and
answers tough questions about sexuality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These are great books and although I’m certain there are many other
great resources out there, I wanted to share this one because I felt it has a very
strong Biblical emphasis which I love! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZYw5nA-07AqGShd4aIicdhnNTzvpRMiqRWuBCD9nGSs9rfSQ31jWbE7p-NrWUzA3IRV2_sn58ZmG2wB2ydOufECCfh-xmatqIIKLQ8dk1up60TZxTRdbGtbgeEF85cEhPYm0b8kLOXQw/s1600/51HWPxm7NCL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQZYw5nA-07AqGShd4aIicdhnNTzvpRMiqRWuBCD9nGSs9rfSQ31jWbE7p-NrWUzA3IRV2_sn58ZmG2wB2ydOufECCfh-xmatqIIKLQ8dk1up60TZxTRdbGtbgeEF85cEhPYm0b8kLOXQw/s320/51HWPxm7NCL._SY498_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I continue to pray for wisdom in my parenting journey, I
believe the Lord not only lead me to these books, but He also lead me to another great author and public speaker named Dannah Gresh. She
has a ministry called Secret Keeper Girls that is geared towards pre-teen
girls. I was drawn to her deep knowledge
of not only the Biblical and spiritual aspect of sex, modesty, and self-worth,
but she has extensive knowledge in the science aspect of sex and the effects
that it has on your body and mind. I
read several of her articles and listened to several videos on her website at <a href="http://purefreedom.org/">purefreedom.org</a>
and I immediately had a peace about her ministry and trusted her advice. I have read several of her books and I am so
excited that her “Secret Keeper Girls Tour” is coming to Tulsa next week! For those of you who have daughters between
the ages of 7 and 12 years old, I highly recommend you check out her website or
Facebook page and come to her event! She
has some great advice for parenting young girls and will be at the Maybe Center on March 24th so check her out! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray daily for my children that they would know their
worth and be bold in their stance for purity and holiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray they would be successful in living IN
this world but not be OF this world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
also pray for your sons and daughters too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I pray there is a generation of young people being raised to honor God
in all that they do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world is doing
everything they can to normalize sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not
to. Let’s continue to encourage each other along the way and don’t
be afraid to impart wisdom into the lives of those in your sphere of influence. God is equipping you and as He gives you wisdom
in that area you have been praying for, be open to sharing it with others! It take a village and I want my village to be full of men and women
with godly counsel! I'm always open to sound Biblical advice so share away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be
wise.” Proverbs 19:20<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-38950236859599960192017-03-15T00:44:00.000-05:002017-03-15T00:44:30.297-05:00When the Road Seems Unbearable...God is Faithful<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, we celebrated our daughter’s 7<sup>th</sup>
birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Khloe is a constant reminder
of God’s faithfulness in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
story started off much like my oldest daughter’s story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I were absolutely thrilled to
find out we were pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was there
by my side as we went to the doctor and listened to her heart beat for the
first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were giddy as we left
with the first ultrasound picture of our little peanut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From there on, we looked forward to our
monthly doctor visits and always tried to figure out the sex of our baby based
on the number of heart beats per minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it finally came time for our big ultrasound appointment at the
halfway mark of my pregnancy, we were so excited to find out we were having
another GIRL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears filled my eyes as I
saw her perfect body on the ultrasound monitor and the images of my girls
growing up together flooded my mind…sharing clothes, sharing secrets, the best of
friends…I couldn’t have been happier!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Once again, we left this doctor’s appointment with a clean bill of
health and we were so excited for the future!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were building the house of our dreams and the timing was absolutely
perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were expected to move into
our new home a couple of months before our daughter was going to be born so we
would have plenty of time to get settled in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life with a toddler was fun, busy, and always exciting!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My biggest concern in life was simply
wondering if I would be able to love this new child as much as we loved our
first daughter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How is that even possible,
right!?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life was good. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout my pregnancy, I noticed some noticeable differences
between my first and second pregnancies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My first child was very active in the womb and I felt her bouncing
around constantly starting around 17 weeks along!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone told me that I would probably feel
the kicks even earlier with my second pregnancy since I knew what they felt
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had mentioned to my doctor a couple
of times that I hadn’t felt the baby kick yet but she always assured me that
the baby sounded great and there was nothing to worry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She even explained that my placenta was in a
different location this time so that could also be making it more difficult for
me to feel the baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember lying in
bed one evening when I was 28 weeks pregnant and I was praying over my baby
like I often did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed over her
health, her delivery, her future, just everything that a mother thinks
about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had my hands on my belly and I
felt one faint kick and then nothing else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That was the very first time I had felt movement since being
pregnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I thought about it, I
just didn’t feel like that was normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How could I be so far along and still not feeling movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called my doctor the next day to ask for an
ultrasound.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something just didn’t feel
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had me come in for monitoring,
but was told I couldn’t have an ultrasound because my insurance didn’t cover
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt better after hearing her
strong heartbeat and went home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
weeks seem to fly by when you have a toddler keeping you busy, not to mention
all the packing we were doing preparing for the move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before I knew it, I realized I was already 31
weeks along!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This pregnancy was flying
by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night before my next doctor’s
appointment, I realized I still hadn’t felt the baby since that first kick at
28 weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had made up my mind that I
was going to demand an ultrasound at my appointment the next day and would be
willing to pay out of pocket for it since my insurance did not cover it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the next day, after hearing my concerns,
she went ahead and agreed to do an ultrasound since the room was unexpectedly
open!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coincidence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I think not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s handprint is
all over our story!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our ultrasound confirmed our concerns, there was something wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our perfectly healthy baby was now showing
signs of great concern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At my 20-week ultrasound,
she was measuring right on track for her due date, however, at 31 weeks, she
was only measuring 27 weeks along.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
doctor admitted me into the hospital immediately and ordered a round of
steroids because she was preparing for an emergency delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She feared there may be an infection in the
baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was nervous but surprisingly
calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was hooked up to many monitors and I fell asleep to the
sound of my baby’s strong heartbeat beating over the monitors in the
background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my doctor came back in
to check on me, she looked over the heart rate charts and she explained to me
that the baby is not showing any signs of distress and that her heartrate
sounds strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She decided to not
deliver that night and kept me for monitoring all weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She gave me another round of steroids before
I left the hospital on Sunday night and sent me to a specialist first thing
Monday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The specialist had all
kinds of fancy ultrasound technology and he literally looked at every part of
the baby’s body and of my womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once again,
he confirmed that our baby girl was not growing the way she should be, however,
he did not see anything that made him believe the baby was in danger or at
risk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her heart sounded healthy and
strong and she did not show any signs of distress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blood flow to and from the baby looked
good and everything he examined seemed perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The only concern was her size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
told me to go home and pack my bags because he decided it would be best to go
ahead and admit me until her birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, if you have read my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4268961535196426297#editor/target=post;postID=8512250765877805138;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=23;src=postname" target="_blank">story</a>, you know that fear and
anxiety once gripped me for nearly ten years of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the darkest days of my life, but God
delivered me and set my mind free and healed my body in the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you would have told me that I would have
been hospitalized when I was 31 weeks pregnant, would have to be separated from
my daughter and husband for possibly two months, and that my baby would only be
2lbs and may be born with some major health problems, I would have told you
there is no way I could handle that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
and add the part that all of that would happen right before you are set to move
out of your current home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have
thought that would have been the very thing to throw me right back into a life
of panic and worry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just the thought of
it happening today, makes me have a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People throw around the saying, “God won’t ever give you
more than you can handle.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have never
understood that saying at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of
all, I don’t believe God allows bad things to happen to His kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That just doesn’t line up with His
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many things that I don’t
understand, but one thing I know for sure is this: God is a good God and the
devil is a bad devil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything good
comes from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Whatever is good and perfect
comes down to us from God our Father.” (James 1:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>No matter what my circumstances may
be, I know without a doubt that my God is faithful! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God, who
has called into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>I get teary just thinking about His
faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has been so good to
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cannot begin to explain and put into words the peace that
I had throughout my entire pregnancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From the moment I felt something was not right to the moments I saw the
look on my doctor’s face when she discovered something was wrong with our baby,
I can’t explain it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was never a
sense of worry or fear…not once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
remember being in the hospital right after we discovered something was wrong
and I was being prepped for a possible emergency delivery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They gave me a round of steroids to help the
baby’s lung development and then told me the doctor would be in soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I sat there in the hospital bed, I can
remember being more concerned with trying to reach my substitute teacher
because I was teaching at the time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
even looked at my husband at one point and said I feel like I should be more
worried than I am, but I have such a peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Bless his heart, I think he was trying to remain calm for my sake, but I
think I was the one making him feel at peace!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord literally met me where I was that day and helped me do what I
needed to do…from the quick phone calls to family, friends, and coworkers to
the childcare needs for my two-year-old daughter, to the last minute packing
needs at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took care of every
detail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He surrounded me with friends
and family that stepped in before I could even ask.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My daughter was taken care of, I had family
and friends at my home who packed up my entire home…every last box…and I had
people volunteering to bring meals and help out however needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During my stay in the hospital and even after Khloe’s birth,
I sensed so strongly The Lord telling me to guard my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt Him warn me to be very careful as to
who I allowed to come visit and speak into my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Word spread very quickly throughout our
church and community what our situation was and although many people have good intentions,
it’s easy in those scary moments for people to speak doubt and I heard God tell
me to guard my heart and to surround myself with people who would speak life
and The Word of God over my baby and situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that, I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the time I
was in the hospital, I had my parents and other believers standing in agreement
with us as we prayed for Khloe’s health.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We declared God’s promises over her life and stood on God’s Word for her
health and healing because we knew that even in those moments that we didn’t
have the answers or understand what was going on, God is still faithful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With every prayer and promise spoken, our
faith increased and so did our peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew she was going to be okay regardless of how small she was or how early she
came.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just knew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I began to pray she would come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can remember my husband telling me to stop
praying that because she needed to cook a little longer, but I told him, “No, I
know she is going to be okay so I just want her here already!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew she wasn’t getting the nutrition
inside my womb so I wanted her here where I could hold her and feed her and be
assured that she was getting the care she needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next morning after reviewing my charts,
our doctor informed us the baby’s heartrate had dropped several times over
night so today was the day!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
ecstatic!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is faithful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I delivered a tiny baby girl on March 7, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was only 2.8lbs. and 14” long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was the tiniest baby I had ever seen and she
fit in her Daddy’s hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will never
forget the sound of her cry in the delivery room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They took her away immediately and I told my
husband to go with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He left my side
for a moment and I could see him watching over her as the team of doctors
worked on her on a small table across the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I couldn’t see her, but when she started crying I knew she was tiny by
the sound of her itty bitty cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
the team of doctors left with the baby, Nathan came over and showed me some
pictures of her that he took with his phone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was tiny but so perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
is faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I can’t begin to
describe the peace I felt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the
Bible says <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7),</i></b> I have experienced
that kind of peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she was six
weeks early and the smallest baby in NICU, she was the healthiest one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was only on oxygen for 12 hours because
her lungs were fully functioning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise
God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is faithful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With each shift change, a new nurse would
come in and review her charts only to express their amazement that she wasn’t
experiencing the health problems that most preemies experience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a miracle and there wasn’t a doctor
that could convince me otherwise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
believe the enemy thought he could destroy me by taking the life of my child…but
God!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What the enemy intended to harm me, God used it for good.” Genesis
50:20<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Nathan and I celebrated our daughter’s 7<sup>th</sup>
birthday, we recalled all that we endured…the sudden hospitalization, the
emergency delivery, six long weeks in the NICU, dividing our time between our
toddler daughter and visits to NICU, driving 30 minutes to the hospital twice a
day during my oldest daughter’s naptime and once again after we tucked her in
every evening that way she got our full attention while she was awake and we
were able to enjoy our skin to skin time with our baby in NICU and be there in
the evenings for her bath time and feeding, moving out of our first home when
our baby was only 6 days old and still in the hospital and I was recovering
from a C-section, living with my parents for a few days in between closings,
moving into our new home while still recovering from a C-section, and having to
drive away from the hospital the day I was discharged without my baby girl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We asked each other, “How did we do it?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know it was God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We never once felt burdened or overwhelmed or
pulled or stretched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We simply woke up
every day and did what we had to do and we did it with God’s joy, strength and perfect
peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God was and still is faithful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He carried us through a season that seemed
impossible and He made it possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
will do the same for you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA4_rBjkISc_h1yeGdxpcseQLlEZgCaGbYcAtIrz7iQUeS3qBAoJSnS1lydnVQiQYBXgNn7D48JIdyXeMq_9e0YcYjRnIQciGyx6gTk6eSBQ3sS_loLYW1LHGuGcG2M7TPHldQ0y70iiG/s1600/a204c6b2ba1311e3af150a387219b903_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKA4_rBjkISc_h1yeGdxpcseQLlEZgCaGbYcAtIrz7iQUeS3qBAoJSnS1lydnVQiQYBXgNn7D48JIdyXeMq_9e0YcYjRnIQciGyx6gTk6eSBQ3sS_loLYW1LHGuGcG2M7TPHldQ0y70iiG/s320/a204c6b2ba1311e3af150a387219b903_8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would love for you to share about a time in your life
where God’s faithfulness carried you through.
Feel free to share in the comments section below! For some of you, you have made it! Others may still be in the process of being
carried through. Wherever you are in
your journey, be encouraged and let me remind you that God is faithful! He meets us where we are and the very thing
we thought we could never handle or be able to bear, He is there with us and He
carries us until we make it out on the other side! I will leave you with this…God is not
finished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For I am confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will
continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is a picture of our precious Khloe, then and now. We know God is not finished with her and He will complete the work He has already begun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-30670654258185573692017-02-10T03:16:00.000-06:002017-02-10T07:04:34.850-06:00Holiness...In Pursuit of God's Presence<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #16191f; font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I have felt The Lord leading me to write a blog post
about holiness for a while now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well,
this week I felt God say, "Go write it!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I am currently reading a book that I
knew discussed this topic so I was trying to read ahead and get some insight on
what the author's take was on it and as I sat down to read tonight, I kept
hearing God say, "I don't want you to blog about what this author has to
say, I want you to go write what I have put in your heart!"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So without any further ado, here I write.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For those of you
who have read my <a href="http://nathanandmary.blogspot.com/2016/05/my-story-part-4.html">story</a>,
you may remember that when I became a mother, the Lord began to convict me
about laying down some things that weren’t so pleasing to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The things that I once found entertaining, no
longer seemed appropriate when you have a small child in the room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words and phrases that I caught myself
saying, all of a sudden sounded completely inappropriate when they came out of the
mouth of my toddler.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being a parent
taught me a lesson that has forever changed my life…Righteousness Matters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Before the Lord
revealed this to me, I was already trying to live a pure and honest life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t caught up in any evil or blatant
sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, The Lord began convicting
me of certain behaviors and choices that weren’t necessarily going to send me
to hell, but they sure weren’t leading to a righteous and holy life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I prayed about these areas, I began
to see that these were all deceitful desires that had already turned into areas
of compromise in my life as a believer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God was convicting me of these behaviors and choices because He knew
that if I didn’t submit them to Him, they could easily lead me or someone I
love into evil and blatant sin that could very well send me to hell!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“You took off your former
way of life, <u>the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires</u>; you
are being renewed in the spirit of your minds; you put on the <u>new self</u>,
the one created according to God’s likeness in <u>righteousness and holiness</u>.”
–Ephesians 4:21-24<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Having lived for
Jesus nearly all of my life, I can honestly say if someone would have asked me
before I became a parent what was my ultimate goal for this life or what was
more important to me than anything else, I probably would have replied, “That
all of my family loved and followed Jesus and went to heaven!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was (and still is) my prayer! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grew up learning about Jesus in Sunday
School and I learned from a young age how good He was!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also learned about Satan and how bad hell
was and I knew I didn’t want to go there so I did everything I could do to
avoid it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My goal in life was to just
make it to heaven to see Jesus and spend eternity with Him! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The book I'm reading refers to that as your GPS of life. </span>That was my goal…just make it to heaven
Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you know what, that’s
okay!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">However, after
becoming a parent, my desires really began to change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I no longer just wanted to make it into
heaven by the skin of my teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began
to desire to live a life that was pleasing and honoring to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what the Holy Spirit does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus died for us all and takes us just as we
are, but once we accept Him into our hearts, the Holy Spirit begins to change
us from the inside out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He transforms
our thinking and our desires so that we look more like Christ instead of the
world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">As a new parent,
there was nothing I wanted more than for my children to be completely surrendered
to the Lord and follow Him all the days of their lives!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began praying that over my children from
the moment they were in my womb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
prayed and asked for wisdom and constantly asked for God’s help to raise my
children in a way that was pleasing to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, He blessed me with these precious kids and entrusted them to
me…I desired to honor Him in the way that I raised them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I prayed that prayer time and time again,
I began to feel the Holy Spirit convicting more and more about little things in
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These were not things that went
against scriptural truths or teachings, but The Lord began showing me some
areas that weren’t necessarily pleasing to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I watched certain shows or movies, I became very uncomfortable with
bad language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things that I had ignored
or become desensitized to over the years began to bother me and make me squirm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s called conviction of the Holy
Spirit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord began revealing to me those
things that were not pleasing to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The Bible tells
us “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">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 12:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>As
we renew our minds in God’s Word and ask God to search our hearts, the Holy
Spirit begins transforming us as he tests our obedience to do the will of God
and do what is good and acceptable according to God’s standard!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I read a tweet by John Bevere this week that said, "</span>As believers, there should be a distinct
contrast between us and the world; not just in what we believe but in the way
we live!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">As I said
earlier, these convictions weren’t necessarily things that were going to send
me to hell, but in no way were they bringing honor to God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I wore that sexy outfit on a date with
my husband or took that special swimsuit with me on our weekend getaway (you
know that one I would never wear in front of my parents, but in front of
strangers it was okay), I began to feel convicted because The Lord began
revealing to me that when I dress with the purpose to seek attention from
others, that was not bringing honor to Him (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">1 Timothy 2:9</i></b>). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was doing a new thing in me and it brought
me to a deeper level of intimacy with Jesus that I wouldn’t trade for the
world!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I began being obedient to lay
down those things that weren’t pleasing to The Lord, I began experiencing a
freedom that I had never experienced in my entire life and God began to do even
greater things in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friends, when we are obedient in the little
things that God is leading us to do, He will begin trusting us with even
greater things!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“Whoever is faithful in very
little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is
also unrighteous in much.” - Luke 16:10 <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God is so good!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The moments I have experienced with God during
these years of seeking Him and striving to live a life that not only will get
me into heaven, but living a life that truly brings honor to Him, doesn’t come
close to any kind of joy that those old shows brought to me or the feelings of
affirmation that I used to get from others when I wore certain clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn’t even come close people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“Therefore, dear friends,
since we have such promises, let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of
the flesh and spirit, completing our sanctification in the fear of God.” - 2
Corinthians 7:1<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Although it is my
heart’s greatest desire to please The Lord, I am not perfect and I fail
daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am constantly having to ask God
to help me live a life that is pleasing to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want my words to honor God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
want my actions to honor Him, whether I’m in public or in the privacy of my
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want Him to look down on me and
be pleased with what He sees and hears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With that said, over the past few years, living a life that is pleasing
to Him is no longer enough for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My relationship
with The Lord has progressed from just wanting #1 to now desiring all 3!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Help me make it to heaven so I can spend
eternity with You!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Lord, let everything I do and everything I
say be pleasing to You!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Lord, I desire to experience the power of
Your presence!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Ya’ll, I am at a
place in my life where I want more!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have experienced the power of His presence and I don’t ever want to be apart
from His presence again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Scripture says
that “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in His presence, He gives us rest.” (Exodus 33:14</i></b>) and “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in
Your presence is fullness of joy.” (Psalm 16:11</i></b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isaiah 35</i></b> beautifully records a
stunning vision of God’s presence!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
prophet Isaiah describes what happens when God shows up! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to this!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The wilderness and the dry
land will be glad!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The desert will rejoice and
blossom like a rose!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">He will strengthen the weak
hands<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">He will steady the shaking
knees<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Blinded eyes will be opened!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Deaf ears will be opened!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The lame will leap!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The mute will sing for joy!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is my greatest desire friends!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to experience this kind of presence! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have prayed earnestly for His presence!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although, I have experienced His presence in
powerful ways, I have never experienced the power of His presence like this
passage describes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know it’s real
because I have read about it and heard about it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But why is this presence so hard to come
by?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you continue reading <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isaiah 35</i></b>, you will find the key to
experiencing God’s presence in this way is Holiness! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">A road will be there and a way;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">it will be called the <u>Holy Way</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">The unclean will not travel on it,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">but it will be for the one who walks the
path.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Hebrews 12:14 says, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone
and to be holy; <u>without holiness no one will see the Lord</u>.”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you catch that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In order to have God’s presence, we must
pursue holiness! </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I began to really think about
this scripture, the Lord began revealing something to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I began to think of some people in my life
that I have come across who always had evidence of God’s presence in their
life, the way that the prophet Isaiah described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, the kind of people that would need
to grab a chair while cooking dinner, because their knees would get weak
because the presence of God was so strong in their life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s what I want!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to be so close to God and so in tune
to His presence, that I can sense His presence and be overwhelmed even while
cooking dinner in my own home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord, I <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i> Your presence! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I began asking myself, ”What set them
apart and why was the presence of God so evident in their lives?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the Lord simply spoke to me, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Holiness</i>”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“I urge you to present your bodies as a living
sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” - Romans 12:1</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no
plans to satisfy your fleshly desires.” - Romans 13:14<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the
desire of the flesh.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Galatians 5:16<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“So if anyone purifies himself from anything
dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master,
prepared for every good work.” - 2 Timothy 2:21<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“But seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Matthew 6:33<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">1 Peter 2:1-25<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“There, putting aside all malice and all deceit and
hypocrisy and envy and all slander, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk
of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have
tasted the kindness of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">And coming to Him as to a living stone which has
been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also,
as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus
Christ…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to
abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep your behavior excellent among the
Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may
because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of
visitation. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every
human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors
as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do
right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For such is the will of God that
by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Act as free men, and do not use your freedom
as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear
God, honor the king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Servants, be submissive to your masters with all
respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are
unreasonable…for this finds favor with God.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">For you have been called for this purpose, since
Christ died and suffered for you, leaving you and example for you to follow in
His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and
while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered
no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He
Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and
live to righteousness… ”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">As the Lord lead me to these scriptures on holiness and His presence, I sensed
the Lord say to me, “I am drawing My people back to Holiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church has been lulled to sleep and sin
and unrighteousness has crept into My church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> But by My Spirit, there will be a great awakening! This will result in a wave </span>of
righteousness that will usher in my presence just as the Prophet Joel spoke of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is this wave of my presence that will usher in my return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ears are being tuned into the Spirit and
although many will choose their fleshly desires over what is pure and holy,
there will be a remnant that will choose holiness and it is that remnant who
will usher in My presence and you will experience My presence like never
before.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Friends, what is your goal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Get
to heaven?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live an honorable life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or experience His presence?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray we all get to experience His presence
in Heaven someday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you aren’t living
for the Lord today, you can make the decision to start today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray this prayer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Dear God, I know I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that He died for my sin and that
you raised Him to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to trust
Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guide my life and help me to do Your
will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus’ Name I pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">I’m so glad to know we will see Jesus face to face together
someday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, we don’t have to wait
to experience His presence!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord has
called us to be set apart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given
us His Holy Spirit to be our guide so we don’t have to navigate this world
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to begin asking the
Lord to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">search your heart and expose any offensive way in you.</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(Psalm
139:23-24</i></b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Spirit begins
to reveal those things in your life that do not bring honor to the Lord, be
obedient in giving them up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is still
doing a work in my life, drawing me towards holiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just recently erased two shows off of my
DVR that I felt the Spirit convicting me about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I knew they didn’t honor God, yet I have watched them for years so I
just didn’t want to quit!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have felt
that tugging for quite some time so I finally said, “Okay Lord, I submit that
to you today and choose to watch things that don’t promote unrighteousness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whatever it takes Lord!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I desire Your presence more than being
entertained by a show that I know doesn’t honor You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sensitive to His leading and His
correction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the thing about
convictions…they are personal!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where The
Lord may be convicting me to stop watching certain shows, He may convict
someone else to stop looking at certain magazines. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was actually just talking to a precious
woman of God who shared about a time in her life where she was convicted of
reading People Magazine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had a hold
on her and God asked her to stop reading it and she was obedient!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not about WHAT He is asking you to
submit to Him as much as it’s about your obedience to do it! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conviction isn’t always a salvation issue
either...it’s often a holiness issue!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe
your convicted to stop watching certain shows/movies, stop drinking, stop cussing,
stop saying certain phrases that are substitutes for swearing, stop reading
certain novels, stop going to certain places, stop hanging out with certain
friends, stop eating certain foods, stop dressing a certain way, etc…whatever it
is that you feel that causes that little nudging in your spirit to say “I know
this is not honoring God and pleasing to Him,”…BE OBEDIENT!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He desires more for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not keep you out of heaven but it sure
can rob you of His blessings and Presence here on earth!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So I’ll leave you with this question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is your goal?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268961535196426297.post-14002233228196054722017-01-27T06:01:00.002-06:002017-01-27T07:22:37.320-06:00Be Careful What You Pray For<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel like I should begin this post with a warning…”BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PRAY FOR!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Recently, I started reading John Bevere’s book titled “Good
or God?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had heard wonderful reviews
from my friends who had studied it both in a small group setting or had read it on
their own so I was so excited when my church chose this book for our first Women’s
Bible Study this year! I had more than one friend tell me this book was “life-changing”,
so you could imagine how thrilled I was the first time I was able to curl up on
the couch, all snuggled in with my blanket, feet propped up on my husband’s lap
as he played video games one evening, ready to devour this book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let me tell you something for anyone
interested in this book…it’s not meant to devour!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This book is filled with so much meat, so you
will need to dissect it just one piece at a time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need to tell you a little about this book
in order to lay some groundwork for why I’m writing this blog post today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those of you who want to read this, it’s
going to sound like I’m telling you everything about this book, but in reality, everything I share is actually taken from just the first two chapters of the book!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m telling you…this book will rock your world! There is so much more you will get from this book, so I encourage everyone to go get your copy to read!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 14:12 tells
us “There is a way that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>seems</u></i>
right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPid3QI7rYTmO3QeMop5xgo-l_NRrk-C-vR4opvapGqzFeEUsdJ8497ze29X8Eg8gx8MMx8naWzAcXPbcchaUhsfT13czSfXtrwAMRTceUfX-xXvncTNQFlNQ4JNmW_xkkVamnU3QCtRUT/s1600/5f406314037e99e5388f5fcdfafcb6c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPid3QI7rYTmO3QeMop5xgo-l_NRrk-C-vR4opvapGqzFeEUsdJ8497ze29X8Eg8gx8MMx8naWzAcXPbcchaUhsfT13czSfXtrwAMRTceUfX-xXvncTNQFlNQ4JNmW_xkkVamnU3QCtRUT/s320/5f406314037e99e5388f5fcdfafcb6c6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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This verse sums up the entire premise of the book. This portion of scripture particularly stood out to me when
I read it considering the climate of our world today. There are so many “good” people who are doing
things, supporting causes, and sharing things on social media that sound good
and seem right, but if you test them to scripture, we can know that these ways
will lead to death…an eternal death. As
I continued reading the first chapter, I was reminded how important discernment is in
determining what is truly good and what is truly evil! It’s always easier to recognize when other
people are being deceived, but it takes discernment to recognize it in our own
lives. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 1:16-17 says, “So
don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our
Father…”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One other version reads, “Do not be deceived…”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the thing about deception…it’s
deceiving!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John Bevere used this portion of scripture to reveal that everything good and perfect IS from God. In other words, no matter how good it sounds, how much it makes sense to our human minds, no matter how desirable it may be...if it is not of God, we can be assured that it is NOT good! He went on to say something that still makes my jaw
drop because even though I have been in church my entire life and studied God’s
Word intently, I had never heard this portion of scripture broken down and
explained so well before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Listen to this carefully…”It wasn’t the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">evil</i> side of the tree of knowledge of
good and evil that Eve was drawn to in the Garden of Eden, it was the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good</i> side.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“When the woman saw
that the tree was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>good</u></i> for
food, that it was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>pleasant</u></i> to
the eyes, and a tree <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>desirable</u></i>
to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate.” Genesis 3:6<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the Lord revealed this truth to John Bevere through
scripture, he said his jaw dropped too and then the Spirit of God said to him, “There
is a good that is not of Me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not
submitted to Me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Guys, when I read that, I literally said “Whoa!” aloud!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was so profound to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As Christians, we aren’t drawn to those
things that are blatantly evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
want to rob banks, have orgies, or go to drug infested parties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The enemy knows that, so just as the serpant
enticed Eve to go directly against God’s authority and commands with what
appeared to be something good, he is STILL doing the same thing with Christians
today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seriously, ya’ll!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> That will preach! </span>I had an eyes wide open moment in my living
room when I read this!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eve was in a perfect environment, never having been abused
or mistreated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She literally was in the
presence of God every single day enjoying His many blessings, His overwhelming
goodness, yet Satan was able to use a serpent to cause Eve to question God’s
nature by convincing her that God was keeping something good from her that
could benefit her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the enemy can
deceive someone who literally communed with God daily and lived in a perfect
environment, how much easier are we likely to do the same being that we live in
a fallen world filled with offense, corruption, perversion, and deceit!? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, John Bevere went on a mission to find
out how this devil-possessed serpent could get Eve to turn on God in a perfect
environment because if we know his tactics, we won’t so easily fall prey to
deception and disobedience to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
he discovered and shared in this book was eye-opening!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ll try to paraphrase but it’s all so good, it’s hard to
leave anything out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pointed out that
it was no coindidence that Satan targeted Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You see, God gave a clear directive to Adam that he could eat the fruit
of any tree in the garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good
and what is bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>God told Adam he must
not eat the fruit of that tree or he would die the same day. (Genesis 2:16-17)</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, we don’t know how long it was after God
revealed that to Adam, but at some point Adam <i>communicated</i> that to Eve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the serpent approached Eve, he said to
her,<b> “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”
Genesis 3:1</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His objective was to sway
Eve from godly wisdom and his cleverly crafted question enticed Eve to
momentarily lose sight of the numerous amount of fruit available to her and he
redirected her focus to the single one withheld.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eve quickly responded to the snake:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“We may eat the fruit
of the trees of the garden, but of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said ‘You shall not eat it, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nor shall you touch it</i>, lest you die.” Genesis 3:2-3<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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John Bevere points out the inaccuracy of Eve’s reply.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God never said anything about not touching
the fruit of the tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may seem
insignificant, but it gives us a clue as to why the serpent targeted her and
not Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eve was not on the scene when
The Lord <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">revealed</i> that knowledge to Adam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, that knowledge was later <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">communicated</i> to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He went on to give another example of revealed knowledge
versus communicated knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b>One day
Jesus asked His disciples, ‘Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?’
(Matthew 16:13)</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One by one, the
disciples listed all they had heard from others: a resuurected John the
Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets –those were some of the
reports these men had heard<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>through their
days’ version of Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once Jesus got past what they’d discovered
through <i>communicated knowledge</i>, He then questioned, ‘But who do you say that I
am?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The disciples stood paralyzed with
no response!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter finally blurted out, <b>‘You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God’ (verse 16)</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus responded, <b>‘Flesh and blood has not
revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven’ (verse 17)</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter wasn’t mimicking information from what
he’d read online or seen randomly in someone’s magazine article!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sharing truth God had imparted
directly to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus then declared
that this type of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">revelation knowledge</i>
is what the church would be built on and that hell’s forces could not stop
those who possessed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On the contrary,
hell’s forces can more easily deceive those who only possess <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">communicated knowledge</i>.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Do not be deceived,
my beloved brethren.” James 1:16<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, this revelation from scripture punched me in the gut
and I’m not sure I have recovered yet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
stopped reading for the night and simply prayed this prayer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“God, if there is anything in my life that seems good, but
is not of you, expose it so that I can
submit it to you and ask for forgiveness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Amen”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I truly meant that prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I desire to please God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read my
Bible, I pray and seek His Will daily, but I know I am human and I make
mistakes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly wanted God to
expose any areas in my life that I had been deceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do you know what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been under such conviction this week because The Lord
has exposed some things in my life and in my heart that seemed right at the time, but
that actually leads to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would
like to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last weekend, after watching the news and coverage of the “Women’s
Rights March”, I was left feeling so confused about the entire movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made a post on my Facebook page asking my
friends to explain what rights these women felt like they didn’t have or were
afraid of losing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That post opened up a
very respectful conversation with several friends which I appreciated so very
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During that conversation, the
issue of abortion came up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is no
surprise to anyone who knows me well that I am very pro-life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I consider myself an advocate for the unborn
and the very thought of abortion at any point in pregnancy can literally make
my stomach turn and make me feel sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has that strong of an effect on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, somewhere in the conversations that resulted from my post, from a place of compassion to those women who have been raped, I made the
comment that I would consider it a great victory for the fight to protect the unborn
if abortions were only allowed in the case of rape, considering rape victims
make up less than 3% of abortions. Obviously, I would prefer no babies be aborted, but in an effort to find a reasonable compromise, I considered my statement to be a good thing because think of the millions of
babies that would live and at the same time it gave these vulnerable women the choice
because after all, I can’t even imagine what those women must be going through,
finding themselves in that position not because of their own choice but because
someone raped them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, remember that prayer I told you I prayed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I was awakened a couple of nights after
I wrote that statement and I felt such conviction about it. I knew that was
God exposing those areas where I had been deceived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt the Lord say to me in the most gentle way, “Mary, I did not <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reveal</i> that to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is something you have picked up along
the way because of stories and opinions that have been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">communicated</i> to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
would go to My Word and seek My Will, you would see that these babies were fearfully
and wonderfully made and I planned all the days of their lives before I even
formed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had plans to prosper
them, plans not to harm them, but plans to give them a hope and a future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those are MY children whom I love dearly and
who are you to say it’s a victory for some of my kids to live but not all?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would you consider it a victory if only 3 out of
your 4 children live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, just as that
idea pains you, it grieves me to hear you even suggest that and communicate
that to your friends on social media.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your words have weight and people are watching and listening to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be careful that you don’t communicate
knowledge that can lead to deception and disobedience to Me.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Be careful what you pray friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful that God exposed this to me
even though the truth hurt…it still stings when I think about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I looked at God’s Word and went to
scripture about the subject of abortion, there’s nothing to debate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It all goes back to that scripture I began
with.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>seems</u></i>
right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Abortion is wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It grieves the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not our place to cast judgement on
anyone, but as Christians it’s also not our place to use compassion as a tool
to entice others to fall prey to deception and disobedience to God’s Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to be very careful in what we say and
we need to test everything according to scripture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt compelled to write this post in case
my words lead anyone to think it’s okay to abort a child that was the product
of sexual assault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think it’s a
coincidence that The Lord lead me to write this post on the day that millions
are marching around the world in The March of Life, fighting to protect the
lives of the unborn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout Scripture, God affirms the value of every human
life, from children in the womb to the elderly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let these Bible verses inspire you today about how valuable life is in
the eyes of our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 139:13-16 “For
you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise you because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My frame was not hidden from you when I was
made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came
to be.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jeremiah 1:5 “Before
I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I
appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 127:3-5 “Children
are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are
children born in one’s youth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed is
the man whose quiver is full of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in
court.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis 1:27 “So God
created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and
female he created them.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Job 31:15 “Did not he
who made me in the womb make them?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
not the same one form us both within our mothers?”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 22:10 “From
birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God.”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isaiah 49:15 “Can a
mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she
has borne?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though she may forget, I will
not forget you!”<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord knows my heart and He knows that I would never advocate anyone having an abortion. Yet, He revealed to me the power of communicated knowledge in the life of a believer. Satan uses communicated knowledge to entice us to compromise our core beliefs and principles. The limited communicated knowledge that I had about the vulnerable mindset of a woman who is a victim of sexual assault allowed me to make an exception in my heart and justify the need for an abortion and all out of a place of compassion. Satan took a characteristic that appears to be good, and he has perverted my compassion to accomplish evil and bring death. Lord, continue exposing those areas where I believe I am doing good, yet are not of You. Help me test and approve everything I say and everything I do to Your Word. If it's not of You, help me understand that it is not good...no matter how good it may appear.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>“There is a way that <i><u>seems</u></i> right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<style>
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table.MsoNormalTable
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mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
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<![endif]-->
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Mary Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10594271883674849487noreply@blogger.com1