tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45089866389452591562024-02-18T23:08:34.432-06:00Beautiful CrazinessA Life Searching for Beauty within the CrazyAndreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-25930765138367379122014-09-30T19:16:00.001-05:002014-09-30T19:16:14.798-05:00I Have Moved! <h2>
<b>I have Moved to my new little corner! It's beautiful and lovely so come on over!!</b> </h2>
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<a href="http://www.beautifulcraziness.com/">Click Here</a> to come on by!<br />
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Farewell Blogger...it's been fun! Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-74111531919438922622014-09-09T21:57:00.001-05:002014-09-10T08:30:25.929-05:00Failure to Launch and What God is Calling Me to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I was planning to launch Beautiful Craziness today to its own domain and customized website. </i></span></h4>
I've been so excited and over the moon about this and of course, in my own crazy way I have placed a lot of pressure on myself to get it all ready and perfect.<br />
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It was honestly stressing me out some, but I was mostly really nervous and, even a little scared to launch. You know...scared of the 'what if's' and 'what am I getting myself into' and 'can I really do this' and 'what do I have to offer' and 'where is this going to go' and 'what if this goes further than I imagine' and 'what if it doesn't?'<br />
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I confided to my husband about my feelings and because He is my greatest helper, he took away my crazy load in one statement. He said, "No one is pressuring you or expecting any more from you than what you have already been doing. Launch when you want to ...do this how you want to and don't worry so much about everything else."<br />
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And with that, everything seemed more clear. <br />
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You see, I've planned giveaways and blog posts and series. I've thought of one day advertising and writing eBooks and newsletters. I've dreamed big. And that freaks me out!<br />
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All my "success," all the kind words and encouragement started to make my goals and desires sort of fuzzy. This new website came by Gods grace and His divine appointment and through it all I sort of lost my sole reason for having this blog o' mine.<br />
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I wasn't being prideful, at least I hope not, I was simply missing the point.<br />
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If you are a blogger, you understand the vast amount of time posting and getting readers takes. You don't just write; you edit, you take or find pics and edit those, you join link ups, you read other blogs...it takes a lot of work, to say the least.<br />
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Add all that to my daily life of motherhood and wifedom and it is a full plate!<br />
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By the grace of God He has spoken to me and through me unlike any way I have ever experienced and He has allowed the words I write to come almost second nature. What astounds me the most is that God has allowed my writing to grow in ways that completely overwhelms me and, I hope you hear my sincerity when I say that all of this is God and none of it is me. None of it.<br />
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For 4 years or so I have been nothing but mom and wife. I did not do much of anything that encompassed me or my gifts or callings. I fell into this pit of despair and sadness because I had lost who I was and the uniqueness of who God made me.<br />
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I knew God was telling me to pick up this blog and start again. I knew He was telling me to not worry about anyone else's opinions, but to write for Him alone. And so I did. I surrendered this blog and my writing to Him, despite my fear of what others may think about the sometimes personal nature of my posts. And He made this thing fly and opened doors and has given me wonderful opportunities.<br />
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I give Him all the glory and I try to daily surrender this whole crazy venture to Him, yet...all of a sudden I felt pressure.<br />
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<b>I started to think outside of Him. I started to feel pressure and then fear and insecurities soon loomed around me. </b><br />
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God didn't put any of this pressure or fear on me. I don't know where He is going to take this or what He is planning; and though I believe with all my heart that He has a purpose and a reason for all things, in my usual fashion I slowly started to take over and get ahead of Him and plan and formulate on my own.<br />
<br />
<i>If I write on this day and post at this time and add this link, then I will get these results...</i><br />
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Hear me out...God is a god of order and He definitely likes plans; He made the world in seven days and planned it to perfection.<br />
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<b>My formulas, however, will not produce, perfect, God like results.</b><br />
<b> </b><br />
If I've learned anything this year of surrender, it is that living by a formula is dangerous; the equation is always off and the given reaction can never be expected.<br />
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So all that to say, <b>I won't be launching this week. </b><br />
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This will be my last post on blogger and I will soon be at my new domain...but I don't know when yet. I'm hoping and praying for next week, but I'm gonna let my plan go and lean on and abide in God and refocus and pray over all these things.<br />
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At the end of the day, I want what He desires for me and this blog. I love what Ann Voskamp writes <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/a-bloggers-prayer/" target="_blank">here</a> and I believe her words set the tone and the truth for what I believe God is calling me to.<br />
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<i>"Let me post for Thee or be put aside for Thee, </i><br />
<i>Lifted high, only for Thee, or brought low, all for Thee. </i><br />
<i>Do with me and each post whatever you will, because You alone know best. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Let me not strive but submit </i><br />
<i>Let me not compete but care </i><br />
<i>Let me not desire hits but holiness </i><br />
<i>Let me be a follower, instead of seeking followers. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Let my blog be full of Thee, and let it be empty of me. </i><br />
<i>Let me crave all things of Thee, let me care nothing of this world. </i><br />
<i>Let my words be worthy of the greatest of audiences: You. </i><br />
<i>And You are enough."</i><br />
<div>
You can read the entire<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/a-bloggers-prayer/" target="_blank"> Bloggers Prayer Here.</a> </div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
He is my audience. Nothing else matters. I want to be an <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/11/why-blog-being-an-upside-down-blogger-part-1/" target="_blank">upside down blogger</a> and not worry about who's reading or how many hits a post gets.<br />
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<b>I want to be consumed by his purpose and His will for me. </b><br />
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Thank you for reading, for subscribing, for following and for encouraging. The fact that you come back humbles me to no end. We serve such a good God and I am blessed to walk this journey of being His devoted follower with you. <br />
<br />
My next post will be at my new site!<br />
Blessings to you all.<br />
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You are HIS Beloved,<br />
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<br />
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<a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/p/link-ups.html" target="_blank">Linking up with these great blogs!</a></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-31870871934208321732014-09-03T13:06:00.003-05:002014-09-03T13:06:45.371-05:00Seasons, Callings and Open Doors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpI4cjg0iUkK1c8GUobMoIRnto4fdV0TMssO5LNa8lI4hChG0IGpnbtVFsf5T_-wr1c119TFfPxmqZz6TUo9UsIdTchAr70DkVHEXnp7epWGOgvP-hli7o5D0xOul-rQn8hoSHhz6PPM/s1600/door2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXpI4cjg0iUkK1c8GUobMoIRnto4fdV0TMssO5LNa8lI4hChG0IGpnbtVFsf5T_-wr1c119TFfPxmqZz6TUo9UsIdTchAr70DkVHEXnp7epWGOgvP-hli7o5D0xOul-rQn8hoSHhz6PPM/s1600/door2.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
<i>Today I am writing over at <a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/12446/seasons-callings-and-open-doors/" target="_blank">5 Minutes for Faith. </a></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
I am a wife. A mom. A home educator.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.993999481201172px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; padding: 0px;">
I like to sew and ‘pretend’ to be crafty. I’ve painted furniture, made wreaths…I have two pallets in the garage waiting to be repurposed.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I sing. Not just in my car…I can sing. I’m not awesome…I have a good church voice.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I like to write on this little corner of the internet all my crazy, beautiful thoughts and life happenings.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I share my heart with women in my small group.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />I love to read. I take bubble baths.</div>
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<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">All these things encompass who I am.</em></div>
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But the first three…being wife, mom and home educator: those are my callings right now...come join me over at 5 Minutes for Faith. <a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/12446/seasons-callings-and-open-doors/" target="_blank">Read more Here. </a></div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-44426822205623493642014-08-25T00:30:00.002-05:002014-08-25T00:30:43.677-05:00How Dare You Judge my Calling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
School starts in our area this week. On my news feeds there
will be tons of sweet pics of kiddies going to school. Some will be in new
clothes heading off to public school. Others will be in cute uniforms heading
to private school. Some will be heading to their dining rooms for homeschooling
and others will be in co-ops around town. </div>
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A few years ago God called us to homeschool: something I
never intended to do or ever gave any thought to! But, nonetheless, we were
called and we obeyed and we have loved this calling!</div>
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We don’t have to look further than Facebook to see so many
opinions and judgments across the board about how we should educate our
children. Some of the opinions of others are hurtful and so full of judgment. </div>
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There are so many throwing daggers and it makes me sad.</div>
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There are many who constantly put down homeschoolers and
then there are the homeschooling families that tear down those who choose to
send their kids to public school! And it’s just ugly and wrong across the
board. </div>
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So many are judging and in essence, comparing themselves and
their choices to others. </div>
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<b>God has called each
of us to different paths and just because I have been called to stay at home
with my children and educate them here at home does not make me crazy or better
or holier! <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I was called to motherhood by His grace and love. </div>
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I was called to stay at home with my children, which was
such a great desire of my heart and something I had prayed for as far as I can
remember. </div>
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I was called to homes<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">chool</st1:placetype></st1:place> our children. I didn’t
pray for that one! But I am in awe that He would allow me to do so. </div>
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None of these callings make me better or greater. </div>
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I am not proud of any of these callings because honestly, I
didn't choose them. I was called to them and I am blessed to be able to walk in
such callings. </div>
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I’m especially not proud of these callings because honestly,
I’m not good at any of them. </div>
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I wanted to be a mom and stay home, but I never knew how
unbelievably hard it would be. I didn’t know how tiring and lonely and tiring
and crazy and<i> tiring </i>it would be!</div>
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I love homeschooling, but it too is so hard and tiring and
it pulls me in crazy ways that I was not prepared for at all. </div>
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<b>Motherhood is hard no
matter how He has called you to walk this journey. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Going to work and being away from your kids for so many
hours is hard.</div>
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Building relationships with your kids and finding time to be
intentional with them when they have been at school for eight hours is hard.</div>
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Taking your kids to school and trusting that they are safe
and cared for while they are away from you…that’s hard.</div>
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Coming home after work to clean and cook and do homework and
trying to spend time with your kids is hard. </div>
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Having your kids with you all day long and praying you are
doing a good job teaching them is hard. </div>
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Trying to figure out school and life and mixing the two is
hard. </div>
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<b>IT’S ALL HARD</b>.
Every decision. Every part of this journey, no matter what you are called to is
gonna be hard. Of course there are positives and negatives to every choice.
There are easy and difficult aspects to all of it, but over all, the journey is
long and sometimes arduous and the last thing we need is for someone who isn’t
walking our walk to judge and condemn us! </div>
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I truly believe that God calls each of us to do this
mothering thing differently; not just for our children’s sake, but mostly for
our own sakes. </div>
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<b>Why does God call us
to so many different paths? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1. In each of our callings there is vulnerability and we
must learn to depend on Him rather than ourselves. </div>
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2. In each calling He is teaching us and growing us. </div>
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3. He desires that we surrender to Him daily and seek him
daily for more of him so we can walk out these callings relying completely on
Him alone. He has given us the grace and mercy and strength to carry all He has
called you to, to completion.</div>
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4. He is teaching you that HE makes you enough for whatever
He calls you to. The gifts He has given you are exactly what He needs of you in
all your callings. No one else will do for what He has planned and purposed you
to do. </div>
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<b>Who are we to judge
and compare each others callings? How dare we be so bold and audacious to say
what we do is better or braver or harder? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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God didn’t call me to walk your walk. He didn’t call me to
raise your kids or care for your husband or build your home. He called me to my
kids, my husband and my home. My walk is nothing like yours and my calling is not
like your calling, so how can I compare them? How can I look down on what God
has called you to? </div>
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I was not called to place my children in public school in
this season. </div>
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I was not called to work outside the home in this season. </div>
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He doesn’t need me in those places right now. </div>
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He has called me to be home. </div>
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And it’s hard. And I love it. And it brings me to my knees.
And it overwhelms me. And it makes me dependent on him. And it makes me vulnerable.
<b>And we thrive because He is blessing our
faithfulness to His calling upon our lives. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I struggle with these callings…I do. It’s not easy to homeschool
my kids. I think about putting them in school often because I’m afraid that I’m
not good enough and because it takes so much of me; but, it makes me press into
him and depend on Him in ways that I’m not sure I would if they were in school.
</div>
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He knows what I need to rely on Him and He will call me to
those things because ultimately, He desires that I am completely devoted to
him. That’s why He calls me to motherhood, to working at home and
to homeschooling and that is why He calls you to your callings.</div>
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He may have called you to raise strong willed children. He
may have called you to raise timid children. He may have called you to raise an
autistic child or a child with special needs. He may have called you to raise a
child who has a strong temper. He may have called you to place your child in
public school. He may have called you to be a teacher’s aid or PTA President.
He may have called you to teach other children that are not your own. He may
have called you to a school that needs your gifts and talents. He may have called
your child to have a teacher this year who is difficult and unkind. He may have
called you to homeschool. </div>
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He has called you for a reason and for certain seasons and
it’s not for you to boast. </div>
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He calls you so that you can depend on Him, trust Him and
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I urge you friends, let us stop comparing and judging each other,
but instead let’s build each other up, encouraging one another to fulfill each
of the callings in our lives. There is solidarity in the calling of motherhood,
so let us stand firm and hold each other up as we walk this journey together
and by doing so, may we raise a generation that is stronger and more devoted to
God. </div>
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<o:p>You are His Beloved, </o:p></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-68821937632282717592014-08-22T00:47:00.001-05:002014-08-22T15:11:55.322-05:00Prayers and Printables for the First day of School <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>No matter how old I get there is something exciting about Back to School!</i><br />
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I think in our minds eye we feel the approaching of fall (despite the 100 degree temps!), we smell the scent of lysol and new crayons and Elmer's glue and we can hear the sharpening of bright yellow pencils! </div>
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Perhaps its our desire for structure and routine that we miss so much at the end of summer. Nonetheless, the long days of summer are about to end and the shuffling of papers and school work are approaching. </div>
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We homeschool our children, yet they anticipate the first day of school in many of the same ways. They have new pencil cases and crayons, a new school outfit, pencils needing to be sharpened, new notebooks to doodle on and lots of new books to look through in anticipation of all that they will learn during the year. </div>
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I love it! Maybe it's the teacher in me...Maybe it's the love of learning new things! </div>
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And whether we homeschool or send our kids to public or private school...at the end of the day, the emotions are all the same. The anticipation, the worry, the fears, the hope and dreams are all the same on the first day of school. Whether you are teaching or overseeing; whether you are waving good bye at a bus stop or dropping them off in carpool. Whether you gather your kids together around the dining room table or send them off one by one...no matter what our choice for education is, each of us are doing what we hope and pray is best for our kids and <i>nothing else matters.</i></div>
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Raising children is hard. Choosing their education is hard. Figuring out what curriculum and which classes they should take and hoping for a great teacher that will love them and hoping that you, as their teacher aren't messing them up...that's all scary and uncertain! </div>
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<b>We have all been called to do a very important and significant task</b>: to raise intelligent, loving children who have the potential to become intelligent and loving world changers and kingdom chasers. No matter what road God has called you to walk with your children, be that homeschooling, private or public schooling, each of our walks are unlike any other, and so, we must surrender every aspect of our children's lives to God, their Father, and ask Him for guidance and wisdom to do our best in whatever journey He has called us to. </div>
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<b>This is what I am praying for during this school year for all of us parents, our students and every teacher. </b></div>
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<li><i><b> I am praying for the fruits of the spirit to abound in every parent, student and teacher.</b></i> </li>
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For love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. As a mom and as a teacher to my little brood...I desperately need all of those! How wonderful would it be if our schools and families would walk in each of those fruits throughout the year!<br />
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<li><i><b>I am praying for Light to outshine the darkness. </b></i></li>
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That those who represent the light of the world will shine so bright that the lights will penetrate the corners and crevices of darkness and that this year there will be a source of light that will prevail above whatever comes against it.<br />
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<li><b><i>I am praying for the Gospel message of hope to be poured out for every ear that is willing to hear. </i></b></li>
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We are living in difficult times, but we serve a good God and my prayer is that my family and yours will be the voice of hope crying out in the wilderness to all those who are desperate to hear its message.<br />
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Friends, its time for us to come together, without judgement or pride, and fall on our knees in prayer for our children, our community leaders and our world. We must fall on our knees daily and pray for Christ's love to abound wherever we go, so that our lives will pierce the heart of darkness that is infiltrating our world. </div>
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<b>If our calling is to raise kingdom chasers, we must first start that chase and not stop running until our feet are worn from bringing the good news to all people. </b></div>
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<b>May this be our BEST year yet! </b></div>
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I am praying for all your sweet families, dear friends. And with all that, I want to bless you with some free Back to School Printables!!! </div>
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So...For the 2014-2015 School Year, here are some super fun Chalkboard Prints you can download because School Rocks! Because it isn't the first day of school without first day of school pics! I love seeing everyones pics of their sweet babes in their new clothes with their grade signs! So here you are...some cute signs ready to Print and go! Love it! Plus, its such a great way to see how much your kids have grown through the years...makes this momma hurt some too! Here's a peek and I have all grades included! </div>
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Also, for you homeschool mama's, I added an "Our School Rules" Printable! </div>
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And for all of us, even though I know many of us are ready for the crazy summer days to end and the sometimes crazier, though more routine days of school to begin...here is a fun "Days Until Summer Vacation" Printable! </div>
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Click <a href="https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bwy44oRmS0SFVEdZSXRSQTFmb2c&usp=sharing" target="_blank">here for the Grade/Rules Printables</a> (its a larger file so opening may take a minute) and <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bwy44oRmS0SFcHNtdTV5QjZ4TXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Here for the Days until Summer</a> Printable (I plan to laminate this one so I can write/erase the number daily!) Enjoy! </div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-2820410025282957722014-08-20T20:39:00.000-05:002014-08-20T20:39:23.571-05:00Pride, Control and the Desire for a Refined Confidence. <div style="line-height: 14.95pt; margin-bottom: 6.8pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm writing over at </span><u style="font-family: Georgia;"><b><a href="http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/" target="_blank">My Freshly Brewed Life</a></b></u><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> today about having refined confidence...not pride, but real confidence that is perfected by the God of all creation. Come and join me!</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14.95pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14.95pt;"><i>I use to have confidence.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Confidence in which I could walk into a room, lift my head and be
proud of who I was. Confidence in the things I did. I was good at school. I had
my life planned out at an early age. I knew what I wanted and I knew what I
needed to do to get it. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Confidence</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">: “</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Georgia;">a f</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">eeling or consciousness of one's powers or of
reliance on one's circumstances” (Merriam-Webster). </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Through the years the confidence has waned. That girl who was self-reliant
and so sure of herself has flittered away some (and I believe she took her
waist size with her!)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>Maybe it never really was confidence. Maybe it was pride. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><i>A lot of it was
pride...</i><b>to continue reading click </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia; line-height: 14.95pt;"><a href="http://myfreshlybrewedlife.com/">here</a>.</b></div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Lots of <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/08/good-change-is-coming.html">Good Change</a> is coming to Beautiful Craziness!</div>
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Don't miss out! </div>
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<a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/p/link-ups.html" target="_blank">Linking up with these great blogs.</a></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-88490027429717373882014-08-18T23:10:00.000-05:002014-08-18T23:10:06.768-05:00Good Change is Coming! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so excited to let you know about some of the great things that are happening over here at Beautiful Craziness! <div>
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Summer is almost over...school is about to resume in a few weeks and once we all get into a nice routine Beautiful Craziness will be launching on its own domain! WOOHOO!!!!</div>
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I am so excited about this! God has opened some awesome doors and brought about some divine appointments and I am in awe of all He has done so far in this beautiful, crazy venture! </div>
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I'll be posting a few more times from blogger, but will be changing over officially on September 8th! And with the launch of the new site I am going to have a ton of giveaways, a new series on Being a Generational Christian and lots more! </div>
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My prayer is that the site will be more user friendly and will just bring so much glory to God! </div>
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I promise, you are going to love it!</div>
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Don't miss out and<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=beautifulC&loc=en_US%22%3ESubscribe%20to%20Beautiful%20Craziness%20by%20Email%3C/a%3E" target="_blank"> SUBSCRIBE </a>today!!! </div>
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And be sure to Like the<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautiful-Craziness/469251353202424" target="_blank"> Beautiful Craziness Facebook</a> page too! </div>
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It's gonna be crazy and beautiful and oh so good! You don't want to miss it! </div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-85970662265820736032014-08-11T22:34:00.001-05:002014-08-14T21:46:52.851-05:00The Hope of my World and Prayer for the Saints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz17ggMfcP0I9OaebjphG85GKSLqvHvzkNugPpYZxDBd4myIN_n8twWEqIcSLlS-byxXKDilNi6MCW1QIjWVgYywMnvSZfLg7YqHU5Rskgw-Z0kItGzUbuSSVe8NjLABPjLftAoR5WVHs/s1600/peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz17ggMfcP0I9OaebjphG85GKSLqvHvzkNugPpYZxDBd4myIN_n8twWEqIcSLlS-byxXKDilNi6MCW1QIjWVgYywMnvSZfLg7YqHU5Rskgw-Z0kItGzUbuSSVe8NjLABPjLftAoR5WVHs/s1600/peace.jpg" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke up this morning to a night of disturbing dreams. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my dream my family and I were confined in our home that wasn't our home. We huddled together quietly in a corner, hiding from something or
someone. It was like a scene from The Pianist or Schindler’s List. It was
quiet, and we weren't doing much of anything, but there was fear all around.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband made his way to the window to look out…I woke up.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was about 4 o'clock in the morning. I could see the fan
over our bed and hear the soft snoring of my husband next to me. I put my hand
on his back and steadied my breathing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a dream. It was just a nightmare. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My children were safe, upstairs in their beds. Our home was
perfect and warm and nothing stirred outside, for in <i>my world</i>, all were still
sleeping on this summer night.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I fell back to sleep, praying for rest and peace.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In another room I huddle my children close to me. Covering
them in prayers and holding them tightly. I was overcome with fear, yet an
unspeakable sense of peace.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I didn't know where my husband was. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew there was a foreboding and terror in our midst of
this nightmare. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All of a sudden, my children were taken away and I was being
held. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was praying and I saw each of their faces flash before me.
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke up. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was morning. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband was in the shower getting ready for a regular Monday.
My son was watching PBS on TV and the baby had toddled down and sat next to her
brother with her thumb in her mouth and blanket over her little legs.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For a minute, in my dreams, the persecution was real in my
life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was terrifying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still feel that terror in the pit of my stomach. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>In my world, I have no idea what persecution looks like. </b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I am safe and don’t worry about terror or my
children being stolen from me or my husband being murdered in front of me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, our life will likely continue in this way
because I just happen to have been born in the land of the free. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are so many right now who are living my nightmare. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I see their faces and their terror and I cry for them and
hurt and am praying for them and I think, <i>‘Oh my God I don’t know what is
happening to this world?’ </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I am safe, my children are safe, and my husband
is safe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, we worry about dinner and chauffeuring the kids
and being intentional with our lives and marriages. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I worry about curriculum choices and whether or
not my kids are too spoiled. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I don’t worry about persecution or going to
church or praying </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">or reading my bible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I don’t think about others not having bibles or
being able to go to church. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I have a bible for every room and access to
more translations on every ipad and smartphone and computer in the house. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my world, I can break bread with friends and encourage
other believers without fear of being jailed or caught. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Outside of my world there is <i>that</i> world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That</i> world of
fear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That</i> world of
persecution. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That </i>world of
terror<i>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That</i> world of not
having enough or anything. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That </i>world of the
unsafe. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It’s all around my world. </b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the south mothers are sacrificing their children to
terrorizing trains in hope of this American dream that is depicted over screens
across the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the east, mothers are carrying their dead children as
they run away from their homes through deserts in search for hope and salvation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I was a girl I didn’t ever do anything un-safe. My
brother would try anything and he would come home with bumps and bruise and
scrapes and scars. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have one scar on my leg…from shaving. That’s it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did not put myself in harms way ever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like safe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like my world.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m scared of<i> that</i>
world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish I could pretend <i>that</i>
world didn't exist.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wish I could ignore <i>that</i>
world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I have tried my best to do so. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don’t watch the news and I have no news feeds on my Facebook
or twitter. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I can’t get away from <i>that</i> world. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That</i> world is real
and it cries out to me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>That </i>world haunts
my dreams. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It cries out for prayer. Deep, meaningful, gut wrenching
prayer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It cries out for Jesus. Our savior. Our hope. Our deliverer.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my dreams I see the faces of children scared and hungry and
dying in the desert.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In my dreams I see the bodies of families being laid down
one by one, lifeless and gone. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So today I’m praying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for my world. The Whole world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for those cries of the saints that are perfuming
the altar of God right now.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for the tears of the saints that are pouring
over their dead and dying children knowing that God will wipe away all their tears </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">there will be no more </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">death or sorrow or pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for the fear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for the innocent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for those of us watching and praying and
wondering what can <i>that</i> world possibly
be like and would we be brave enough to stand in the face of persecution.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for those of us watching and praying for courage
no matter where we find ourselves today.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m praying for deliverance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am reminded of Rich Mullins song of long ago…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"My Deliver is coming – My Deliver is standing by</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He will never break his promise- He has written it upon the
sky.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Deliverer is coming- my Deliver is standing by…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I will never doubt His promise though I doubt my heart, I doubt
my eyes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Deliverer is coming – My Deliver is standing by</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He will never break His promise</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Though the stars should break faith with the sky.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Deliverer is coming- my Deliver is standing by…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I will remain in the hope that one day ‘Every knee shall
bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is LORD (Romans 14:11)."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray with me today for the world. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray with me for the mothers and the cries in the desert.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray with me. </span></span></div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-60676649590629759622014-08-06T00:37:00.000-05:002014-08-14T21:49:17.254-05:00How To say Yes to your Children who still want You<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>“Mommy will you watch me play Mine craft?</i>” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I inwardly groaned. The most boring game to play, let alone
watch on the face of the planet!! I wanted to think of an excuse…think of one,
heck, I had a billion things to do that
beat out watching my son build this virtual building that gets randomly ruined
by dragons or something. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No matter how many times he tries to explain it to me, I
have no idea the purpose of this game. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>But, he's my son and he wants to spend time with me and he's
almost 9 and what if I say no and he figures out I don’t want to play this game
and he never asks me to watch him play again? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah, baby, I’ll watch for a little while.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yay! Thanks mommy.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s still little in many ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But he is so big. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he still wants me. </div>
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And it hurts. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Mommy will you play Barbie with me? I know you are busy,
but will you play with me. I’ll help you clean the dishes later?”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her words tear at me. I’m about to break into tiny pieces,
because my girl is bargaining with me for just a little bit of time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, mommy’s
busy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m always busy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know it; you've heard me say it over and over again.
And in that you have come to understand in your own precious head that
therefore, mommy is too busy to play Barbies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I smile down at her through my hidden tears and say yes,
because '<i>God, what’s the point of being with my children day in and day out if I
don’t take advantage of the time you have given me and put aside all the to do’s
and just simply sit and watch and play and party with Barbie?'</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Her face lights up at my yes and she gathers her dolls and
we sit and play and pretend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She makes me laugh and I tell her I love playing with her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She hugs me and says, “Thank you for playing with me mommy. I
know you have a lot to do, but I love when you play with me.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She notices everything. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every.Thing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She is sensitive and
bright and see’s all my shortcomings and truths and it scares me to no end
because <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/i-wish-i-could-tell-you-about-mommy.html" target="_blank">I can’t hide any of my mess</a> from her observant blue eyes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I reply, “Baby, all I have to do can wait. I will play with
you anytime.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She hugs me and goes on her way. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does she believe me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Do I believe me? </i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Mommy hold me. <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/mama-sit-down.html" target="_blank">Mama sit</a>,” she says. I oblige, for just a
second. She cradles herself in my lap, my 'no longer baby, but not quite a big
girl.' Her dingy pink blanket in her arms and her thumb in her mouth, she places
her head on my chest and we watch Elmo. A text comes in, I pick up my phone to
read it, push send and then see an email notification. I click the mail tab and
she takes the phone and says, “No phone mama,” and puts the phone down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She’s
right. The email can wait because she’s no longer a baby, but not quite a big
girl and will only be so for another minute more<b>. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She wants me. All of me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And she’s worth all of me.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything else can wait. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
They want me now. They need me now. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s hard because I’m
not use to being needed and wanted so much and so strongly and all the time. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It goes against my introverted ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It goes against my selfish wants. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I close my eyes and I see these babies in my arms. These
tiny, precious children who cried for me to fill their tummies in the night and
who toddled toward me with arms wide opened every time I returned home. Small
ones who constantly asked for one more story before bed and <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-abide-in-culture-that-cant.html" target="_blank">one more minute</a>
before I kissed them goodnight. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And they still need me…but its slowly starting to wane.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part
of me is thrilled. They serve their own breakfast cereal and put away dishes
and tie shoes and shower and dress…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>This season is almost over.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Babyhood and
toddlerhood are almost gone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those days that were long and sleepless are mostly done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>In its stead I find half grown children who need me less, but want me still. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’m going to give in to this new season. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m resolved to do so, because we know <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/05/when-time-doesnt-stand-still_20.html" target="_blank">time doesn't wait</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I can’t wait or slow down or blink, because it too will
be over soon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will say yes more. I will play. I will watch. I will read.
I will sit. I will wait. I will love. I will be present. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to say yes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I have to say yes.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to put aside all the need to’s and
got to’s and be present in my children’s lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Parenting is hard. There are days when you are pulled and
stretched. There are days when you don’t think you can handle the little people
constantly needing, asking, touching, whining and wanting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most difficult challenges I have faced in this
parenting journey is saying yes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many factors involved and so many decisions to
be made regarding your children and many times I find myself saying no when I should say yes and many times my answers
are based not on what is best for my children, but on my own selfish desires. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I want to say yes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to say yes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How will I say yes more? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. <b>I’ll
say yes when it’s more inconvenient. </b>I’ll say yes when it takes too much
time. I’ll say yes to art projects that will be more of a mess than
anything else. I'll say yes to playing outside when it’s 100 degrees. I’ll
say yes to watching a video game and barbies and Elmo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. <b>I’ll
say yes and let go of all excuses.</b> Yes, because so what if there is laundry
to do and so what if it looks like rain and so what if that only makes for
more laundry! It’s just clothes and they are just kids for so long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. <b>I’ll
say yes even when I don’t feel like it.</b> They are worth it, no matter how
tired or stressed or busy. And tonight, more than likely, no one will wake
up and I will be able to rest well because those days are slowly passing
away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will take hold of these days now. I’m finally figuring out
that time does fly and kids do grow up and seasons shift and change. It's a fact and it's true and it hurts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>But, they still want me. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes you need to
say yes more than no. Sometimes yes makes a huge difference and that yes to
playing Skylanders, even though it bores the daylights out of you, softens a
heart and connects you and yours.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vkHxymw1ZTWqq6vpwFW-81QpL1o883FViCNdm1LbFkv3VWIU8TcWWEoteU9KVkAI0vsSzKv9Kz7B7ON0UUgJAkn8HPEM_U4dDNH-cYXdK2ynhxEhDlA9AvWCD9egDf6StZbIwE_SY3o/s1600/silly+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vkHxymw1ZTWqq6vpwFW-81QpL1o883FViCNdm1LbFkv3VWIU8TcWWEoteU9KVkAI0vsSzKv9Kz7B7ON0UUgJAkn8HPEM_U4dDNH-cYXdK2ynhxEhDlA9AvWCD9egDf6StZbIwE_SY3o/s1600/silly+2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“Mommy can I have chocolate milk?”</i> she asks in one of her
daddy’s shirts with hair still wet from her bath. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No, its time for bed.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She walks away dissapointed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why didn't I say yes?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get her My Little Pony cup and pour in a little milk
and a bit of chocolate and stir. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I take it to my bedroom where her daddy is brushing her wet
curls. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hand her the cup and she looks up at me delighted and
says, “But I thought you said no.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I did, but I love you, so I said yes instead.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You are His Beloved, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-44049034780034981932014-07-30T10:30:00.002-05:002014-07-30T10:31:19.437-05:00How to teach your children to be Real in a world that pretends to be Fine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ktiY7RWhLDmSlVk6StsaRDXSZ0F3YEXSV1n7G1D9S7NWvgbreGCSfUugpc_77bWSYmHmOCTlN3GHJpHHxH6byaAsd4UJNnTJS8AHvJVqceFPnCRDoy5ZTVKIUlNJzVpPFgTfdr7BzhM/s1600/finepretend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ktiY7RWhLDmSlVk6StsaRDXSZ0F3YEXSV1n7G1D9S7NWvgbreGCSfUugpc_77bWSYmHmOCTlN3GHJpHHxH6byaAsd4UJNnTJS8AHvJVqceFPnCRDoy5ZTVKIUlNJzVpPFgTfdr7BzhM/s1600/finepretend.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other day I wrote about being “fine,” which you can read
<a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/07/im-fake-and-everything-is-fine.html" target="_blank">here. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have taught my daughter to pretend. And I’m not talking
about playing house and using her imagination…I’m talking about being a phony.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have taught her to pretend all is well, when all is not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was what I did my whole life and I didn't realize I was
teaching her the same. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Don’t be real. Don’t be vulnerable. Don’t let them see you
cry. Don’t let them in. Don’t let them see…be the good girl you've always had
to be!! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wait a minute!?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow! That song is deep! And invading my mind!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are so many realms of truth in that
film and song, I can write a whole series on it! But I won’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, I think we have had those moments, those emotions
and stifled our truths behind “fine.” But how do you teach your children to not
hide behind that little word? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How do you teach your
children to be honest, walk in truth and be free from the implications of being
real in a world that would rather you be satisfactory?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Be Sensitive and understanding</b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You’re children are children and they have childish fears
and childish emotions. That’s ok. We must not hinder those emotions, but allow
them to find security in expressing their feelings to us. They will mature.
They will grow up. They will know how to handle their emotions later in life,
but right now, <i>we must be sensitive</i>
to them and love them through those difficult moments of spilled milk and other
childish wrongs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Be Gentle and compassionate</b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, instead of showing your frustration over the
spilled milk or your annoyance due to the whining, <i>getting down to their level and hugging them, quietly, without
reprimand or lecture will change the force of their emotions and sensitivities.</i>
God calls us to be gentle, loving and compassionate. Jesus, when he looked at
the people who were lost and hurting, he had compassion! Your children are
small and need a shepherd to guide them and nurture them…be like Jesus and have
compassion. Be gentle with their childish ways and love them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Let them cry and relate to them</b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They need to know they aren't alone. Tell them your stories.
Be vulnerable with your children. Show them that you aren't perfect and they
aren't either and it’s ok. <i>You will
connect more when you are real with them, then when you are simply standing
over them with pity.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="4" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Don’t pretend their feelings away and
NEVER laugh at them.</b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They aren't fine. Their hurt is real, even if immature.
Their pains are honest and this new world they are experiencing can be harsh.
Let them find security at home. Let them be able to tell their hurts and fears
without condemnation or embarrassment. The worst thing you can do to a child
who is being honest is stifle their truth or hurt with punishment or disregard.
<i>And never laugh at them when they are
being sincere…even if it is funny, because kids are so funny, but if they are
being honest and sincere about something that is truly upsetting them, don’t
laugh it away, they won’t understand the humor.</i> Be gentle, listen well,<a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/raising-boy-men-how-to-love-them-well.html" target="_blank">love them well </a>and hug them hard. You can always laugh later!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We need to teach our children to be real, honest, good and
compassionate. If we show them these things from the time they are young, the
hope is that they won’t fall into the trap of being fake and phony and <i>fine</i>. Instead, they will know that there
is no condemnation in honesty and there is no fear in failure, but that in
their most vulnerable states, they can help and heal those who are hurting and
pretending to be fine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are His Beloved, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-59234227967031276172014-07-28T00:36:00.000-05:002014-07-28T10:32:10.639-05:00I'm a Fake and Everything is Fine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ot_Ud61YNh9EUVuq_M7suDFNMClSyoeWMU8hrQnExsV7p-4bQgDdjy3V3W5xr6bbKJRViMmvL5zJlvCXecRZWNwoow3q_h9weBT4J22ufidX4YvCp0sIQwi_B90Gtj8v889xChBn9zc/s1600/gem+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ot_Ud61YNh9EUVuq_M7suDFNMClSyoeWMU8hrQnExsV7p-4bQgDdjy3V3W5xr6bbKJRViMmvL5zJlvCXecRZWNwoow3q_h9weBT4J22ufidX4YvCp0sIQwi_B90Gtj8v889xChBn9zc/s1600/gem+1.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was upset, trying hard not to cry, but obviously
saddened. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were at church and I didn’t have the patience to deal
with her drama. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Honey, you don’t need to be upset, you are fine” I said to
her, with little sympathy or compassion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A friend of ours walked up to us to say hello. He looked
down at my tiny girl and asked her what was wrong. She hid in my skirt, trying
to hide her tears and I automatically responded with, “She’s fine.” He looked
at me and said with all sincerity, “Really? Because she doesn't seem fine.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His words hit me and I said, “You’re right, she’s not fine.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I kneeled down to her level and hugged her and reassured her
that mommy would try to fix whatever it was that she was upset about. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In that moment; in that one wise statement of my dear friend
I realized what I was doing to my little girl was wrong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s easier to say, “I’m fine. Everything is fine.” But that
small word holds a great deal of lies! Most of the time, when people reply
with, “Fine. Everything is fine,” things aren't fine, yet it is what we as a
society do. <b>We hide the truth, try to present the illusion that all is right
with our world, that nothing is harming or hurting or hindering us in any way. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Webster defines fine to have many definitions. Fine means to
be good or satisfactory; free from impurity; physically trained; delicate;
superior in quality; marked by refinement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet, when we use the word fine we aren't referring to our
life as being free from impurity or superior in quality. No, we are saying it is
simply satisfactory, if that much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hPdv6vxKuOj_GVHwwdhZRj-5_7GY-E01iuSFwlZpbjZljtog7Ol-VN2PyAi5LYCphOPaA_ArKHgN6Lzg6btyR8IcZt_bz-pJJmcAOLs-Wzo2HwW6x8ear-EWS2fvPThdRFqNgmKjplA/s1600/puddles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hPdv6vxKuOj_GVHwwdhZRj-5_7GY-E01iuSFwlZpbjZljtog7Ol-VN2PyAi5LYCphOPaA_ArKHgN6Lzg6btyR8IcZt_bz-pJJmcAOLs-Wzo2HwW6x8ear-EWS2fvPThdRFqNgmKjplA/s1600/puddles.jpg" height="200" width="125" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Without realizing the power of that one little word, <b>I was
teaching my daughter to hide behind the fabricated truth and the mask that
says, “Don’t worry about me, I can handle anything, I’m fine.” </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In that little word,<b> I was teaching her to stifle her
emotions, her fears, her hurts and not show the world her truth, her impurities
or her delicate nature. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In that little word,<b> I was teaching her to fain strength in
a world that praises the well trained who push away the hurt and fight
against the weakness.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But the truth is that she wasn't fine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We aren't fine. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None
of us are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes life stinks. Sometimes our days are hard. Sometimes we
just want to cry and one little thing sets us off and the rest of the day just
follows suit. Sometimes we are weak and broken and hurt and sometimes, we just
can’t handle anything that comes our way. For no matter how hard we train, we
will always have to be refined. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For my little girl, whatever was upsetting her that day<i> was
a big deal to her.</i> It may not have been a big deal to me, mom and adult, but it
was to her. And instead of showing her love and compassion and sympathy, I
showed her disdain, annoyance and frustration. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>How many times am I her?</i> How many times do I crumble beneath
the weight of my day and turn from the tears that are about to stream down my
face? How many times do I feign strength despite the weakness? How many times
do I pretend and say, <i>“I’m fine.” </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg2jSoDblqrh7OrSLNg8GdmRh4U7wGwpgFRe1ZStdXwCX-G0EuDVprKEH5HZrTlYy-53X0tNCSfg3gWWkyCx0oT-PNz-XJs5FQ1YarK3l0cUAFTgsj4sYLWxcayF15w2m9gOYXQRdGzg/s1600/girls+dress+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOg2jSoDblqrh7OrSLNg8GdmRh4U7wGwpgFRe1ZStdXwCX-G0EuDVprKEH5HZrTlYy-53X0tNCSfg3gWWkyCx0oT-PNz-XJs5FQ1YarK3l0cUAFTgsj4sYLWxcayF15w2m9gOYXQRdGzg/s1600/girls+dress+up.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s what we have been taught to do. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been taught to
not cry in front of people or they will see you as weak.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We have been taught
not to show people our fears or failures, because then they may suspect we aren't perfect or strong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I want to yell…<b>GET OVER IT!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
None of us have it together. None of us are perfect! <b>NONE OF
US ARE FINE!!!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are all at times barely making it. Life is hard and sometimes
things don’t work out the way we planned and our days are overwhelming and
tiresome. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are days when I am overwhelmed with housework…I know,
it’s really not a big deal in the grand scheme of things, but you know what,
being overwhelmed with housework makes me feel like a failure and it’s <i>NOT
FINE.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are days when my kids drive me crazy. Seriously. When
their fighting and whining and complaining are about to throw me over the edge
and I want to cry because they don’t seem to listen at all and I am obviously raising unthankful, disobedient children and I feel completely unqualified for this
parenting gig...it’s <i>NOT FINE.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are days when I don’t want to do any of this anymore.
I don’t want to read my bible, I don’t feel like praying and my faith is weak
because in that moment I don’t believe any of it. I don’t believe 'in my
weakness He is strong,' I don’t believe 'I am more than a conqueror' and I feel like
I’m a real fake and it’s <i>NOT FINE</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<b>What are we afraid of? Showing people the truth? Being real?
Being vulnerable? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was teaching my little girl all of those things in that
one four letter word. And now, I must undo my teaching. Because now, when she’s
upset, she automatically responds with, “It’s fine, I’m fine.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Oh dear one, I’m so sorry.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You aren't fine. None of us are. We
are all simply trying to get by, to breathe in and out and walk up this
mountain called life. Sure compared to most, we are “fine,”<i> but who is
comparing?</i> Who is so concerned with our perfections? No one else, but
ourselves. And so my darling, don’t hide behind “fine,” but stand in your
truth. Even if that truth is weakness and frailty in the moment, lift your
head in that weakness, because that weakness makes us malleable and in that
frail state, He refines us, takes away our impurities and makes us really
perfect, and pure, without blemish or stain. You are just like the gems and jewels you delight and marvel in and in the light, you can see His reflection. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmgJENUYJMYs-C11t0jMf6bnUhonFaw7dsvqkGFRgRxTCXLBDa4qT5b1HYwibekNF-nusgj6AClLbPY2wByk1L8s8RqheD1oYdk5hquWFQN7ipXtBTOhxSa9D14Iea3Y4TTrX53_ADkM/s1600/emmagem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmgJENUYJMYs-C11t0jMf6bnUhonFaw7dsvqkGFRgRxTCXLBDa4qT5b1HYwibekNF-nusgj6AClLbPY2wByk1L8s8RqheD1oYdk5hquWFQN7ipXtBTOhxSa9D14Iea3Y4TTrX53_ADkM/s1600/emmagem.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you allow Him to reveal His truth and His strength within
you, then, beloved, will you truly be<i> Fine. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>You are His Beloved, </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-67805233595304296952014-07-21T22:01:00.001-05:002014-07-21T22:01:54.358-05:00How to Delight and Desire Your God <br />
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<br />
About a year ago I sat in a friend’s living room and at the top of an index card I wrote “desires of my heart.” We were talking about delighting in the Lord and truly being in fellowship with Him.<br />
<br />
I don’t remember too much of the lesson, but we were suppose to write our calling and purpose and I had no idea what those were.<br />
<br />
At 15, I remember being at a youth convention and the speaker was talking about finding you calling and passions in life. I remember praying and asking the Lord to tell me what I was supposed to do with my life.<br />
<br />
That day, I heard Him speak to my spirit and I remember hearing very clearly, “write.”<br />
<br />
At 15, I didn’t know what writing would look like or what I would write, but it had always been a dream and passion.<br />
<br />
15 years later I sat in my dear friends’ home and on the card I write under callings: “To write…something? What?”<br />
<br />
<a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/03/30-something-and-lost.html" target="_blank">At 30 I still had no clue what</a>. At 30 I had walked away from that desire, because I was too busy and overwhelmed with life.<br />
<br />
But I found my voice. I found my passion again. Yet, before I did so, I had to learn to delight in my God. I had to <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-abide-in-culture-that-cant.html" target="_blank">sit and abide</a> in His presence. In that time, depending and fully surrendering, He activated and reignited that passion.<br />
<br />
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<br />
When you give yourself completely to God, He ignites a passion not for your gifts, but for Him and in that passion, the overflow of you heart will be poured out in the gifts He has given, purposed and called you to.<br />
<br />
Above all, He wants not only your heart, but your fellowship. Love without relationship will not fuel your passions.<br />
<br />
Desire God, delight in His truth and He will give you desires that surpass your imagination.<br />
<br />
<br />
You are His Beloved,<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-53775548139781440062014-07-16T22:39:00.000-05:002014-07-16T22:39:56.230-05:00For Those Times when You are a Coward<div class="MsoNormal">
A few months ago we were at the park and my little one was
playing with another little girl her age. I began talking to her mother, a
sweet young mom in her mid twenties. As we were chatting, I had <i>that </i>feeling, you know that <i>spirit</i> feeling where you are inclined to
do something that isn't necessarily in your comfort zone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went for it and invited her to church. I had an invite
card in my purse and gave her some info. It was totally casual and she said she
would love to visit sometime. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Good job me! One for the Jesus team! Woohoo!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Fast forward to last week. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband and I went on a little jaunt to <st1:city w:st="on">New York City</st1:city>. My husband had a few meetings
to go to and so I had the whole day to be a New Yorker for the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my husband travels to <st1:city w:st="on">Manhattan</st1:city> I do my best to accompany him. On
the days that he works I have my routine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sleep in some, wake up and get in some much needed Jesus
time. I dress in my best city fashion and head to the Starbucks for a grande
coffee. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do a little shopping alone (without a stroller!! AH-mazing!) Then, I head to Bryant Park, because it’s my favorite place
in the city. I order a soup and sandwich and I find a little
corner in the park to read and write and eat my lunch. I later head over to the
Library and take in the splendor of it, because it is the most beautiful place
in the city.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So that was my plan for this day. I got my coffee, did my
shopping and even got theater tickets! I headed to the park…and there were no
quiet little corners because there were people all over the place. A stage had been set up and there was a stomp performance and hundreds standing in the
middle of Bryant Park.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed to grab a table and despite the mob and the noise
I figured it wouldn't last much longer and I should be able to get some writing
done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Wrong</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As soon as I sat down, a young man, about 25, came up to me
and asked if anyone was sitting with me and if I mind if he joined me. He said
he had come out here to meet a friend and eat lunch, but with all the people he
couldn’t find a seat anywhere. I was at first shocked that he even asked (New
Yorkers aren’t always as friendly), but I said yes…not exactly sure why, nonetheless, he was a very nice man. We talked some as
he ate his lunch and I munched on my sandwich. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He asked if I worked nearby (score one, because my #1 goal
is to not look like a tourist) and then he told me his family was from <st1:state w:st="on">Texas</st1:state> (explains the
friendliness) though he grew up in the city. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As we were chatting, I felt the <i>Spirit thing</i> again. I began to do the back and forth with God…Lord
what am I going to say? How do I approach this? Blah blah blah…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And ya’ll…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I didn’t do it. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I totally. Chickened. Out. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fall on my face. Disobeyed God. Here I am Lord, send
me! No, just kidding, because I am ultimately a big weenie!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s my excuse…so I can feel a little better: I had a
whole segue worked out, but then his friend came and they were about to head
out. I kindly offered his friend my seat so they wouldn’t have to look for
another and since I was done with my lunch, I thanked him for his hospitality
and made my way to the library. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>SHAME! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And ya’ll, as soon as I walked away I was totally disappointed
and just <i>pitiful. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What was I so afraid of? I had no idea who this guy was and
will probably never see him again in my life, so why was it so hard for me to
say, “So do you go to church around here,” or “do you know of any good churches
in the area (my planned segue, btw).” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I missed my mark. I had the opportunity and I missed it.
I bailed. I got scared. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wimped out. Pitiful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I walked away I asked for forgiveness. I had missed my
mark, but I prayed that God would use someone else. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then, I prayed He would give me another chance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truth is,<b> God doesn’t need me to witness to anyone</b>, but
He desires me to be bold and not afraid so that my faith will be built up. In
fact, my asking him if he went to church or starting some kind of conversation
probably wouldn’t have converted him and maybe it would have planted a seed or
something but, He doesn’t need me to do that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s majesty and magnanimity can
be revealed to anyone He so chooses through anyway He so chooses by the power
of the Holy Spirit.<b> He uses us, not for His sake or for the worlds sake, but
for ours. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, in my first encounter with the young mother, I was
much more comfortable. I had encountered many moms like me in that park before
and talking to them and inviting them to church was easier, because I had done
it before. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The second encounter in the park was so outside of my
comfort zone! </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First of all, my plan was to be alone! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Secondly, I was speaking to a young, single man and New
Yorker/wannabe, hotshot exec in a power tie! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God didn’t want to use me to merely pat me on the back
and send me on my way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>God desires to use us as His witnesses for 5 reasons.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: 0in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>1)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->He
wants us to become better equipped and work with the power given to us by the Holy Spirit. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
This is the Great Commission, is
it not? <i>“And you shall reviever power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you and
you shall be my witness…" Acts 1:8. </i>When you became a believer and accepted
Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of your life, you became empowered with the
power of the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit is who gives us boldness, who
strengthens us, who comforts us and who gifts us with spiritual gifts that help
us to advance and proclaim the gospel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>2)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->He
wants us to be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
You remember that <i>Spirit thing</i> I was talking about. That…feeling.
I have been a believer most of my life and I am very in tune with the <i>Spirit thing</i>. I don’t know how some
would describe that nudge or “quickening,” but I would describe it as nausea
and almost like that feeling when you are about to ride a ridiculously scary
and huge roller coaster and you really aren’t sure if you are gonna make it
through the 33 seconds of thrills and chills and loops and centripetal force!
But, that’s probably just me! The truth is, the spirit is always working and
always moving and the more in tune and sensitive we are to it, the more He will
use us. <b>There are always opportunities of sharing the gospel, we just don’t
see or hear with spirit eyes and ears all
the time, but we should want to! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>3)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->He
wants to gently pull us away from our comfortable places.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
Ugh! This is so hard for me.
Seriously, I would much rather be behind this screen talking to you about how
great God is than standing in front of you and sharing the good news. On a
screen I can delete and edit and think about my words. Face to face…not so
much. I was comfortable in my park, with my people. In fact, I was even proud
of the fact that I could go into a park and invite any mom like me to church or
to whatever church event was coming up! Done!<b> But His desire is not for me to
be comfortable and carefree, He desires to stretch me and make me more than
just a witness to people like myself.</b> God didn’t send David to fight shepherds,
he sent Him to fight a giant and He didn’t send Paul to the Jewish people, He sent
them to the gentiles. God’s in the business of taking people away from where
they are comfortable and to places where they are empowered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>4)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/5-reasons-why-god-desires-to-keep-you.html" target="_blank"> </a></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/5-reasons-why-god-desires-to-keep-you.html" target="_blank">Hekeeps us vulnerable</a> so we can fully rely on Him and give all Glory to Him</b>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
In the end, I can’t do any of this…the
writing or the witnessing without His wisdom and guidance and especially,
without the Holy Spirit. He will continue to stretch me and place me in different
places and situations so I can continually depend on Him and stay in tune with
Him. And if he has to take me to <st1:city w:st="on">New
York City</st1:city> to make me a fall on my face and be vulnerable
again, well…I won’t complain too much! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b>5)<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><!--[endif]-->He
desires us to be bold in action, word and deed. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
He wants me to be bold. Bold on
this little corner of the internet, bold in my community and bold in the outer
most parts of the world! He wants me to have a greater faith that will allow me
to take risks beyond my comfortable places. <b>He wants me to be courageous and
confident in who HE is and who I am in Him;</b> and my prayer is that I will <i>“gaine[ed]
confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear” Phillipians 1:14. </i><span style="background: #FDFEFF; color: #001320; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My prayer is that next time I’ll be ready, but more
importantly, I pray I’ll just speak for Him and trust the Holy Spirit instead
of my own thoughts. So the next time you are a coward, rely on Him and be Confident, casting out all
fear in the power of the Holy Spirit! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are His Beloved, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-86957566183322049442014-07-14T21:40:00.000-05:002014-07-15T09:07:28.942-05:00You Must Fall to Raise Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHuUzQeqzJW3szCaMN3Lr8qXSmPRUSRinzAjAJ81pGzUEFRzMMEzzdfpE8RGz44QIXLUVg1LrBJWoPwP7T231Q4KLOjCb9nqEi0PgVBHmGNHxEzM_fJ3cckuCPqC43LQSdRlXEG0s1WE/s1600/fallraise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHuUzQeqzJW3szCaMN3Lr8qXSmPRUSRinzAjAJ81pGzUEFRzMMEzzdfpE8RGz44QIXLUVg1LrBJWoPwP7T231Q4KLOjCb9nqEi0PgVBHmGNHxEzM_fJ3cckuCPqC43LQSdRlXEG0s1WE/s1600/fallraise.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As mothers we are called to the greatest ministry in this
world: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>To raise up a
generation of Christ followers, leaders and world changers.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To raise a generation of men and woman who will be <i>lights in
a dark world. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sally Clarkson says Jesus made world changers of his 12 disciples in 3
years and we have about 18 years to do the same! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What an incredible calling and ministry that HE has entrusted us with! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>That is our calling and it is not for the weak! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The pressures of this modern world are harsh and the traps
set out for or children are cruel and sometimes well concealed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In this era of information and quick satisfaction, we are
called to raise children that will seek truth and not Wikipedia facts. We are
called to raise children who will learn <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-to-abide-in-culture-that-cant.html" target="_blank">to abide and be still</a>, instead of
running to each over-scheduled activity in fear of boredom and hidden potential.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But in this modern era, we have this fear of failing our
children and falling on our faces. We have high expectations and great ideals
and dreams for our children, but all of those desires will be for nothing if we
don’t teach our children God’s desires first. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>God’s desires and our
teachings must somehow rise above the world’s voices. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to serve others</i> in a
world that says serve yourself. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to believe their
bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit</i> in a world that says you are free to mark
and pieces and cut and inhale and abort without judgment or retribution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to guard their hearts,
minds, eyes and ears</i> in a world that says satisfy whatever desire needs
fulfillment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to commit themselves to
their God</i> in a world that says you need not be committed to anyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to not be unequally
yoked</i> in a world that says love the one you’re with without reservation. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to know that the truth
of the gospel sets your free</i> in a world that says believe what you want and
have faith in yourself alone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to test everything
against the word of God</i> in a world that praises free thinkers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to wait on the Lord</i> in a
world of instant gratification. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>We are called to raise our children to know that they are
fearfully and wonderfully made</i> in a world that proclaims beauty is beheld in
the bare, altered and picture perfect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These voices are shouting with great force at our vulnerable
children. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How do we raise our children amidst the noise and images
that are beating against the doors of our homes?</b> How do we raise our children
above the gongs and cymbals of society and whisper the truths of Gods grace and
great love that abounds?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>In order to raise up
our kids in this modern world of now and noise, we must fall.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Fall into the word of truth.</b> </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .25in;">
Daily surround
yourself in his teachings. Let His word guide you in every season, stage and
circumstance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="2" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Fall onto your knees in prayer</b>.</li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .25in;">
Pray for wisdom, direction, words to speak,
grace, and strength to endure the fight for your children’s hearts. You are in
a fight and it is fierce and the battle wages continuously. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="3" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Fall onto your face and humble yourself.
<o:p></o:p></b></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; text-indent: .25in;">
Daily ask for a spirit
of grace to abound in your home, in your teaching and training so that your
life and love for your God and King will pierce the hearts of your children. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The voices of this world are fierce, but the Voice of Truth
will set us apart and give us, as mothers, the grace to endure and the spirit
to wage on for our children’s hearts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fall daily and raise up a generation who falls on their
knees before the one, true God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are His Beloved, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-67949972336785024362014-07-03T06:30:00.000-05:002014-07-03T07:26:01.074-05:00Growing Pains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She comes in around 1 A.M. crying, “My foot hurts!” I rub
her leg with oils, giver her some pain meds, pray for her, stroke her hair as
she folds her little body into mine and finally rests. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Growing Pains<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These past few weeks I have had growing pains. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My feet hurt from walking this walk of obedience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My legs hurt from climbing this mountain of faith.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My arms hurt from carrying around loads that weigh me down.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My back aches from being stretched and pulled. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My head hurts from constantly captivating my thoughts,
insecurities and fears. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When growing pains hurt, I want to just cry. They sting and
burn and all I desire is to give up and give in to the hurt....to continue reading<a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/12304/growing-pains/" target="_blank"> click here</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am writing over at<a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/12304/growing-pains/" target="_blank"> 5 Minutes for Faith today!</a> </div>
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You are His Beloved,</div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-68233411209072551992014-07-02T09:51:00.000-05:002014-07-02T09:56:13.402-05:00For All it's WorthI am taking this week to catch up on my writing and enjoy summertime with my kiddies! So I pulled this from my archives...a good reminder to me of what God has called me to and that surrendering is a daily habit. I hope you are blessed! You are His Beloved!
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I started out this year sort of...unsure...uncertain...and undone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every year I pray about a word that will sort of define the new year. A word that will strengthen, encourage and renew me as the days quietly slip by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I began praying for this word. Praying for 2014. Praying for a vision. Goals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And, sure enough in the quiet of the morning I heard it...and I started praying for a new word!</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't like the word I felt in my spirit. So I put that word aside and thought, "How about another word Lord?" And I gave him some great suggestions: "Joy...Hope..Health?!?" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All great words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I kept feeling<strong> that</strong> word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I closed my bible and walked away thinking I'll pray about it more and see what else comes to me.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, we closed the door to 2013 and greeted 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are about 90 days into 2014 and let me tell you, it has not been an easy start.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the thing is, despite my denial, the year has begun with that word...</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surrender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It was even hard for me to type!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To be honest...and if you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a little afraid of that word. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Surrender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Surrender</strong> - <em>"to abandon oneself entirely."</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To abandon myself entirely. To abandon my dreams, my pursuits, my fears, my desire for recognition, my callings, my successes, my ministries, my relationships, my friendships, my passions...everything that makes me...me. The good, the bad and the ugly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To abandon who I am entirely and give all of it to Jesus. Surrender it all...hand it over...give it up...and trust Him to replace me with Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To pour out everything I am in full abandon and offer myself up as an empty vessel; a jar of clay that the Potter created, purposed and intended for His use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To abandon all those things and be poured out so He can pour into me. To be filled with His dreams for my life, a desire to pursue things that are not of this world, but are righteous; to be filled with courage and faith over fear, a desire to please Him and be recognized as His good and faithful servant. To be filled by His callings for me, a desire for His glory over my own, a desire that His name will be hailed above mine, so that I will minister in the ways He ministered...in love, gentleness, encouragement and righteousness without any need to be thanked or admired or exalted. To be filled with His divine appointments, relationships, friendships that will be used to further the kingdom, to uplift, encourage and point others to Him. To become broken over what breaks His own heart and to have a passion for all He is passionate about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I want to be all that...I want Him to use me...to fill me...to create in me a pure heart...a heart like his...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But...</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here it is... I like having a plan...a formula...steps to get to the goal. I like dreams that are filled with high ideals and cultural norms...like life, love and the pursuit of happiness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And most times...my fears beat out my faith. Its pathetic. I've been a believer all my life...and yet I fear some of the same stuff since...forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I fear failing. The what if's...what if it's too hard...what if I can't do it...what if I totally screw this up? And maybe...maybe its easier just not to even try or obey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But I can't just walk away. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus is all I got. Jesus is worth everything and all of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so I have surrendered like never before. I gave up all of me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can't control anything of this life. There is no formula for easy living. There is no normal. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is ONLY God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">His grace, His mercy, His love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's what I have been given to live by and with and for...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So what if I'm scared? So what if I fail?</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Jesus is worth it.</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My hands are empty and my face is on the ground and I give it all up, because everything I've tried on my own doesn't work and isn't worth anything. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And so He has begun to fill me...overflowing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And it's only just begun. </span></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Your teachings are worth more to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. You made me and formed me with your hands. Give me understanding so I can learn your commands." </span></em></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em><span style="font-family: inherit;">Psalms 119:72-73</span></em></div>
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<em>photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shannonkringen/7153687781/">shannonkringen</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com/">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/">cc</a></em></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-68998327104497606942014-06-25T23:56:00.000-05:002014-06-26T09:12:00.325-05:00The Honest Human Experience: On Abortion and the Film "Obvious Child"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At 24 I was pregnant with our first child. One morning about
8 weeks into the pregnancy I woke up and I was spotting some. I called my
doctor and was told to rest and basically wait and see.</div>
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I prayed for my child, this precious, tiny, innocent human
being that was growing inside of me and I prayed for its protection and for God’s
hand to cover my womb. </div>
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I waited. The spotting stopped. The pregnancy continued.</div>
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A few weeks later my doctor confirmed that everything was
perfect and my baby was healthy and strong at 10 weeks. </div>
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<br /></div>
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At 9 months I was given the paper work that described my
medical history throughout the pregnancy with descriptions of every symptom and
concern. On the date of that first visit it said, </div>
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“<i>possible natural abortion.</i>” </div>
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<br /></div>
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I had never viewed my possible miscarriage as an abortion. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Fortunately, the abortion failed and Gods hand intervened
for the life of my son. </div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A couple of years passed and the Lord began to walk me
through different paths. In the early months of 2008, I faced many deep rooted fears
and struggles that had forever been a part of my life and the Lord began to
uproot those strongholds. It was a difficult time of learning to let go of
control that I so desired; little did I know that it was merely the beginning to
a very long journey of surrendering. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In April, I was finally feeling some sense of freedom and
normalcy when I had the suspicion that I was pregnant again. </div>
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We hadn’t been “trying” but there was this ONE night. </div>
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One Party. </div>
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No Protection. </div>
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No Thought. </div>
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No Plan.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And there I was buying a First Response box at Walgreen's. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We sat on the bed and waited…it was negative. </div>
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I sighed a huge sigh of relief. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I wasn't ready to have another baby. I was just feeling
normal again. I wasn't ready to have 2 kids. I wanted to enjoy this time and not
worry about being sick or tired or gaining more weight or preparing for
another. </div>
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<br /></div>
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It turned out First Response had a different response a week
later. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I trusted God’s timing, but the shame and guilt from the thoughts
I had one week prior overwhelmed me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And I was afraid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next nine months would be torturous in many ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Lord would take me to a place of complete despair and
total dependence on Him; He would take all my control so I would learn to
trust Him alone. He allowed me to get angry at Him and lose my faith in who I
thought He was supposed to be. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lived in fear. The fear that the thoughts I once had about
my baby would cause a “natural abortion.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also feared the guilt that came with those thoughts.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every time the nurse listened to the heart beat my heart would
stop until the rapid hum of her heart was heard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then one time, we didn’t hear her heart. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The nurse searched and prodded my growing belly…nothing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I couldn’t breathe. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I prayed desperately seeking forgiveness for my thoughts a
few months earlier and pleading to hear a heart beat, to feel a kick, anything.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Please God I want my baby. Please Lord, save my baby.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The doctor finally came in to check…after 10 agonizing
minutes, the heart beat sounded clear and strong. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From that moment on I
feared something would go terribly wrong until I held her in my arms. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She was
perfect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Friday, a film called <u><b>Obvious Child</b></u> will be in
theaters across the nation and it will be proclaiming the message that having
an abortion is no big deal. It will show a young, 20 something woman making a “choice”
that is “normal” for many women like herself, and undergoing the "procedure" on film; and it will be claimed as a “shame
free, regret free, clear way.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The film is a Romantic comedy about a young woman who drinks
a little too much, has a one night stand and becomes pregnant. The woman has a career to think of and a life to live and simply
can’t have a baby, but she does get the guy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This film is hailed as the “most honest abortion movie I’ve
ever seen,” by Amanda Hess, from <a href="http://www.slate.com/articles/double_x/doublex/2014/06/obvious_child_finally_an_honest_abortion_movie.html">Slate.com</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/24/living/obvious-child-abortion-romcom-relate/" target="_blank">this article</a> from CNN, the producer, Elisabeth
Holm states that in the film, “(an abortion) happens but it doesn’t have to
define her.” She also states that they want to “humanize the experience” and
show that having an abortion is a “safe and healthy and also vulnerable
experience.” Holm states that, “This is an experience that many women go through
without shame and regret, but not without emotion.” Finally she states that her
hope for the film is that it “…makes people feel confident in who they are and
the choices that they make…And sometimes with confidence comes vulnerability – and
that’s a very human experience.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Honest is defined as “<i>honorable in principles, intentions
and actions.</i>” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those who say abortion isn’t a big deal and that there is no
guilt or shame in that “procedure” are bold faced liars, for their intentions are anything but honest.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Honest and abortion simply don’t mix.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never had an abortion. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have never had to make that “choice,” but I have
experienced the fear of almost losing my 8 week baby to a “natural
abortion,” the same stage and age of more than 60% of all children aborted in
this country. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve never had an abortion, but I had an unplanned pregnancy
and I experience the fear of “not being ready” and "bad timing." I also
experience the shame and guilt of those same thoughts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is the<b> Universal Truth:</b> Whether or not you are ready to
have a child, whether or not this baby is planned, whether you believe this
baby is simply a fetus and not a living, growing human being; the truth is that <b>YOU
WILL</b> experience emotions from the moment you realize you are carrying a child
inside of your womb. You will experience for your entire life feelings of love
and joy, guilt and shame, fear and sadness, whether you carry this child to
term or not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>THAT is the Real, Honest, Vulnerable Human Experience. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Love, joy, guilt, shame, fear, sadness…all of these real
emotions are a part of motherhood and you are a mother whether you choose to
keep the baby growing inside of you or you choose to end her life and send her
to her unmarked grave. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I experienced every single one of those emotions the moment
the stick was positive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those emotions are honest and natural and normal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I experienced every single one of those emotions and
continue to daily experience those emotions, including guilt and even shame and
my children are all healthy and strong and filled with life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say that you will not feel guilt or shame when you choose
to end the life of your child is foolish and audacious. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How dare anyone tell you what or how you should feel! </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those emotions are real and they will not simply go away
once you are sedated and sent home, because they are as much a part of who you
are as a human being and that is true vulnerability.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To go through the motions of having an abortion like the woman in the movie as if it was just another “to do” on her list isn’t honest or
vulnerable…<b>it is dehumanizing and deceitful.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:place>
and Planned Parenthood and Pro-choice advocates want you to believe that you
have a choice. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that is true, <b>you do have a choice. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, the choice isn’t about being ready or not; the choice isn’t
about life or death and it isn’t about a baby or a fetus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The choice is, <b>what will you believe? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you believe the lie that says having an abortion isn’t
a big deal or a defining moment, or do you choose the truth that says having an
abortion will indeed define you for the rest of your life? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That choice; what you choose to believe, is not just about
the life of your child, <i>it is about your life</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you choose to live a life
that is truly and honestly free from guilt and shame? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Will you choose a life that
will thrive and be given more choices than can ever be counted for both you and
for your unborn child? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The “Obvious Child” is the child that has been chosen to
live. The one in your womb is not the “obvious child” and according to <st1:city w:st="on">Hollywood,</st1:city> is not the “obvious”
choice, but it is an “obvious” life and should be worthy enough to be given a
choice at living. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
True vulnerability is not having control.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Real confidence in our choices is always vulnerable and in
that vulnerability is pure, honest humanity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What will you choose? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p>You are HIS Beloved, </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<div class='shareaholic-canvas' data-app='share_buttons' data-app-id='6978594'></div>Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-64114916535811171642014-06-24T00:50:00.003-05:002014-06-24T01:07:59.698-05:00How to Abide in a Culture that doesn't Remain Still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I sit beside her bed and she says, “lay down mama; Hold my
hand, mama.” I oblige, grateful for the moment of rest as I lie next to her
crib and take her chubby, little hand in mine through the slats of the bed that
will soon be too small for her. I don’t think about that though, I can’t stop
her from growing or the soon to be transition to a big girl bed. I can’t think
about the fact that once she moves from a crib to a bed, we may never have a
crib in our home again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I lie down and stroke her tiny hand. I pray over her and
tell her I’ll stay for “one more minute,” which inevitably becomes two, then
three and five. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I give her tiny hand a soft squeeze and quietly say
goodnight, as she muffles a soft, “nigh, nigh mama,” in response. I cover her
with her soft, pink blanket, which all my babies have affectionately names their
“bee” and say a sweet breath prayer over her as I tiptoe out. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s out routine and what we do every night. The same
routine we had with all of our sweet babies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tonight as I laid there with my hand holding hers, I was
reminded of John 15:7, <i>“If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you will
ask what you will and it shall be given to you.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Abide, remain, dwell.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my children lie down to rest and they place their hand
in mine, they are abiding in me. They are abiding in the truth that they know
and believe: mommy holds their hand and holds their hearts and nothing can harm
them when mommy is near. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they hold my hand and rest their heads to sleep, their
thoughts dwell in peace and rest because they trust the hand that is holding
theirs. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When God holds your hand and you abide in Him and who He is,
you can lie down in rest and know that His good and perfect will is sustaining
you and protecting you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When God holds your hand and you abide in Him, you can trust
that He is protecting you and providing for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you abide in Jesus, your life, your desires, your
prayers remain in Him; you stay and He covers you, like a soft blanket that
keeps out the chill of night. You rest in the warmth and have peace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Abiding in Christ Jesus is the goal of our life.</b> His
greatest desire for us is to be still. The bible gives us so many scriptures
that teach us that truth. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rest, remain, be still, dwell, delight, abide…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet we cover ourselves with man made materials. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We mock any sort of rest. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We run and are constantly planning out the next move.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We look for the new, the better, the perfect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Rest, remain, dwell, abide. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We fool ourselves into thinking it is easier to carry the
burden. We don’t have time to rest or be still. If we make more, do more, work
harder, then we can dwell and abide. Yet the burdens get heavier, the time
marches on and the more never ceases. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He calls out to you and says, come to me, abide in me, I
will cover you; I will hold you in my right hand. And yet, we let go of His
hand. We walk away from His covering. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How do we abide in a culture that doesn't remain still?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Be
purposeful in the quiet times. </b>Those rare times where the babes are
sleeping and the house is still, revel in the stillness. Put aside the
electronics that are never quiet with the constant dinging of
notifications and instead, sit in the presence of the almighty and dwell
in Him. Rest. Breathe. Be. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Surrender
your plans and purpose in those moments.</b> Write out everything that is
weighing on you. The pressures and worries, the doubts and fears and then
hand it over, one by one. Allow Him to take the burden and lift them off
your shoulders. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><b>Be
quiet. Listen. Don’t think.</b> Allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate your heart
and mind and be in awe of who your God is, as your thoughts turn to His
thoughts and your heart is filled with His great love for you. </li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I challenge you to find a truly quiet and peaceful time and
rest, remain, dwell and abide. In that moment my prayer for you is that you
will be lifted up, you will find peace and rest and your desires and prayers
will align with His word, His heart and His desire for you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Abide in His truths and ask Him to direct your paths,
provide you peace and strengthen your faith. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rest, remain, dwell and abide. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are His beloved, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-60490097106768576142014-06-17T22:57:00.003-05:002014-06-17T22:58:48.622-05:00Because Your Yes is Worth It<div class="MsoNormal">
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<i>God has given each of
us gifts, passions and dreams that are for His glory. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>These desires and
passions are all to advance the kingdom. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>He wants to use each
of us to do amazing things.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>What you do everyday
is good. You are doing the faithful work He has called you to. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>He has great plans for
your life. He has great vision and purpose for you. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I am writing these words and I really believe them in my
heart. </div>
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But…I get stuck on a few details...to continue reading <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2014/06/wfmw-because-your-yes-is-worth-it/" target="_blank">click here.</a> </div>
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I am a guest writer over at <a href="http://wearethatfamily.com/2014/06/wfmw-because-your-yes-is-worth-it/" target="_blank">We Are That Family</a> today. Please head over and continue reading and be sure to comment and share on social media! </div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-64548117171922671822014-06-16T23:31:00.002-05:002014-06-16T23:32:13.291-05:00When Surrendering Your Time is Part of Being Mama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>It never fails.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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I wake up early to write, get a cup of coffee, sit down, write one
sentences and I hear a door creak open. I sit completely still hoping that
whoever it is goes back to bed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I hear the little feet trot down each step and I hear a muffled, "good morning mommy."<o:p></o:p></div>
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My heart sinks a little because I literally wrote one sentences and I
think, ‘this is why I typically leave to write!’<o:p></o:p></div>
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The little one comes and sits next to me. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I hold her, put away my notebook and she tells me about the bad dream.
She is the cutest thing to see at 6:30 in the morning with tousled, curly hair
and a pretty painted pink thumb in her mouth as the sweet, girly ruffled and
satin night gown fall past her chubby, little girl knees. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I stroke her hair, kiss her head and then send her sleepily self
off to her daddy with the incentive of “sleeping on mommy’s side” so I can get
at least 30 minutes of writing done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>This is part of being mommy</b>. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I hear similar stories from many mama’s often. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I get up to pray, walk, have quiet time and sure enough someone wakes
up. <o:p></o:p></div>
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They want to be with you even though what you desperately want and need is
an hour of solitude.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An hour of not being needed or wanted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And hour of quiet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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An hour where you can put aside the to do list and just be.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I have a hard time finding that hour. In the evenings I stay up late
because I am desperate for time alone and quiet. I spend time with my husband
until he fall’s asleep and I can finally sit quietly and read or write. The
hard part is that I am tired, but I stay up anyway.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But the next morning…I’m still tired. <i>Very tired. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s hard to find that perfect time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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That balance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want desperately to have my quiet times so I can refuel, but so many
times they are cut short. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I want to find time to write, but I have to escape to do that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I want time to just be and relax, but I have to plan that or it never
happens. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>I realize it is all part of surrendering my life and
especially my time to Jesus. </b><o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to give him my everyday. </div>
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The quiet, the free moments, the crazy
minutes that seem like hours, the long days, the tiring days, the fun filled
days, the precious few moments. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have to surrender
all those times to Him and say, “Ok Lord, I can't control how my day is going to
be spent. I can’t control the minutes or the hours, I can't control the well
intended plans that fail, so I give you this day. I hand over the clock and I
ask you humbly and as a sometimes desperate mommy to take the few minutes
before the children wake, to take those quiet hours in the evening, to take the
moments of running and living and laughing and reading and teaching and
training and loving; Take all those moments and the millisecond breath prayers
and fuel me. Make those small moments enough. Make the short time extend. Meet
me where I am today and in whatever lies ahead. Fuel me to overflowing because
there isn’t ever enough time, but I am desperate for more. You know my
intention, my heart and my desires, so Father please extend your grace and fill
me till tomorrow.”</div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-50460366915518125232014-06-13T08:44:00.000-05:002014-06-13T08:45:58.503-05:00For My Husband on Father's Day <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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I see his adoration
for his children.</div>
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The way he holds them</div>
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as they rest their
heads in the crook of his neck and </div>
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relax within his
strong embrace.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I see his admiration
for who they are; </div>
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their good, their
love, their extraordinary gifts, their delightful personalities. </div>
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His eyes gleam as he
watches them enjoy life and enjoy him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Sweet dreams
fulfilled.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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I see the way he
looks at me. </div>
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He holds my gaze. </div>
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After so many years,
I still blush and demurely look away; </div>
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Escaping back to the
moments of sweet fifteen and captivated by his look.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He takes my hand and
holds my gaze once more. </div>
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It’s amazing that
despite the wrongs, </div>
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the apologies, the
hurts, the frustrations, </div>
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the shame, the hard,
the frail, the broken, and the pain, </div>
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<i>It’s still us.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Time has marched on
and yet, we are still us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Sweet dreams fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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My Jesus, I love this
man. </div>
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I love who he is and
who he is becoming. </div>
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I love his
tenderness, his courage, his strength. </div>
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I love his frailties,
his weakness, his fears.</div>
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I love the very
nature of who he is; </div>
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For the nature of who
he is, is you Lord. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Sweet dreams fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Happy Father's day to my Beloved and to all the wonderful Dads, </div>
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<br /></div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-10843173900127470402014-06-08T23:07:00.000-05:002014-06-08T23:09:13.911-05:006 Ways to Surround Yourself with Godly Mothers<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYe5Z6eim9Ujzi2TUEDTqSvoAt69nQQ4L-Hppc83QJn1YoYmKG26i_lbehoR8sZgtriTU9yFQ6AURMpeulzIJyJ0t6VH7LwcO0dmd_ddGYaJLwzy-dJH7KW2x6sIi-j0FcMcmWuuoDBg/s1600/mother+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYe5Z6eim9Ujzi2TUEDTqSvoAt69nQQ4L-Hppc83QJn1YoYmKG26i_lbehoR8sZgtriTU9yFQ6AURMpeulzIJyJ0t6VH7LwcO0dmd_ddGYaJLwzy-dJH7KW2x6sIi-j0FcMcmWuuoDBg/s1600/mother+collage.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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One verse that has been such an amazing testament in my life these past few months has been
Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of
witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” </div>
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To know that I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses
that have run this motherhood race before me is so encouraging and inspiring.</div>
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Ecclesiastes says that ‘there is nothing new under the son’
and motherhood certainly isn't anything new!</div>
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The newborn stage of sleepless nights and early mornings,
the colicky baby, the crazy toddler, the potty training, the terrible twos and
threes, the fits, the demands, the tears, the never ending questions, the
training, the tantrums, the drama, the bff’s, the break ups, the heart breaks,
the fear, the worry, the laughter, the fun, the growing, the driving…the
driving away…the coming home…</div>
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We aren't the first to run this race and we certainly won’t
be the last. </div>
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And in that knowledge, as mothers we must look to each
other, to those who have come before us and to those who have come after us and
we must stand together in this journey.</div>
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We live in a society where we have been told and taught to
be independent. </div>
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We have been told that we are strong enough to handle
anything on our own.</div>
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Mama’s, hear me out…<b>THAT IS A LIE!!</b></div>
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I’m not saying, we aren't independent.</div>
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I’m not saying you can’t handle it.</div>
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I am saying that you weren't called to do motherhood alone.</div>
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We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. </div>
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We are surrounded by moms and grandmothers and biblical,
strong, proverbs 31 and Titus 2 women who have walked this walk; who have
journeyed through the hard, crazy days of motherhood and have come through the
other side of nursing and potty training and schooling and teenage crisis and
more.</div>
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Yet, despite being surrounded, we isolate ourselves. </div>
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<b>In our isolation is exactly where the enemy wants us. </b></div>
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When we are isolated, all we will hear is the enemies lies
and our own fears and doubts. </div>
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When we are isolated, there is no one around to pick us up,
encourage us and speak life to us. </div>
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The Journey of motherhood is hard. It’s long. </div>
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<i>Womb to tomb.</i></div>
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We have to surround ourselves with mothers who will uplift
and encourage and make us feel less crazy! </div>
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We have to learn to depend on other mothers and run this
race together. </div>
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<b>6 ways to surround yourself with Godly Mothers</b></div>
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<b>1. Read
about other mothers in the Bible.</b><br />
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<div>
From Eve to Mary, there are so many
mothers and women in the bible who we can <i>emulate, learn from and become
inspired by.</i><br />
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<b>2. Find
an older mom who has walked the walk you are on. </b></div>
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<div>
She may be a little older
or a lot older, that doesn't matter, but find someone who you can go to when
you feel a little lost or sad or crazy. They may not have the
answers, but many times, just <i>knowing that there is hope is all you need.</i></div>
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<b>3. Surround
yourself with friends who are running with you. </b></div>
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Go out for coffee and
laugh about all the crazy, beautiful things your kids are doing.<i> Laughter
is good medicine for the soul.</i></div>
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<b>4. Ask
for help. </b></div>
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<i>You weren't called to do this mom thing alone</i>. It’s O.K.to ask
for help.</div>
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If you need a day off, get a babysitter. </div>
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If you are overwhelmed with
housework, get a maid if possible, or maybe just once to help you at least
get a head start on the cleaning. </div>
<div>
If the laundry monster is beating you
up, call a laundry service and they will pick it up, fold it and bring it
back! Hallelujah! </div>
<div>
And since you’ll have all this extra time cause your
house is clean and your clothes are washed, call a friend and go to lunch!</div>
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<b>5. Call
your mom or grandmother. Call you step mom, mother in law, aunt, sister.</b> </div>
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<div>
When you need something or someone, call the moms in your life that you
are closest to. </div>
<div>
It’s ok to need them. It’s ok to ask of them. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know
family relationships can be hard. </div>
<div>
I know many of you may not have the kind
of relationship that you desire to have with your mothers or other women
in you family. </div>
<div>
Ask anyways. </div>
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<div>
<i>Build a bridge. Break down the walls. <a href="http://beautifulcraziness.blogspot.com/2014/04/5-reasons-why-god-desires-to-keep-you.html" target="_blank">Be vulnerable</a></i>…it’s hard, but it keeps you dependent on God.</div>
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<b>6. Be
helpful to the other moms around you, whether at the grocery store or the
chick-fil-A or wherever you are. </b></div>
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<div>
To that mom who is pregnant and carrying
a toddler, be encouraging and tell her she is awesome and has such a well
behaved kid.</div>
<div>
To the mom in the grocery store who’s kid is about to lose
it, let her checkout before you. </div>
<div>
To the mom who is carrying 4 happy meals
with 4 drinks, 10 ketchup's, her baby wrapped on her, her toddler
holding her skirt and her other two running in the play place and letting
the door close behind them…open the door for her! Get some extra napkins
and straws…<i>We’ve all been there! </i></div>
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I know the few times moms have helped me
or said an encouraging word has been a life saver, especially in moments of weariness and tired. </div>
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<b>We must strive for solidarity in Motherhood.</b> </div>
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We are all in
this together. </div>
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We are all trying to raise our kids as best as we know how. </div>
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Don’t isolate yourself, but gather together and laugh and
love and encourage.</div>
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We aren't the first to run this race and we won't be the last!</div>
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How amazing would it be if moms, instead of comparing and
judging each other, we come together in unity and we walk this walk side by
side, helping and holding each other up?</div>
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If we could do that, we could change the world. </div>
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<o:p><i>If we could do that, we could raise world changers!</i></o:p></div>
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You are His beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-61460578401611393732014-06-06T01:22:00.002-05:002014-06-06T10:02:13.848-05:00Pursuing Beautiful: 15 Fun Summer Activities <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQbhmcOJwhYti362xsiIhS8Mm3D7E7CyTOFBPlN9wvZTmjeP_6hN-vJdn3yKr1fzF7Jr2Wc8VL6Vxe4e0rhX_nZxmZwwTXTRIkixenUDCjcWT6Be_cSUpJTBAhzeFsnpqhSM7Z5qsi28/s1600/bucket+list+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQbhmcOJwhYti362xsiIhS8Mm3D7E7CyTOFBPlN9wvZTmjeP_6hN-vJdn3yKr1fzF7Jr2Wc8VL6Vxe4e0rhX_nZxmZwwTXTRIkixenUDCjcWT6Be_cSUpJTBAhzeFsnpqhSM7Z5qsi28/s1600/bucket+list+2014.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am all about making Summers memorable over here.<br />
We only have 18 summers with out kids, so I personally want to make them count.<br />
<br />
I know there is this unspoken pressure on us moms about being the most amazing "Cruise Directors" for our kids summer vacation and I think that shouldn't be the case.<br />
We really need to get over having to entertain our kids every minute of the day.<br />
<br />
Yes, it's summer vacation and yes, there should be some intentional and memorable times, but it's ok if they get bored...<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If they are never bored, they'll never learn how to entertain themselves. </i><br />
<br />
<i>If someone is always planning every minute for them, they won't know how to plan for themselves. </i><br />
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<i>If they are stuck in front of the screen all day long, they won't use their imaginations to fuel real, fun play. </i><br />
<br />
In the past, I tried to do one of those days of fun summers. You know, "Make something Monday" and "Field trip Friday", etc. And all it did for us was make us tired and over scheduled.<br />
<br />
So this year we made a list of a few things we wanted to accomplish this summer and if we get to all of them...Great!<br />
<br />
If we don't, <i>we always have next year! </i><br />
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<b>2014 Summer Bucket List</b><br />
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<b>1. Sea World! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLXa2pOSXbmys1dBWKm1VxxWurZcvilBa6pFhV8DeFs8ECnSTlRpbJVYvUmlwSGmhLjp-6JYjPH3TZEuohfxx_0WxJz2GW8djvGCEv1lCI45coz6cZdzIqD0GUCC6d3QY1MMX10CIK_8/s1600/seaworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLXa2pOSXbmys1dBWKm1VxxWurZcvilBa6pFhV8DeFs8ECnSTlRpbJVYvUmlwSGmhLjp-6JYjPH3TZEuohfxx_0WxJz2GW8djvGCEv1lCI45coz6cZdzIqD0GUCC6d3QY1MMX10CIK_8/s1600/seaworld.jpg" height="124" width="200" /></a></div>
My kids LOVE Sea World and there is one not too far from where we live. So we will be heading down to visit Shamu and Friends very soon. If you have one close by, go! It's a great park and so much fun for all ages!<br />
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<b>Tips:</b> Take drinks to help with the heat! but throw out the straws (animal safety), Take bathing suits because they have the splash pads open and are lots of fun, they also have a pretty good dining plan that may be beneficial to your family...<a href="http://seaworldparks.com/" target="_blank">check it out</a>.<br />
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<b>2. Stay-cation</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2iMTg99Ns52XQP-N2oD81qE_uyum4MBWJn4ezeEYLvs8C9swOOlSjoMHPG5W_fJQArS54YTywjqAlgVf9vyuRhiajqQBlUe3O3bn7_df9NzhGMt16VPYEgfRtLZdZDEZZFcxg5ajl8k/s1600/swim+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2iMTg99Ns52XQP-N2oD81qE_uyum4MBWJn4ezeEYLvs8C9swOOlSjoMHPG5W_fJQArS54YTywjqAlgVf9vyuRhiajqQBlUe3O3bn7_df9NzhGMt16VPYEgfRtLZdZDEZZFcxg5ajl8k/s1600/swim+fun.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
This year we aren't taking an "official" vacation because we are building a pool, so according to my husband our pool is our vacation for the next 10 years...yeah right! Anyways, the weekend our pool opens we are planning a stay-cation! We won't see anyone or go anywhere! We will stay by our pool and play all weekend long! If you don't have a typical vacation planned, or even if you do, take a weekend and stay home and make it fun! <b>Maybe a pajama weekend, or a movie marathon weekend or even a video game weekend! Whatever your family likes to do! </b>Sweetness in life has some great ideas for stay-cations which you can <a href="http://www.sweetness-n-light.com/2014/04/10-great-ideas-for-a-stay-cation.html" target="_blank">check out here.</a><br />
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<b>3. Scavenger Hunt</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r3ZIaD14VuQnx-GerRy3uJKzneFdyM-YEizzUiViSi9uEFdfP8mqGNkoIMwNhUpa9g8Esho6ISU6QfTmJnKvdb4VKlOhzre68omJdcGYOYrKbysf9OKW8ThCx3GgKP4_I6huD2ikUkE/s1600/fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2r3ZIaD14VuQnx-GerRy3uJKzneFdyM-YEizzUiViSi9uEFdfP8mqGNkoIMwNhUpa9g8Esho6ISU6QfTmJnKvdb4VKlOhzre68omJdcGYOYrKbysf9OKW8ThCx3GgKP4_I6huD2ikUkE/s1600/fun.jpg" height="152" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.moritzfineblogdesigns.com/2013/06/free-printable-summer-scavenger-hunt-2/#_a5y_p=1707146" target="_blank">Here</a> is a good printable for both readers and non-readers. <a href="http://www.mommahopper.com/2012/04/21/kids-summer-scavenger-hunt/" target="_blank">Here'</a>s a 'summer-long' one. You could even do a <b>photo scavenger hunt</b> to change it up some! Check out my Summer Fun Board for more ideas <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/dreaportilla/summer-fun/">here. </a><br />
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<b><br /></b>
<b>4. Summer Movies</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<img alt="Summer Movie Clubhouse" src="http://www.cinemark.com//media/26622220/smc_180x150.jpg" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
One thing we do every summer is check out the local Theaters Summer Movies. Many theaters offer low prices on scheduled family friendly films throughout the summer! Cinemark has theaters all over you can check out if there is one in your area <a href="http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<b>5. Cousin Camp! </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx8anXOFAnA5-GJCwdKz2RPSJnNcnetMD0CISVVej7hBf5otZkC7bYzpojgO0TsIbKNA790JTbn4gBqW5zMXW8hiKBuC3450qEWgJVotTxk7jqGtVEi_MVzUgym3tSVmIVC0K7sS19DA/s1600/cousins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx8anXOFAnA5-GJCwdKz2RPSJnNcnetMD0CISVVej7hBf5otZkC7bYzpojgO0TsIbKNA790JTbn4gBqW5zMXW8hiKBuC3450qEWgJVotTxk7jqGtVEi_MVzUgym3tSVmIVC0K7sS19DA/s1600/cousins.jpg" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
One thing we are really looking forward to this year is Cousin Camp! We are taking 3 days and the cousins are coming over and we are going to have lots of fun activities, crafts and even bible lessons and just spend some sweet time together with family! We will end with a fun family barbecue and it's gonna be awesome! I have lots of fun ideas and I can't wait to post pictures soon! Follow my pinterest board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/dreaportilla/cousin-camp/" target="_blank">here. </a><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">6. Find a New Hobby</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUng7eJ8Z4tygATqAWUFJnFgmOr46nXSITlhEp9lQoEtqw7yLlaqH6cxTWo2-DnW_eBSip9FEz7KPdtvPmdbe-J3oNv9mwz7uAbkDgItyZEsyfrlZQ_bhnaKA58pKkkpES_sQZgamJi6k/s1600/craft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUng7eJ8Z4tygATqAWUFJnFgmOr46nXSITlhEp9lQoEtqw7yLlaqH6cxTWo2-DnW_eBSip9FEz7KPdtvPmdbe-J3oNv9mwz7uAbkDgItyZEsyfrlZQ_bhnaKA58pKkkpES_sQZgamJi6k/s1600/craft.jpg" height="162" width="200" /></a></div>
We are going to hobby lobby and finding a new hobby for each kid! From looming to sketching...something to fight the "I'm bored" cries!<br />
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<br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">7. Beach Days!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjHvH4eojTHcqkwrKY8o2dAnNjLkyxJC5Xn68tCVPuCXHsjmdIRg5_cooArbCx-xN5D_91jeIJ4BszA7LD6WljnQF_-C61CE36Wbd3jI2C-yeXCA0eHPI9Zt9vg0g5YfgqXiO37_BKXA/s1600/beach+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjHvH4eojTHcqkwrKY8o2dAnNjLkyxJC5Xn68tCVPuCXHsjmdIRg5_cooArbCx-xN5D_91jeIJ4BszA7LD6WljnQF_-C61CE36Wbd3jI2C-yeXCA0eHPI9Zt9vg0g5YfgqXiO37_BKXA/s1600/beach+fun.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
We are fortunate to have a beach close by. It's not a great beach, but it's a beach! My kids can spend all day at the beach, boogie boarding, building sand castles and searching for sea shells!<br />
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Quick tip: Take something to shade you, like a pop up tent...it will help make the day more pleasant and beat that afternoon sun!</b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">8. Science Fun</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWERHtTeluQn3gCUBcQWri2N5oEf6KfDzldpaZZuciEKbiEoFEG-lfrczdrvdFbpdNStxhAdla5_xfo_4FXEcrfQUeFx20_mQzeLb6CdV2GfopD05wIun5iwH7N_sVKg-hgTf6zOZJIA/s1600/sci+fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsWERHtTeluQn3gCUBcQWri2N5oEf6KfDzldpaZZuciEKbiEoFEG-lfrczdrvdFbpdNStxhAdla5_xfo_4FXEcrfQUeFx20_mQzeLb6CdV2GfopD05wIun5iwH7N_sVKg-hgTf6zOZJIA/s1600/sci+fun.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></div>
We try to do some fun science projects in the summer. You can see my Science Fun pins <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/dreaportilla/science-fun/">here.</a><br />
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9. Go Geocaching!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUASqNA3fOEDrqDFv_qeUoQg5df3smWs_U1-y5jtF4049M1JV_1tmbV56aFPi8fMkhKdFhdxuWEqBtAiYj4F5udhvESvl8dEknCKWqM0Hp9XRoAmS5-4Ov5OXJs1nAGRemyJOHHIrQwbU/s1600/dig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUASqNA3fOEDrqDFv_qeUoQg5df3smWs_U1-y5jtF4049M1JV_1tmbV56aFPi8fMkhKdFhdxuWEqBtAiYj4F5udhvESvl8dEknCKWqM0Hp9XRoAmS5-4Ov5OXJs1nAGRemyJOHHIrQwbU/s1600/dig.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></div>
Ok, we have never done this, but hear lots of great things about it and I think my kids would love it. I can't tell you much other than it's like a treasure hunt. Read more about it <a href="http://www.geocaching.com/">here</a>.<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">10. Outdoor Movie Night.</b><br />
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<img src="http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/639x426/g_j/John-Lewis-Bilbao-lounging-set-easy-living-12jun13_pr_b.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/interiors/how-to-make-your-garden-beautiful/outdoor-home-cinema">This</a> would be so fun!<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">11. Spontaneous Weekend!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHllswpbn58nIHKOhOr07yBVVQqKM_udw4LqCfqaUD72W4xXtNcSxT9YwuPetyy5phn-o8FfdWdEXMoTQDyDWiHVJGxticZYcwegYAEeQjCdSzVKqtdVZpHBAmPCehtwqSfrKRXaQsk4Y/s1600/crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHllswpbn58nIHKOhOr07yBVVQqKM_udw4LqCfqaUD72W4xXtNcSxT9YwuPetyy5phn-o8FfdWdEXMoTQDyDWiHVJGxticZYcwegYAEeQjCdSzVKqtdVZpHBAmPCehtwqSfrKRXaQsk4Y/s1600/crazy.jpg" height="167" width="200" /></a></div>
We are just gonna go somewhere! There are lots of places near us that we can take a day trip to so one weekend...we are just gonna go and have fun! <b>No planning...just go!</b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">12. Factory Fun.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaJzkVgnsXXnfyrrFyZr7mFdqxuWlpPb8p5ELdV4bbpwCv7lJ8GC1IdcoQodrq0lmM0tc2Usrideri9EuQrwWa5dNyw01oamyOE6y4nRrweyB2kGEYaWCNVxBnBewAxnRVR_sEFT-_bU/s1600/factory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaJzkVgnsXXnfyrrFyZr7mFdqxuWlpPb8p5ELdV4bbpwCv7lJ8GC1IdcoQodrq0lmM0tc2Usrideri9EuQrwWa5dNyw01oamyOE6y4nRrweyB2kGEYaWCNVxBnBewAxnRVR_sEFT-_bU/s1600/factory.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
I plan to take the kids to a factory. This is great because it's part field trip/ part learning fun! <b>Check out the factories/field trips in your area </b><a href="http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/field-trips/">here. </a> The website is geared toward homeschoolers but it has an extensive list of filed trip places for all over the U.S.<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">13. Summer Reading Awards</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6UJ2thC6uPwRQJPxmF0OgSY0TyqCvqVGH2OiWTq-3M2HD90Bv_s2WlAGS34rAdDI7tE7i7vqKMKDeNkcpHty-abAYdBXn6yailfsI_eAXqQ1l5ll-UjvORbPXYrYpRY1rghMySO7LMY/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW6UJ2thC6uPwRQJPxmF0OgSY0TyqCvqVGH2OiWTq-3M2HD90Bv_s2WlAGS34rAdDI7tE7i7vqKMKDeNkcpHty-abAYdBXn6yailfsI_eAXqQ1l5ll-UjvORbPXYrYpRY1rghMySO7LMY/s1600/reading.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></div>
I am giving my kids rewards for their summer reading goals. We will either head to the library or half price bookstore and they will make goals for reading. At the end we will do something fun when they get to their goal!<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">14. Pick Berries</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRYnHMXaZJydmSQ0jYvKTzCWWBsp3uJiStHhyXaNKfMk5uh_ne7nJGtwksXW5ssDUnpCpNeMuPq23O8INP1ghAFxYsS0YYlSp6WDjMbi_hPue1xYnlLXbXoHvtRk9tguwfXJVpl5nRAc/s1600/cook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRYnHMXaZJydmSQ0jYvKTzCWWBsp3uJiStHhyXaNKfMk5uh_ne7nJGtwksXW5ssDUnpCpNeMuPq23O8INP1ghAFxYsS0YYlSp6WDjMbi_hPue1xYnlLXbXoHvtRk9tguwfXJVpl5nRAc/s1600/cook.jpg" height="170" width="200" /></a></div>
There's a farm nearby where we can pick berries and do other fun things. And maybe with our yummy berries we can make some yummy treats! Southern Living has 101 things to make with berries <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/fresh-berry-recipes/view-all">here. </a><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">15. Camp, Camp, Camp!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvE6mNdNu40EOfx-Rnpimx5kNAgMXpoLeniOQCvG4MasbilLwb4v01pxr4Nt3X4-pg2HpbKpVo4CEDxOjXrPTcEoJiwE9iAKjmy9BDjO6QQhUyUNzQK6ZQSVhkp6ym0FnbWTmxKrPavo/s1600/golf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvE6mNdNu40EOfx-Rnpimx5kNAgMXpoLeniOQCvG4MasbilLwb4v01pxr4Nt3X4-pg2HpbKpVo4CEDxOjXrPTcEoJiwE9iAKjmy9BDjO6QQhUyUNzQK6ZQSVhkp6ym0FnbWTmxKrPavo/s1600/golf.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
Because a week of fun activities and time away from home is awesome!<br />
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I hope you have a ton of fun things planned for Summer! You can check out more summer time fun when you follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/dreaportilla/">Pinterest</a>! </div>
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Happy Summer Friends! </div>
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You are His!</div>
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<br />Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-7053902371481434772014-06-03T23:32:00.000-05:002014-06-06T10:05:37.390-05:00Gather At the Table <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIlHCq-Dkp3pCm6Esl5bRHHeaWXjYrjLpEjslkoU44FU9pu_Ze6tvmOlYuYJryqX7h1z8CzbE1srnkwuUnkmVxECgRDQ_PgmOz-NApn9vc0bfsNiwDed6ILaROYQD1lYYLgpO4ohPgsM/s1600/plate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIlHCq-Dkp3pCm6Esl5bRHHeaWXjYrjLpEjslkoU44FU9pu_Ze6tvmOlYuYJryqX7h1z8CzbE1srnkwuUnkmVxECgRDQ_PgmOz-NApn9vc0bfsNiwDed6ILaROYQD1lYYLgpO4ohPgsM/s1600/plate.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Come sit at the table and bring what you have;</div>
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Your broken, your lonely, your sad.</div>
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There is love at the table. No insecurity here. </div>
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Sit at the table, let go of your bags. </div>
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There is room at the table, </div>
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So pull up a chair.</div>
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Tell of your stories, </div>
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Laugh, cry and share. </div>
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Rest at the table.</div>
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Come, and be filled. </div>
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Find refuge at the table,</div>
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Hear the stories, be encouraged, be still.</div>
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The last few months I have hosted some amazing women at my table. </div>
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We have gathered together, broken bread, and shared our stories.</div>
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The Table has been a place of encouragement and inspiration. </div>
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I encourage you to visit <a href="http://ifgathering.com/if/table/" target="_blank">If:Table</a> and host friends at your own table. </div>
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Be vulnerable, share your stories and see what God can do in the </div>
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meaningful conversations at your table. </div>
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You are His Beloved, </div>
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Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986638945259156.post-38966888624408098022014-06-03T05:00:00.000-05:002014-06-03T23:33:35.901-05:00Finding Your Rhythm in Your Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 8.0pt;"><br /></span></em></em></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><em>Run to the football game, run to the birthday party.</em><span style="color: #333333;"><br />
<em>Run home, do a quick clean up, run to the
grocery story, run back to the party.</em><br />
<em>Run to hobby lobby for that new project,
run home for the baby’s nap.</em><br />
<em>Run the dishwasher, the dryer and the
vacuum.</em><br />
<em>The vacuum wakes the baby! Run out for
last minute errands.</em><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am not a runner, though there is an element of serenity and
determination that appeals to me about running,<br />
but<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em>this</em><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>kind of
running makes me weary and worn out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This kind of running is what life and motherhood tends to
become...<a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/?p=12251" target="_blank">click here</a> to read more.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm writing over at<a href="http://faith.5minutesformom.com/?p=12251" target="_blank"> 5minutes for Faith</a> today.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Andreahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16640852633624076311noreply@blogger.com0