tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41110078037309098032024-03-12T21:30:15.946-07:00AMAZING WORDS Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-85901408220151630092023-02-13T06:41:00.000-08:002023-02-13T10:43:54.900-08:00A CHOICE to LOVE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Little Barbie's conversations with God have been heard ever since she cried out as a child. Her heavenly Father listened and accepted her plea to belong to Him. He was aware of all her needs and He legally adopted little Barbie and gave her the keys to His kingdom. Since she accepted Jesus Christ, as her Lord, the Authority of her life, she has never walked alone, or felt her Father was not listening. Because she trusts that Her Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are ever present, she hears His voiced encouragements in the Bible, she listens to what the Spirit is saying through words of encouragement, and she is guided through open doors that show her His Ways. Barbie relies on her intimate relationship with God and she depends on the Holy Spirit's revelation of how particular scriptures apply to her journey. She prayed and trusted that God heard her when she requested: " God, I pray that I will grow in my relationship with You so much that when You speak, I will immediately recognize Your voice and respond, willingly, without reservation." </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Barbie "seeks" Her Father's will and to get His best for her, she denies her personal desires, so that she can accept His plan for her life. "Not my will be done, but Thy will be done." She seeks to please her Father and not seek the approval of others.. <b><span style="color: red;">This has never been easy, and she has failed many times</span></b>, however, by the constant grace and mercy of God, Barbie has been convicted to confess her goofs and receive her Father's compassion and forgiveness and work out the gift of her salvation. In her new life in Christ <b><span style="color: red;">she has learned NOT to trust her feelings</span></b>, but to deny herself and rely on the Word of God, and the nudge from the Spirit within her. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As He promised, <b><span style="color: red;">He shows her the Way </span></b>and where He is already working, and she chooses to join Him in His work. She loves her Father above all else and she trusts Him, no matter how unprepared she may feel to WALK this WAY.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><b>IDEALLY</b></span>, through prayer, the reading of the Word, and patient deliberation, when she is at peace in her heart and mind, and as she remains in continuing communication with the Father, she </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">confidently proceeds according to God's will. She is completely fulfilled in her love relationship with God and she gladly obeys because she trusts that what He asks her to do is best. God has </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">always faithfully provided all she needs. He feeds her body, nourishes her soul and Jesus clothed her with His righteousness. Barbie would rather have the love of Jesus than the imperfect love, performance applause or fading approval of man. She knows that she is an ordinary girl through which God can accomplish extraordinary things. Therefore, Barbie does not fret or fear life in this world, or going alone to a foreign country, or being rejected or laughed at. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She values eternity, not her short time on earth. Barbie’s life as a daughter of the King of Kings is shaped by her choices to please Him. She has allowed God to develop her character through various trials. No matter the pain of the circumstance, the struggle did not change her love for God, it only increased her reliance upon Him. Barbie is convinced that God's </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Word, and His promises are the Truth, and the Way because she has personally encountered Jesus. His faithfulness over the years to prosper her, and not harm her, is her reality. She considers all her profits in this life as a loss compared to the unsurpassed greatness of experiencing God through her loving relationship with Jesus Christ her Lord. Barbie died to herself and was spiritually born again and given the personal knowledge of the Holy Spirit. She seeks to remain God-centered and not self-centered by placing her complete confidence "in Him" not in her education or skill.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She thanks God for all that He initiates, because she knows that He finishes everything He starts. Barbie knows that His ways are not her ways, and so if what He asks her to do, seems impossible, then it is most assuredly from the Father. His plan of salvation still boggles the human mind. His Son, Jesus was rejected, laughed at, mocked and beaten, and He chose to die, so that she could live “in Him” sealed, protected and used forever in this world, and throughout eternity. Barbie is enabled to love God with the love He first gave her, because <span style="color: red;"><b>she believed</b></span> that Jesus, the Son of God came down to rescue her. Barbie purposely invests her life, time and provided resources into the thing that will last, her <span style="color: red;">love relationship with God</span>. This investment will never perish or pass away. Jesus is at the door of your heart, knocking. Do NOT resist the impulse to surrender.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Open the door to your heart and invite Him in. Enjoy coming home to the Father. Relax into eternal life "in Him", now, today...NOW is when eternal life with Jesus can begin. Be still and know that Jesus is God and that wherever you are, He is. Whatever you are feeling, whatever has you worried, He knows. He is your divine Comforter. He is approachable, and available 24/7. Know that He is always glad to hear from you and He wants to transform your mind, your heart and your perceptions about who He is. Allow yourself to be lifted up and carried by the Father and trust that He will never drop you, or forsake you. You need never to be alone, or feel unwanted again. So what is love? God is love. <span style="color: red;"><b>How does one come to love a God that one cannot see?</b></span> In your own language, ask God to answer all your questions. When you realize that nothing can fill the hole in your soul but TRUE LOVE, then you will seek God with all your heart and He will reveal the TRUTH, that His love is everlasting and He does not change. People change and people let you down. Only God is faithful, only is God worthy to be praised and loved with the love He will give to you first. "<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt;">Since this is the kind of life </span><b style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: red;">we have chosen, the life of the Spirit</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt;"><span style="color: red;">,</span> let us
make sure that we do not just hold<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18pt;">it as</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 18pt;"> an
idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, </span><span style="line-height: 18pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: red;"><b><span style="color: red;">but work out</span></b><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>its implications</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 18pt;"> in every detail of our lives. That means we will
<span style="color: red;"><b>not compare ourselves</b></span> with each other<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18pt;">as</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 18pt;"> </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18pt;">if</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 18pt;"> one
of us<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18pt;">were</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="line-height: 18pt;"> better and another worse. We have far
more interesting things to do with our lives. <span style="color: red;"><b>Each of us is an original.</b></span>"</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18pt;"> Galatians 5:25-26 The Message</span></span><br />
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-67623719298427612682023-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:002023-02-13T10:41:42.441-08:00PREJUDICE stilled<div class="Mi" closure_uid_372217893="389">
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Prejudice then and now is a point of view, a perspective learned, not of God, but of this world. Harrison Ford portrayed Branch, a man that witnessed racial prejudice in his youth and did nothing about it. When he was in position to make a difference, he SHOOK UP the world by introducing the first black man in Brooklyn for the Dodgers. The number 42, the first and last number to be retired in baseball history - is because of one mans passion for the sport, and because of another man's tremendous GOD GIVEN courage to SUBMERGE his anger, and be changed from his inside out, by the spirit of God, for the greater good.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-align: justify;">Branch warns Jackie "PREPARE yourself to be wickedly trampled in public. You must face verbal abuse like Jesus did, with humility and silence. You must rise above all that is hurled at you. You must maintain WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST, for His namesake, for HIS greater glory ~ and win souls by your silent witness."</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.7999992370605px; text-align: justify;"> </span>Jackie was coached well and he learned to harness his thoughts,<br />
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his emotions, his old ways and submitted them unto the Lord, that as a nation we would embrace ALL men as equal, to the GLORY OF GOD. A great emotional performance in REAL LIFE, and in the movie 42! "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 5:5-11
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-48483015185627537452023-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:002023-02-13T10:55:34.883-08:00Effective Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"The prayers of righteous men accomplish much" James 5:16 - What do you want to accomplish today? Have you asked God for His help? The finished work of Jesus allows us to be covered by His righteousness, BUT --- "The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." Proverbs 28:9 --- The truth is, the very best Christian is only human and God says that the human heart is deceitful above all else. The Holy Spirit was deposited in us, to convict us, to guide us, to comfort us, and to teach us about Who God is...He is holy and in order for us to remain in a right and intimate relationship with the Lover of our souls, we must abide in Him, and respond to Him in prayer. Prayer is a relationship, a connection, it is a sacrifice of our time with the Holy Spirit, it is a time to ask, and it is a time to listen to what the Spirit is asking us to do. In our obedience, we are blessed. We serve a BIG GOD and HE asks us to do things that stretch our faith and cause us to enter into a <br />
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crisis of belief. "How can I accomplish that Lord?" EXACTLY!!! "On our own, without God, we can do nothing!" We deceive ourselves whenever we think we have been completely obedient, or that we are NOT without UNBELIEF at times, or that we have NOT sinned today. "Oh Lord, I believe in You, but help me in my unbelief about...." Has God asked you to do something you are unwilling to do because of your lack of faith in Him for finances, for provision, or for equipping us adequately? Have you watched a program that would offend God today? Have you held a single unkind thought about your neighbor? Have you arrogantly thought or said "I am better than they are because I would have acted...I would have done...and they should..." Our prideful thoughts of being superior to anyone, our hesitation to forgive others, or a single good deed performed out of a selfish motive... this unknown, unseen condition of heart makes us unholy, unfit and unable to expect answers to our prayers. We must confess our sins to God with genuine remorse for NOT trusting Him, for avoiding Him, for NOT believing that He cares, for discounting His power, for rebelling against His authority, for offending the King of Kings, and for pridefully denying that we sin and fall short daily. STOP and listen to what the Spirit in YOU is asking. Do we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to increase our faith? To help us with our unbelief? To forgive today's sins? Are we honest before God?<br />
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"O my Father, my Advocate, my Counselor, Thou art worthy of all my adoration. Before I can approach the Holy of Holies boldly... I must humbly confess that my heart breaks for having offended Thee. Most sincerely I despise all my selfish, offensive ways and thoughts. I fall short and I admit I need You. Your convicting chastisement is effective and JUST. Because I have offended the glory and honor of Thy Holy name Jesus, I have NO peace. O my Lord God, Thou art all good and fully deserving of all my love and devotion. With hope for Thy continuing grace, have mercy on me. I thank You Holy Spirit for convicting me so that I may transparently confess my sins. You sought a sinner like me and adopted me so that I may reflect the holiness and glory of God. Jesus said..."But go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." For I have NOT come to call the righteous, but sinners." <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Matthew 9:13 - Oh Lord, you called me a sinner, and after all your mercy, love and grace, I beseech Thee to forgive my sins again. </span></span>Oh my Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! Your glory is above the heavens, and who am I that You would be mindful ...and hear my prayers? Reading the Psalms You inspired David to record, I am reminded that<br />
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the arrogant cannot stand in Your presence. God hates pride and all who gossip and speak ill of others. Only because of Your great mercy, am I able to kneel down and ask for Your forgiveness. Your perfect word says "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9 -- My soul is in anguish, be merciful to me Lord for my heart is broken, full of remorse. Forgive me Father, for I have offended Thee by my -----------. "I praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I set the Lord always before me, therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body will also rest secure, because I trust His unfailing love will not abandon me." Psalm 16 --- Lord, You have made known to me the path of life; You filled me with the Holy Spirit and I am yours. <br />
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AMEN and HALLELUJAH! Our heartfelt prayers are words that are spoken from a pure heart. No matter the words we use, the Holy Spirit, our intercessor will deliver the perfect request to Jesus, our Advocate who sits at the right hand of our Father. "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26. "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father ---Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." 1 John 2:1.<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> T</span>he Psalms are a gift from God. They overflow with genuine praise to God, given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, through men whose hearts and minds were overtaken by the glory of God. Our impoverished vocabulary does not diminish our prayers because God knows our hearts and He issues us grace, mercy and compassion as we stumble to express our adoration, daily confessions and thanksgiving. "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart" Psalm 51:16 ---Our Father will not despise or reject the prayers that come from a heart that<br />
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genuinely feels remorse for their realized impurities. It is unwise to take God's mercy for granted. God is not obligated to forgive us. The failure to FEEL gratitude for all the benefits of being a child of God is to be like a pagan or the apostate. "For although they knew God they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him." Romans 1:21 --- When we FEEL the emotion of gratitude, we are compelled from within to ACT, and to express our genuine thanksgiving. To NOT give due thanks to God is to exalt ourselves and degrade what God has done for us. Our Lord Jesus is dishonored when we choose to withhold praise. Keeping a praise journal is a great way to never lose sight of the countless times God blessed us. If our Father never grants us another prayer request, or if He withheld His stream of grace, we would be hard pressed to thank Him adequately for what He has already done. Read the entire Psalm 66 and consider all that God has done for you personally. The Psalm is filled with praise and this important truth: "If I had cherished sin in my heart (withheld confession), the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard <b>MY VOICE</b> in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me." Psalm 66:20 ~ Thank God for giving us...DAILY... amazing gifts!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the wonderful way You created me. Thank You for providing me with endless opportunities to be of service and to avoid a stale life of routine boredom. Thank You for giving me courage to take risks, to think outside the box, and to experiment. Thank You for giving me timeless commands without endless rules! Thank You Lord for inviting me to ask and receive what is best for me, in Your time. Thank You for increasing my faith daily by all the glorious evidence of God in nature. Thank You Lord for allowing me to make tons of mistakes, and for Your unmerited grace. Thank You for collaborating with me, and uniquely gifting me that I may excel in life. Thank You for Your generosity of time and unlimited resources, that I in turn may be generous towards others. Thank You for the freedom I have "in You" that allows me to live set apart, and independent from world views. Thank You for Your mercy as I experiment with words and actions. Thank You for motivating me from within, to do good and to be accountable. Thank You for giving me plenty of work to do, and the strength to do it well. Thank You Lord for never forsaking me, for always going before me, and leading me in the right way. Thank You for giving me eyes to see, for ears to hear, for a mind that can choose what to think, a heart that feels compassion, and hands and feet to keep moving. Thank You for restoring what was lost, for repairing my heart, and healing my body. AMEN - The practice of prayer becomes sweet as we anticipate a dialogue with our Father God who is delighted to hear from us. Our Father is genuinely interested in every aspect of our lives. SPEAK plainly to GOD, be HONEST and pour out the contents of your heart. Everyday brings a need or a trouble to tell to our Father. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_0p-mRMR8m4" width="480"></iframe></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-31808621729053136972023-02-11T22:30:00.000-08:002023-02-13T10:56:11.024-08:00The PIT of Despair<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During this life we each have spent time in a dark place, in a pit of despair and we question "If there is a God, why am I suffering?" Many wonder where was God when jets crashed into the twin towers, and thousands of good people along with many church going Christians perished. The deep incomprehensible pain after 911 was not easy for thousands of the survivors. This kind of terror stunned even the most devout. The United States was awakened to the reality of evil after Pearl Harbor, and on September 11, 2001. <span style="color: red;">Each citizen </span>was shaken to the core and moved to cling more tightly to the truth, that the earth as we know it, is NOT our eternal home, or simply implode with no hope for the future. We each have a choice to grow emotionally and spiritually stronger as we pass through the fires of this life, or faint and disintegrate into the pit of hopelessness. Many <span style="color: red;">unhappy citizens </span>of planet earth "TRY GOD" on their human terms. If God does not appear and respond according to their expectations, they quickly determine that faith in God does not work. Stuck in a pit of despair, they try other Gods. They may temporarily distract themselves from their emptiness with superficial relationships, or any number of pursuits or activities. Depression leaves us in the fetal position of despair. Share this short clip with anyone you know who is stuck in the pit of hopelessness: <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5WCTltHR-Hg" width="459"></iframe> In our urban society there is a belief that God simply wants us all to be happy, or that God does not exist. Those same folks with slippery beliefs choose to blame God for all gloom, stormy times, 911, their divorce, or for any lost dream. A wildly popular thought is nurtured in the minds of the lost by the great deceiver who whispers "There is no such thing as God, because if God cared, He would have prevented this tragedy." <br />
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Americans long ago tossed God out of schools, the court room, and Wallstreet. Our Father does not force Himself on anyone and He does not return to those who choose to reject Him. "Trust in God" is on the face of every American coin, but do we Trust God in times of trouble? Many have chosen to follow the easy way, to simply satisfy their human desire and believe that all religions lead to God. Many believe that each individual has the freedom to choose which way FEELS right, to them. --- In 2014 to BE politically correct, those who lack the wisdom of God TOLERATE everything --- To obtain the popular vote, the minds of non-believers and many believers simply choose to GO WITH THE FLOW. Attempting to avoid upsetting anyone, many strive to win the approval of peers, family, or constituents. The world's cunning MYTHICAL message is broadcast daily in the news. We seek to be like a local HERO, a man made super star or get to the top no matter what. All this idol worship eventually proves unsatisfying. The media promotes the belief that we must accept that TRUTH is ---- whatever is TRUE for each individual. FACT: Truth is found in God's unchanging word. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-BdDjtDoPLk" width="459"></iframe>Our true friend Jesus Christ shares light and salt. Many myths exist in the mind of man regarding our eternal fate. Today RELATIVITY = the absence of absolute truth. This generation is shown in song, on film daily that what is wrong is right, that whatever is down will on its own rebound, and that the perfect politician can fix the economy. Like Alice in Wonderland, the world is a confusing rabbit chase of glamour, glitz and fame. Some folks worship gold, dogs, trees, statues, Hollywood legends, fame, athletes, rock stars, or the freedom to be the most pleasing Snow White, Mommy, Daddy, or Fashionista. Today absolute TOLERANCE ---NOT Truth --- RULES! --- In the media, in the home, in politics, TOLERANCE is the worst sin of all. Any God opposing TRUTHS regarding: methods of parenting, same sex marriage, abortion, what is relative, what is true, Who God is, thoughts about the devil, or evil is absolutely INTOLERABLE to a holy God! A world wide web of lies exposes the wise and the innocent to instant data, facts, research, and opposition to any position taken about any one thing....BUT, IS IT TRUTH? Does it honor God? Trusting in God's word is to have confidence in a grand ETERNAL future that is far superior to anything we enjoy on earth.<br />
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Our human definition of happiness shifts - because we are highly influenced by fleeting events. The JOY of the Lord is rock steady, it is eternal and consistent, regardless of circumstance. The goal of most people is "To just be happy" But God's perfect plan is to deliver us from the temporary and transport us into His eternal Love, Joy and Peace. The MYTH that WHATEVER makes us happy, makes God happy --- is to think that a human knows the mind of God. As long as we are satisfied with what we believe, we can then slide positively from one truth to another. Being righteously intolerant is to say "Hey, I like you, but your actions are offensive to God and to me." Hollywood promotes tolerance for all issues. Human weakness is that we all strive to be liked by our peers. Who we become depends on the thoughts we adopt. God's thoughts or man's thoughts about God? We get to CHOOSE to put on the full armor of God and care more about what God sees and hears, or we choose to put on the thoughts of man in order to be tolerated, or liked. No person that you admire in this world can lift you out of the pit of despair. God can, and He does.<br />
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Images and words are directly aimed at our spiritual souls ~ they encourage us to buy what we do not need, and to TOLERATE all the ways of an evolving world. Freedom is translated by a lost generation to mean that we are not accountable to God. That our behavior cannot offend a God that does not exist. This world celebrates madness! The truth is WRITTEN: "Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Hebrews 3:12-13 God also warned: "And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief" Hebrews 3:18-19 now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in<br />
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spirit and truth.” The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:24 ~ The cause of DESPAIR in the world is this: Lies, cheating, murdering, stealing, mixed up sexuality, and gossip. It is our choices that spins the MADNESS into each script of most television shows. The world broadcasts boldly that "ANYTHING we DO or SAY is OKAY" Commercials are designed to change the mind so that we buy whatever is being sold. We then find pleasure in dark places that cannot satisfy the soul's thirst for truth --- DENIAL protects our secret desire for peace. God created us before the foundations of the world, He knows our hearts, He knows our thoughts, He knows our human weakness, and He gave us access to the truth, to His wisdom, to His perfect ways ~ and He gave us the freedom to choose Him above the ways of the world, the lost, the deceived, the deprived. God placed in each soul a yearning for truth, a need for divine love that never rejects --- and a love that is merciful. BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND ~ IT IS WRITTEN: "While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus touched them and said, “Arise, and DO NOT be afraid.” Matthew 17 - Invite Jesus to reveal Himself to you.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Almighty God waits patiently for us to ask Jesus to assure us that we are loved as we are. Ask God to give you eyes to see beyond the visible, and ears to hear His voice. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and give you new life. Receive the TRUTH of JESUS, the Son of God as your ETERNAL Father, the Lover of your soul and receive His unconditional love, joy, peace. Surrender the knowledge begotten of the internet, a friend, a family member, the misguided teachings of a world gone mad. Surrender to the MIND OF CHRIST and be changed in a twinkling! Be satiated with His living water! The scales on your eyes will be lifted and you will understand that what happens in Vegas, does not stay in Vegas, but that the serpent of evil corrupts the mind against the simplicity in Christ. If we choose to broadcast the TRUTH that God does not approve of all ways to His throne, we are mocked as silly bible thumpers. ABSOLUTE TRUTH does exist ---and God wrote to tell us repeatedly in the book of John - "I tell you the truth". As Ambassadors of Christ, we are God's feet, hands and mouth. When we speak God's TRUTH, we are called lunatics and judged as INTOLERANT by those that love their life in this world. "The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life." John 12:25 -- "Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are NOT — to nullify the things that are, so that <span style="color: red;">no one may boast before Him</span>. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, <span style="color: red;">who has become for us wisdom from God</span>—that is, <span style="color: blue;">our righteousness, holiness and redemption</span>. Therefore, as it is written: "<span style="color: red;">Let him who boasts boast in the Lord</span>." 1 Corin 1:1-31 - Let us believe God at His word, that He loves us. Let us forgive ourselves as we are forgiven and LAUGH about our foolish past and rejoice in our NEW heart. Let us boast of what the Lord has spoken in our ear! IT IS WRITTEN: “Most assuredly, I say to you, <span style="color: red;">he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life</span>, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man." John 5:24-27 - "<span class="text Phil-3-20" id="en-NIV-29442" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">But <span style="color: red;">our citizenship<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29442A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29442A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> is in heaven</span>.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29442B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29442B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29442C" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29442C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Phil-3-21" id="en-NIV-29443" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">who, by <span style="color: red;">the power<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29443D" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29443D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> that enables Him</span> to bring <span style="color: red;">everything under His control</span>, will transform our lowly bodies<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29443E" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29443E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-22</span></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-83813338663978626842022-08-28T17:36:00.011-07:002022-08-30T03:51:20.026-07:00Who is Jan Hicks?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"><b><u>Who is this woman?</u> </b>She is an adoring wife, a beloved
mother, a devoted daughter, a respected teacher, a fun loving woman, and a
published author who is after God’s own heart. She is a generous friend, a
truth teller, a prayer warrior, a Harley rider, a kayaker, a great listener,
and a thankful, transparent woman who has no shame --- as she has been
supernaturally changed by God for His mighty purpose.</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> She counts her personal
relationship with Jesus as the top blessing of her life. In August 2022 Jan returned to Chapala to tell her testimony in several Spanish congregations in Guadalajara and Chapala. She has a growing ministry in Alabama and in Guatemala. She opens her testimony with "They conquered him (schemes of the devil) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not love their lives in the face of death." Who are they? The Two Witnesses in the book of Revelation breathed fire. A believer in Jesus named John heard a voice from heaven "eat the scroll:\" It would be bitter in his stomach, but sweet as honey in his mouth. Sometimes when we share all that God has done in us, we are mocked and that rejection can turn bitter in our tummies. We obey, eat the word and in our obedience to forgive as we are forgiven, we are blessed beyond measure. The Revelation of Jesus Christ in chapters 11 and 12, point out much truth. As we stand strong and witness with fire, we may lose friends and the enemy will attack, but God --- equipped us in advance! The lethal weapon of God's word destroys the enemy. God empowers His witnesses. In the last days these two had the power of the Holy Spirit (as we do) to stand against Satan and all his attacks. These two witnesses were killed right where Jesus was crucified. However, after 3 1/2 days of laying dead, God blew His breath</span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">of life into them and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who had been celebrating their death ---when they rose from PUBLIC dead bodies, (not buried, not stolen) they just simply got up ALIVE and were taken up into the clouds. Wonder if CNN will cover that story? When we accept Jesus as Lord, and EAT HIS WORD when it assimilates fully, we become ALL of who He planned us to be. We get set free from all temptations as we saturate our minds with the truth. That is what kept Jan's complete, immediate deliverance in tact. She ate the Word of God. In
1991, both parents had </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">worried that when Jan
began passionately talking about all that Jesus had done for her, they were
earnestly concerned that she was in a dangerous cult. They even dispatched
Jan’s eldest son to investigate. However, while he only came to church to spy
on his mom, during a church service, her son accepted Christ. <i>Jan’s Dad and Mom
accepted Christ in December 1994 as he was battling lung cancer. He moved in
with Jesus 7 months later. Her mother continues to serve the Lord today
and was remarried to a minister in the year 2000</i>. </span><b><u><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">JAN’s MINISTRY</span></u></b><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">: For years Jan Hicks worked in the same church
that she got saved in. Her gift </span><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">was to pray and the prayer ministry at this
church operated 24 hours a day. Eventually friends from church encouraged Jan
to begin an independent prayer ministry outside the church. They even financed
a new prayer ministry and a website for</span><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><a href="http://christiansunitedministries.org/Home/Crossing2Freedom.html"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #dd66bb; font-size: 10pt; text-decoration: none;">Christians United Ministries, Inc.</span></a><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> (CUMI) launched in August of 1999 and it began with 12 prayer partners. God blessed their ministry and by His grace
the website received prayer requests from churches and other online prayer
ministries. Within a year, over 100,000 prayer partners joined from around the globe. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Jan continues to work
full time, without a salary, while Don works with their son doing restoration
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">construction to pay the family bills. Today Jan teaches a prayer model that
brings healing to hearts that have </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">been wounded or who remain in
denial about past hurts. Many hard working Christians withhold pieces of their
past from the light of Truth which prevents total healing. The process
she teaches comes from her personal healing experience. It includes closing
doors to the enemy’s habitual ways of obstructing a person’s right to live a
joy filled life. Jan is invited to share her amazing redemptive testimony at
various denominations of faith. The power and grace of God transformed Jan's
messy adolescent ways, supernaturally, in one hour. She is a beacon of hope for
all who suffer through a life without passion or purpose. His power continues
to restore whatever has been stolen from those who genuinely seek wholeness.
Jan travels to Mexico as a teacher/trainer by partnering with Wellspring International School of Ministry which is hosted by Judy Whitener. Wellspring combines CUMI and other ministry resources</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">to teach and encourage pastors and church leaders to be certified in a simple method of prayer.</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmS6SIpFfZ_mai8QAIRHuOt11gf2nR_uQOsZe66AvrKAcq5z511tUbfgEyBkLoPNZx1--s9F0wgs3_R8MJZCu6Hc1wXzbbSbkmsAdQFcBDJO7Sx_pNxwJt1YJbOr9xQgJLup0QBetYSY0spaA-fuyz68cMV1fKCpSsRPbVYz5zZCVUWTFt9WZ7uaQ/s3465/20220828_115857.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2760" data-original-width="3465" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmS6SIpFfZ_mai8QAIRHuOt11gf2nR_uQOsZe66AvrKAcq5z511tUbfgEyBkLoPNZx1--s9F0wgs3_R8MJZCu6Hc1wXzbbSbkmsAdQFcBDJO7Sx_pNxwJt1YJbOr9xQgJLup0QBetYSY0spaA-fuyz68cMV1fKCpSsRPbVYz5zZCVUWTFt9WZ7uaQ/s320/20220828_115857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://amazed2017.com/2022/08/28/be-who-god-created/" target="_blank">Be Who God Created</a><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">A move of the Holy Spirit occured at Espiritu Santos church in Chapala on August 28, 2022 and several youth came forward, knelt at the alter in humility as they confessed their sins and welcomed Jesus into their hearts. Jan then had the youth line up for a personal word, and blessing. The Holy Spirit,personally touched these kids with great conviction as Jan told her testimony as Pastor Raul interpreted. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> <b><u>JAN’s HISTORY:</u></b></span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Jan was born in Alabama, and raised in Pensacola, Florida. Her
daddy owned a meat packing company, and her mamma retired from Sears and
Roebuck as the personnel manager.<b> Growing up, h<i>er mom and dad did not attend church themselves</i></b>,
but dad dropped off Jan and her brother at a local Baptist church every Sunday.
At the age of 12, Jan went forward to receive Christ Jesus with a gaggle
of close pre-teen girlfriends who were willing so that they could get a new bathing suit to be baptized in. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">When she came
home boasting of what she had done, her mother stated she was just following
the crowd. Jan graduated nursing school and worked in a hospital, a private
practice, and was a private duty nurse for Para and Quadriplegics. For a short
time she worked for a Urologist, and the last 5 years of
her nursing career was spent working in a Family Practice Office in Foley, Alabama.
Little did Jan know that her choices would soon lead her into </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center;">a personal
crisis. Jan first got married in 1967 and at the age of 20, she gave birth to
the first of her two sons. That marriage ended up in divorce in 1978 and Jan
went out seeking attention as she wildly celebrated her freedom with friends. </span><b><u><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">JAN’s TESTIMONY:</span></u></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> In 1979 Jan met a man in a bar, who said
all the things a damaged young lady wants to hear. They moved in together and
later Jan learned that her boyfriend was secretly shooting up hard drugs. Jan
eventually </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">caught him and she sought to save him by using her knowledge as a
nurse. Her boyfriend responded “How can you help me with something you know
nothing about!” Jan, full of pride, insisted “ I might not know anything about
illegal drugs, but I am smart enough </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">to not get addicted!”
In a dare to prove she was strong, Jan stuck her arm out to him. Her boyfriend
inserted a needle into her naked arm and filled her veins with liquid cocaine.
For the next 12 years, Jan’s arms were full of tracks from heroine, cocaine,
and speed use. Jan manipulated people to get the drugs she craved. She
stole from her parents and she overdosed twice and was left for dead once. She
was dangerous to herself and to others. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Jan attempted to
murder the uncle who had molested her as a child, by trying to put a meat hook
into the back of his head. She also attempted to intentionally harm the
boyfriend who introduced her to drugs.
Jan moved from Pensacola to Alabama in 1982 after getting married again.
She continued as a nurse until 1986 when she took a job at Sears and was
promoted as a Department Manager. She
wore a mask and hid her addictions and worked to support her drug habit. Soon she was divorced again and back into the
partying lifestyle. In June of 1991 she
was dumped by another live-in boyfriend because he had met Jesus and could not
be seen with a ‘whore no more’. Jan
deceived herself into thinking that she was doing okay.</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><b><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">By the will of God</span></b><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">, on August 4, 1991 </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">that same boyfriend, who was raised by a preacher, and left his home as a prodigal, </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">God used him to extend Jan an
invitation to church. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">Jan declares that she
only accepted his invite in a desperate attempt to win back the heart of this
man. She admitted that she had no desire to turn her life over to God. His will
be done on earth, and in us, as we stubbornly submit. During the music and the
sermon Jan began to weep. She thought foolishly “If I go up to the alter this
ex boyfriend would get credit.” After the service they drove 17 miles back
home. Jan was sobbing and requested that he take her back for the music service
at 6:00 pm. This inter-denominational church was celebrating their new
sanctuary that night and afterwards Jan said “We need to talk” </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">This ex-boyfriend at
one time had been a seminary student, but when his wife divorced him, the
seminary kicked him out. He had been angry at God and the church, but he was
redeemed and wanted Jan to experience new life in Christ. Later on that night
Jan cussed him because he drove her back to the church to speak with the Pastor
and his wife. On August 4, 1991 at 9:30 PM after the pastor prayed with Jan,
her heart opened and she honestly confessed to God “You know all that I have
done, and I am not sure you could use me, but I ask You to help me stop using
drugs, alcohol, tobacco and pornography. Jan knew her</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;">home was filled with
all sources of evil habits. That very night Jan was totally delivered from any
desire for drugs, or alcohol. She went home and tossed all substances into a
burn barrel. Two weeks later Jan was baptized and delivered from three and a
half packs of cigarettes a day. In October of 1991 Jan heard a man named Don
Hicks </span></div>
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give his testimony at church. His story of bad choices matched her own
struggle with addictions. Jan was moved by the Spirit to ask Don if he would
talk to her incarcerated girlfriend. They went to talk over coffee. They talked
for hours and soon after began seeing each other every day. Within three months
after their first meeting they got married on Jan 3, 1992. Don’s dad was also a
preacher, and Don also left home as a prodigal son. He had tasted all that the
world had to offer and returned home to Christ in Sept of 1991. Don was also
supernaturally delivered from all his addictions which cost him about $20,000
each summer. Don worked in construction and throughout their brief courtship,
together they attended either a bible study, or some kind of church function
every night of the week. Don led Jan into the Word, the importance of tithing
and prayer. Jan Hicks took possession of the indwelt Holy Spirit. Nothing but
the indwelt Holy Spirit could ever satisfy her hunger to know God. Jan said YES
to God and she allowed Him to inject His living Word into her soul, her body
and mind. </span><span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 15.6px;"> Don and Jan Hicks are blessed with an awesome blended family. Don's two daughters refer to Jan as "Mom" and her two sons introduce Don as "Dad". Everyone in the family has crossed over to Freedom in Christ. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: 10pt;"> The book "<u>Crossing2Freedom", by Jan Hicks</u>: </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">“If you find yourself bound by your past --- and try as you might, you are unable to move away from the lingering pain of old hurts, Jan's book encourages you to pick up your mat and walk into all that God has personally intended for you. </span></div>
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Crossing2Freedom is a must have BOOK for anyone that truly wants to be deeply healed from any past abuse, neglect, or simmering anger. A person crosses into freedom when they choose to forgive others and forgive themselves. In faith we pray effectively to release certain chapters of our past to the Lord. We live free from the urge to dwell in the hurts of the past. Jan is the real deal, and so is her book. This isn't a book of theory, Crossing2Freedom was written with the blood, sweat, and tears of her own personal journey to absolute freedom in Christ Jesus. Jan has an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying, and she walks her talk by the Holy Spirits leading.” Written by a thankful student in Mexico 2014. You can order this life changing book by clicking here: <a href="http://www.christiansunitedministries.org/">Christians United Ministries</a></div>
Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-17035991538505631112022-08-27T12:42:00.000-07:002022-08-28T18:55:18.325-07:00Barb of Bright Fables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I have bathed my mind in the wonderfully written pages of Anne of Green Gables. My imagination swells with a kindred spirit to Anne as I embrace her wordy, colorful visions. As her uninhibited tongue renames anything that impresses her as "royally beautiful", she delights to describe with specific words, that which gives glory to her soul's response to God's magnificent creation. The "White Way of Delight" is how she proclaimed the wonderfully silent, yet vivid impression she received when Matthew quietly drove her through the Avenue. "It's the first thing I ever saw that could not be improved upon by my imagination!" We too are on a journey, in a physical buggy, best driven by the Holy Spirit...to a place of peace and eternal rest..that also cannot be improved upon by our imagination...our heavenly home. "After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this." At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. And the One who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A <br />
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rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne." Revelation 4:1-4 --- It seems quite possible that the Author of our souls knows how beauty implores us to respond in praise! God's living Word gives us a glorious indescribable glimpse of His impact, His brilliance and His promise to us as He calls us to "Come up here, and I will show you"...the unmatched beauty and magnificent sounds of what our eternal home, in His presence will be like. Anne of Green Gables, Barb of Bright Fables and YOU were created to joyfully worship our faithful Father, our generous King, our powerful God for Who He is and for all that He promises us. In this life as I drive down the Libremento to it's end in Ajijic, the amber-brushed hillsides on both sides of the road<br />
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are like hands applauding Lake Chapala's graceful shifting landscape. A beach receding that is flush with ethereal shades of green bobbings and a body of water that shimmers incandescently under a rainbo colored sky. Anne would certainly call Chapala's big translucent pond "the Lake of Shining Waters". Lakeside is a little valley that is saturated with God's creative handiwork. Wistfully and eagerly I thank my Lord for His shining light of guidance, provision and promise. Oh my heavens Jesus, my mind is raptured into silent reverence as I consider ALL what You have prepared for those who love You. A Word that fits: Halleluiah!Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-19016200608380844992022-08-25T11:24:00.000-07:002022-08-28T18:55:50.044-07:00A CHANGED HEART<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqSRkX4lLXA/U9fmPqFUHuI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/y_tgos6XJF0/s1600/Byron+austen+desk+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqSRkX4lLXA/U9fmPqFUHuI/AAAAAAAAJ4Q/y_tgos6XJF0/s1600/Byron+austen+desk+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #222222;">May ye be edified by how God continues to confound the wise and
change even the most hardened hearts.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span>
This original tale of A Changed Heart puts Jane Austen and Lord Byron in Bath, England during a
period that both were known by facts of history to have visited. Jane visits for her health,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and Byron for his renewal. In
1812 Bath was the place to be, and in this year Jane was 36 years old ~ and
recently diagnosed with Addison’s disease. With her <b>opaque</b>, failing
health Jane returns to Bath. History accounts Jane's demise at the age of 41, but not without this fictional
chance encounter with Lord Byron the rebel! My intent of heart is to feather
the foam of a squawking society that cannot be satiated with the mere facts of
Jane’s quiet existence. This 5,000 word short
story includes historical places that remain in existence today. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><b><u>A CHANGED HEART</u></b> ~ It was the twenty second day of 1812 and sisters Jane and Cassandra were set upon celebrating a fresh year of promise.</span></div>
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Together these exuberant siblings enjoyed a carriage ride through the woods
from Chawton House, across the Avon gorge on a bridge that would fail all
mathematical principals yet supported the weight of thundering horses. In a
great measure their merriment was increased by their grand expectancy to
reunite with sister Lydia. The sun piercing the crisp cold of January simply added
to their delight in this long awaited return to Bath. With deliberate pursuit
of what news, good or bad they would gather, the horses clopped down Lilliput
Alley to arrive at their chosen destination. After departing Bath in 1805 when
their father George, the retired Rector of Stevenson passed, the surviving
family of mother and two spinster daughters<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">moved
into Brother Edward’s country estate near Canterbury. Both sisters were
absolutely ravenous for any sort of interesting conversation. It had been ten
elongated </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEUc955vqJo/U9foOFnWmGI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/cVIqnuQwK8Y/s1600/Byron+Cantebury+England.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uEUc955vqJo/U9foOFnWmGI/AAAAAAAAJ4k/cVIqnuQwK8Y/s1600/Byron+Cantebury+England.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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years since Jane refused to accept the unbearable and unsuitable
affections of her rejected neighbor Harris Bigg-Wither. Sense and Sensibility
was recently published and with that an extra portion of income. Gossip bloomed
regarding her unknown pen. Her chosen anonymity produced a scandal among
growing fans and a bit of notoriety in the Austen manor. It was a welcomed
temporary lift to the entire family spirit as Jane's all consuming passion of
the written word had turned into such sweet fruit for all. However reclusive
and miserable Jane had become, she rebounded this day from being vertically
flattened by her comfortable, yet stifling country existence. She was
abnormally happy to greet this day with hope for the years </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1N8HOflg5Y/U9fozLxUTEI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/fzVageEJPEk/s1600/Byron+Chawton+House+in+Hampshire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e1N8HOflg5Y/U9fozLxUTEI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/fzVageEJPEk/s1600/Byron+Chawton+House+in+Hampshire.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
spawning ahead.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Today was not going to be</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">another stupid party with a
limit of six people. “No indeed”, Jane declared “we shall not need to utter a
single word of nonsense, and for this I am motivated beyond the acute disorder
of boredom.” The famous Spring Gardens drew a fashionable throng across the
river. The Bath Chronicle had advertised hot buttered buns and public readings
at Sally Lunn’s House, the very place of great attraction to which they had
reserved to be. With explicit purpose these Austen sisters had planned and
twittered about what to wear ever since Christmas Eve. They arrived just before
noon and were quickly engulfed in Lydia’s embrace! The reception of the three
sisters by the proprietor was exuberant and Jane dreaded any recognition that
may result from his great felicity. They were seated among the visiting
aristocrats at a requested back table.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">The
atmosphere chosen for this reunion was done <div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNRrbJbVPDQ/U9fpP5FNa1I/AAAAAAAAJ40/p6qsAMlSSIE/s1600/Byron+Sally+Lunns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aNRrbJbVPDQ/U9fpP5FNa1I/AAAAAAAAJ40/p6qsAMlSSIE/s1600/Byron+Sally+Lunns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
without a thought for economy as
Jane delighted in the opportunity of being generous towards her sisters. In
December Jane had written a note to the proprietor and asked him to pay
particular attention to the elegance of the table in which she and her sisters
would sit. This would provoke an apt expression of exceeding joy for Lydia
especially. Even in her maturity, Lydia was yet unabashedly Lydia and prone to
notice all accouterments's added in honor of her visit. A moistened cluster of
Pansies and Camellias tied together with </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hy2tAUIR7c/U9fpycRkZOI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/PRtx52as75w/s1600/Byron+Camellia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hy2tAUIR7c/U9fpycRkZOI/AAAAAAAAJ5A/PRtx52as75w/s1600/Byron+Camellia.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">purple ribbon was the centerpiece atop
a white embroidered table cloth. The decor accentuated the rare joy of
benefiting from Lydia's way of abounding in vigor. For this particular</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">New Year outing, the rich use
of color, the aroma and warmth from the baking ovens wasted nothing on the
elevated hopes for this memory making occasion.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Jane was recently released from
her doctors restrictions, and so delighted to be out and wearing Cassandra’s
Christmas gift. A hand stitched white lace scarf that brightened the grey long
sleeved satin dress that fitted Jane's thin shoulders. Lydia had received a
letter from Cass that gave voice to her dire concern for Jane’s frail health.
Lydia’s discovery of such news gave priority to her certain attendance. The
provocation that led to this celebratory moment was unbeknownst to Jane. With
such extreme happiness</span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZjHqZ-jrH4/U9fqCpEZKOI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/5TVtdk2gilA/s1600/Byron+jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BZjHqZ-jrH4/U9fqCpEZKOI/AAAAAAAAJ5I/5TVtdk2gilA/s1600/Byron+jane.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
over this New Year reunion, Cass was pleased that Jane’s
countenance had notably improved. From the hand painted menu, Jane ordered a
selection of sweets for the reunion; tea, three hot buns, lemon curd,
Devon-shire cream and strawberries. After the customary etiquette of time, the
tea was poured by attending staff into the beautifully ornate tea cups. With
spoons quietly swirling, Jane’s eyes widened with a shock.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Her confounded expression led
Lydia and Cassandra to join in Jane’s directed gaze. A pin drop would have
sliced the silence that enraptured all three sisters. Suddenly the group focus
was on whose voice they were hearing. Could they trust their ears? What was
being publicly read was from Sense and Sensibility. A portion had been
reproduced and circulated in the Bath Chronicle. But it was not just that Jane
was the author of this enlightened novel, but rather who was reading it! To
Jane it was</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">indeed a
rather disturbing misfortune to be so honored by such an </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo0xirg0zyk/U9frRD2AWBI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/25CYhg1ofy4/s1600/Byron+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo0xirg0zyk/U9frRD2AWBI/AAAAAAAAJ5U/25CYhg1ofy4/s1600/Byron+portrait.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
undesirable reader.
Simultaneously the Austen sisters recognized the one reading as England's very
own Lord Byron! Jane would have hoped to find a noted scholar giving voice to
her articulated large truths, but as it is, she was completely vexed by the
audacity of the infamously impetuous Lord Byron! He read while brandishing his
arms and with a chuckle he read what Edward Ferrars spoke to the impressionable
young Marianne. Jane was instantly filled with illegitimate thoughts as her
words slithered through the lips of this most offensive person. Her eyes froze
upon Byron’s smiling mouth as he read. With growing consternation brewing she
thought</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">"Fate has
been unkind that this man, of all men should read my heartfelt works with such
a grinning smirk!" Lydia was lit up with such pride that she was ready to
applaud had Jane not constrained her. Byron’s eyes glanced over at their table.
Jane shifted in her chair and lowered her eyes to dissuade any polite
conversation. Byron ended his animated reading and sat down with a crowded
table of mostly female admirers. Cassandra and Lydia both acknowledged verbally
how lovely of Lord Byron to choose to not read any of the many verses he had
written, but to select Jane's. The two chortled on with hilarity mixed in their
volume and soon resumed in reminiscent conversation. Jane bowed out of their
silly theories of <div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQHbZy5yrk/U9fr4sA1PrI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/8KaFAg85aOY/s1600/Byron+Sense+Matthew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OdQHbZy5yrk/U9fr4sA1PrI/AAAAAAAAJ5c/8KaFAg85aOY/s1600/Byron+Sense+Matthew.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
why Lord Byron had chosen Sense and Sensibility out of all
the books ever published. Jane was understood by family to resist any
extroverted nonsense and was left undisturbed by her company to sit silently
musing about the</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">history
of Bath.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">The name came
about from the legend of Prince Bladud. The tale is that the Prince caught
leprosy and was banned from the court and forced to look after pigs. Like the
pigs, Prince Bladud was instructed to wallow in hot mud and was then found to
be cured of his decaying skin. After being crowned King, he founded the city
and named it Bath. Jane’s mind was steeped in poor opinion, she judged Lord
Byron entirely on what others had said. Her mortification's erupted with a
selfish wish that<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5aCcEGeBYE/U9fsWQplCfI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/WVNkUswJH1s/s1600/Byron+reads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5aCcEGeBYE/U9fsWQplCfI/AAAAAAAAJ5s/WVNkUswJH1s/s1600/Byron+reads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Lord Byron's skin would suddenly crawl as if diseased and
cause him to cease reading. That he might wallow in remorse for his degrading
illicit affairs. Cassandra was attentive to Jane and acutely aware of her
sister’s anguished look as Lord Byron gave animated voice to her writing. With
resignation and a lowered tone, Jane turned and bitterly complained in a whisper
"He may pen verses that cause women to faint at his feet, but his good
looks cannot recover his unrepentant reputation. It grieves me to think of how
his opinion of my work clashes against the blemish of his undone moral
character!" Cassandra quietly pleaded "Oh Jane, I agree he is not the
'Byronic hero' that his accusers claim. I perceive him to be a melancholy man
who broods about perhaps a misery of some unknown unforgivable event in his
past. His heart shows pure in his poetry, and his music. His delight in your
wit brings him a measure of joy, and for this we must see that your pen has
fulfilled its purpose in him." Jane could barely be attentive to her
sister's supposition when Lord Byron approached their table. It was Jane’s
forthright intention to remain unapproachable. She began to fidget uncontrollably
whispering to Lydia's ear</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">"Oh
what shall I do, I </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG_dwBa458A/U9fsOloYZ4I/AAAAAAAAJ5o/DIMQwun7JLU/s1600/Byron+holds+book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RG_dwBa458A/U9fsOloYZ4I/AAAAAAAAJ5o/DIMQwun7JLU/s1600/Byron+holds+book.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">simply cannot speak to this man whose reputation is ruined
by his confirmed promiscuity!” Byron was a hero to many women, but not Jane!
His romantic poetry was in a style that she could not fully comprehend as such
passion for another had not been her friend. The fame of his scandalous private
life was described by one contemporary as “mad, bad and dangerous to know”.
Lydia retorted "Oh Jane, calm yourself and take pleasure in the
moment." Byron had recently published the first two cantos of Childe
Harold's Pilgrimage and Jane was not one of his adoring socialites! She gave
him due credit for speaking effectively in the House of Lords on important
liberal themes, however, his hectic love-affair with his half sister</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Augusta was disgusting!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Jane’s brother Henry did not
lead Jane away from the truth, but with great affection and respect for her
intellect, he wisely chose to simply empower her with the facts of what was
noteworthy in </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfUd6RpAr5g/U9ftPwfy8HI/AAAAAAAAJ54/8DH-A8wW8gE/s1600/Byron+pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfUd6RpAr5g/U9ftPwfy8HI/AAAAAAAAJ54/8DH-A8wW8gE/s1600/Byron+pride.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">England. Jane had the privilege to read about the romantic style
now in demand, however, a plunder of gushing words to describe gothic
architecture and nature's perfect landscape was a bore to Jane. She refused to
write to please the latest fashionable obsession to read paragraphs filled with
adverbs to depict a simple fallen leaf. The fascination of England over Byron's
life and style of pen was indeed not shared by Jane. With his worthless
character so widely in print, how is it that her text would be so tarnished by
his tongue! Jane had procured</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">a
quiver of dark facts about a man named Lord Byron from a Lady Beckham, wife of
the local magistrate. No mercy was seen through the eyes of the law, but Byron
was seen by His Creator with through the eyes of grace. From a house filled
with the discussion of law, Lady Beckham felt obliged to share love less words
that drifted in from England. Jane held this one opinion of man above Gods and
in so doing she could not</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">conceive
that any good could be held in the person of Lord Byron. Having ascertained
steadfast knowledge of his affairs, Jane was absolutely incensed that this
tragedy should land on her happiest day! Lord </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85qdMYoCpVs/U9ftho-VMlI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/UtMH7KVS_tA/s1600/Byron+Sense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-85qdMYoCpVs/U9ftho-VMlI/AAAAAAAAJ6A/UtMH7KVS_tA/s1600/Byron+Sense.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
Byron unaware of Jane's personal rebellion
against him, stood at their table, bowed, clicked his heels and with a wave of
a gentleman’s arm said "Miss Austen, your appearance is far lovelier than
a flower in bloom. It is indeed my genuine honor to meet the woman that shall
most certainly cause any man of intelligence to open the contents of his
heart." Altogether astonished at his grace and manner, Jane felt a flush
of conviction spreading to her cheeks. The spirit of repulsion had been
suddenly banished. Humbled by his sincerity, she questioned "What
brings one as notable as you to Bath when London brims with praise for your
work?" Byron then spoke "It would have been bold of me to suppose that
on my birthday I should be gifted with the </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YwAlPXzL5o/U9fuAb_VehI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/rZUMj8_pFa0/s1600/Byron+austen+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1YwAlPXzL5o/U9fuAb_VehI/AAAAAAAAJ6I/rZUMj8_pFa0/s1600/Byron+austen+hat.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
presence of such an accomplished
woman. Therefore I must advance to request your forgiveness for my lack of
social reserve in my cavalier approach. As destiny happens to surprise us with
occasional sweetness, I am compelled to reveal this genuine truth. Having just
refreshed myself with the wit and content of your heart, and having hoped that
I would someday meet the humble writer who wishes to remain anonymous, without
presumption of course, that you are indeed that very artist ~ I am compelled to
agree with the whispers in England that a woman, indeed a brilliant poetess
penned Sensibly the Sense found in the verses I just read. If you are indeed
the author, your secret is safe with me and I am further bold to ask that if we
are contemporaries, might we enjoy a literary conversation over tea whilst I am
in town?" Jane hesitated as Lydia inserted “Yes, yes Jane wrote what you
have read and she has been writing many wondrous works since before she
attended the Abbey School in reading.” With that horrifying thrust of truth,
Jane could not offer any ignorance to who wrote what Byron just read and her
eyes blazed across the table at Lydia! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qv7sFX-ZZUg/U9fuSBy-EgI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/hxMyHFPwgWA/s1600/Byron+hotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qv7sFX-ZZUg/U9fuSBy-EgI/AAAAAAAAJ6Q/hxMyHFPwgWA/s1600/Byron+hotel.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
Silence hovered like a thick blanket of
fog and Lord Byron was correct in his perception that Lydia’s innocent
enthusiasm had caused Jane to fluster with a visible chagrin. The kismet of
their meeting had quickly dissolved and with the fastidious aplomb of a
gentleman, Byron said “I stutter in the presence of such humility for it is a
lesson that I am hard learning. Might you be assured that your anonymity shall
be reverently respected Miss Austen. My time in Bath will be short as I have
been invited to Lake Geneva with Percy Shelley. So if I should be so fortunate
to cross your path again, it would be considered my full portion to speak more
completely of your inspirations.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Thank
you for giving me the gift of your time on my birthday. Miss Austen and ladies
I bid you good day.” Byron left their table yet his stunning words swarmed
through each lady in attendance. Lydia burst into tears at the thought of
having vexed Jane when the afternoon had been so full of promise. “Dearest
Jane, I am miserably sorry for having ruined our day with </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhqy9oSxWS0/U9fugOwwwOI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/y8zYYfUM_lc/s1600/Byron+glee+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nhqy9oSxWS0/U9fugOwwwOI/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/y8zYYfUM_lc/s1600/Byron+glee+girls.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
my impetuous
behavior. I humbly acknowledge that I disrespected your desire to remain anonymous,
and I admit that my pride for your accomplishment simply erased any ability to
control my tongue. I beg for your pardon my sweet Jane.” Jane remained quiet in
a state of violent shock by what had just occurred. She usually was quick to
recover with a bit of wicked wit, but somehow she sat unready to speak a word.
Lydia became excessively more distraught in Jane's hushed state.
Compassionately Cassandra</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">quietly
offered her sister a look of encouragement. It was a nod of approval for
her surprising maturity in the admission of her uncontrolled tottering. Jane
seemed to suddenly come back to a dimension of consciousness from the distant
place her mind had wondered. With a warmth in her tone, the elder sister Jane
looked at Lydia and proclaimed "The afternoon is yet young and it need not
be cut short on a sour note. I shall seek no excuse for your bold assertion of
truth, and it is I that must seek your merciful forgiveness. Let us return to
joy and dismiss any further conjectures </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJokpbG0k5A/U9fvsvNIBlI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/8Oo6136yUDs/s1600/Byron+Persuasion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJokpbG0k5A/U9fvsvNIBlI/AAAAAAAAJ6k/8Oo6136yUDs/s1600/Byron+Persuasion.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
regarding Lord Byron knowing that I
wrote Sense and Sensibility. "</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Ahhh, whom is leading who? Jane possessed a
winsome nature which allowed her to devote her observations and responses to
any witnessed social guffaws as merely a source of inspiration to be noted with
fanciful embellishment and either etched or scratched from a page. With a
renewed light filled heart Jane continued "Let us delight in the fact that
we have met Lord Byron and rest assured Lydia that your exuberant personality
is something that I have always and will continue to admire. We shall all gain
valuable insights from what has transpired this day. My spirit was forthrightly
admonished most accurately for the rage I held towards Lord Byron without a
single idea of how much my judgment must have grieved God as my witness.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Are we not all called to
forgive and we have been forgiven? Come then let us amuse ourselves with what
else is worthy of our attention and accept that not one of us is above needing
a bit of coaching away from any gloating or thought of superiority. My personal
lesson this day is to offer more grace instead of disdain.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Oh my</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">dear
ever radiant Lydia, may the ever present </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjZ9xUjICYA/U9fv3c24LVI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/OFJazVK9gFk/s1600/Byron+persuades+Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjZ9xUjICYA/U9fv3c24LVI/AAAAAAAAJ6s/OFJazVK9gFk/s1600/Byron+persuades+Jane.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
joy you carry ~ be instantly
contagious as we are obliged to enjoy this glorious day! We came together to
spoil ourselves with the fruits of our lessons in labor.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">I am the proud sister of two
amazing women of such grace that it doth far surpass my capacity to grasp the
love God has lavished upon one so unworthy! " A more noble recitation of
the value contained in a self reproof could not have been better stated. Cass
gushed with glee for the end of the tension at the table and each one served
themselves a heaping spoon of berries and cream. An unequaled magnitude of
happiness was the joint lullaby that rocked all to sleep. As they did when they
were young, all three slept together tucked between luxurious silk sheets in
their shared garden suite at the Apsley House</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Hotel.
Awakened by Lydia's giggling,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">it
was a shared bliss to explore Bath's exquisite gardens. Cass, Lydia and Jane
engaged in a joyful frolic of ring around the Posey, just as they once did as
little girls. Jane began to sing </span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8zP5onBpR4/U9fwkXDHimI/AAAAAAAAJ60/5tNBpKRmb6s/s1600/Byron+Apsley+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a8zP5onBpR4/U9fwkXDHimI/AAAAAAAAJ60/5tNBpKRmb6s/s1600/Byron+Apsley+House.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
as she brushed her hair and Cass played the
piano while the fire crackled. Before getting dressed and assuming proper
composure for breakfast, the three spent time delighting in the coincidence of
Lord Byron's personal introduction and earnest praise of Jane's pen. Such
providence was a sure sign that 1812 would continue to be a year of tremendous
surprise. Raised in the country the ladies insisted on a brisk morning walk
before tea. Bundled up in jackets and bonnets they took a jaunt across the
green to the camellia garden. Jane let loose with a fanciful bird call </span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSbOX6B4UA8/U9fxh0HK2oI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/wBckDpN0MLM/s1600/Byron+Corsham+Court.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PSbOX6B4UA8/U9fxh0HK2oI/AAAAAAAAJ7A/wBckDpN0MLM/s1600/Byron+Corsham+Court.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">and indulged
her imagination that this pleasure would have wings that would take her through
the entire winter. The ever demure Cass also afforded herself a skip in her
walk and a tune in her hum while Lydia shrieked over the finery of each new
blossom that seized her gaze. As Jane turned the corner around a carved hedge
she came face to face with none other than Lord Byron. Her nose red and running
from the bitter cold was quickly wiped with an embroidered hanky tucked in her
sleeve. "Good morning Miss Austen" His greeting was chipper and again
she felt that her tongue had been swallowed. Jane was absolutely exasperated by
her inability to hide her</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">annoyance
of being rendered utterly speechless in this man’s presence.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">As if she were a school girl,
her eyes darted away from his as they sought another focus that would not give
the one on looking a chance to </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1K2lR5ZQ_yI/U9fx66y2tXI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/QBtBizkJqcs/s1600/Byron+Kilver+Court+Secret+Gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1K2lR5ZQ_yI/U9fx66y2tXI/AAAAAAAAJ7E/QBtBizkJqcs/s1600/Byron+Kilver+Court+Secret+Gardens.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
peer into her soul. Time seemed to have been
suspended as her troubled mind tumbled over what words would become sensible in
response to his obvious delight in having encountered her again. Peering round
the hedge to see if her sisters were coming, her gaze then settled on his face
as she greeted "Good morning Lord Byron, and what a surprise to happen
upon you so early in the morning. My sisters and I found our chambers at Apsley
House most agreeable and I so hope that your stay has been equally
congenial." Just then Cassandra and Lydia approached from behind the
immense hedge and were equally startled to look upon the ever captivating Lord
Byron. Lydia never pinched for clever words quickly exerted "My Lord what
a lovely jolt of good fortune to chance <div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzbogQj0Az0/U9fyXvxR4YI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/rv0QnG5wJzw/s1600/Byron+Peto+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CzbogQj0Az0/U9fyXvxR4YI/AAAAAAAAJ7M/rv0QnG5wJzw/s1600/Byron+Peto+Garden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
upon seeing you twice within so short
of hours.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Is not this
morning a bounty of benefit to have the favor of your presence while strolling
in the garden! Come Cassandra, since we have all been formally introduced, it
is certainly socially acceptable to allow these contemporaries to engage in a
conversation that would literally be above our heads. Jane we will not be far
ahead, and do not worry Lord Byron, we shall also keep this accidental meeting
treasured as a family secret." Jane stood confounded by her sisters
offering that she would be available for such a extemporaneous meeting. Lord
Byron noted Jane's surprise and accepted the option with grace as he offered
"Jane if you find it within your schedule, and if it is not too
objectionable, might we sit briefly and enjoy a fortuitous exchange?" With
consideration for her recent lesson on </span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-B1ZbKV810/U9fyvdoGHJI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/y2owPwJSp0k/s1600/Byron+sits+with+new+sisters+END.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-B1ZbKV810/U9fyvdoGHJI/AAAAAAAAJ7U/y2owPwJSp0k/s1600/Byron+sits+with+new+sisters+END.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">grace, with the utmost elegance she
extended her gloved hand to accept the arm he most handsomely extended. They
walked together in silence at a dignified pace towards the garden bench.
Feeling ever so slightly pained by the obligation thrust upon her repentant
heart, she was hesitant to admit that Byron's charm was having its impact and
she simply chose to acquiesce. Byron placed his woolen scarf to soak the dew
from the bench. He then assisted Jane as she descended to sit. Sitting aside
her he gave careful respect for a ladies requirement for a decent distance.
After a lush moment of silence they both began to speak at the same time.
Giggling softly Jane composed "You have delivered me unsolicited
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaepjLEAADo/U9fy5VB0n4I/AAAAAAAAJ7c/wfFWNWs124k/s1600/Byron+jane+scribles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MaepjLEAADo/U9fy5VB0n4I/AAAAAAAAJ7c/wfFWNWs124k/s1600/Byron+jane+scribles.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
appreciation for what has been anonymously published of my writing. Coming from
a man of such magnified influence on society, it took me a bit of time to
receive the full measure of your most genuine manner.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">I therefore must acknowledge your professional recognition
with a rather delayed and reflected honor. Your evaluation was extremely
favorable and with that said I must confess that though your style differs, in
your poetic verses, I am fairly charged to accept perceptions that would not be
mine." Byron's gaze upon her while she spoke was fixed upon her
particularly honest and refreshing pure candor. In his fame he has known many a
person who would struggle to flank him with praise for works that he himself
believed to be unworthy. His earnest fascination for her plain speaking
encouraged him to be likewise.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">"May
I consider you a friend Miss Jane?" She looked at him quizzically "I
would be </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0oTSMka0a0/U9fzKHKK1II/AAAAAAAAJ7k/kQuZR44HHhQ/s1600/Byron+thanks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0oTSMka0a0/U9fzKHKK1II/AAAAAAAAJ7k/kQuZR44HHhQ/s1600/Byron+thanks.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
honored to name you among my small orchestra of friends. I shall
consider you the sweet violin that accompanies the delicate keys of my sister's
piano" Byron was smiling wide when he professed " Then Jane it is
with unsurpassed respect that I feel compelled to now speak apt words that
would encourage you to continue to write as a mirror of great value for the
generations to come. My poetry is to be figured out, to be interpreted by some
as folly, and others as romance, but your insights within relationships has
been a grand lesson for me. Your brightness and humor holds in it great promise
as a writer of important substance."</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> Jane
sat blushing as she had not been so encouraged by anyone quite so eloquently.
She was accustomed to her<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">beloved
Cassandra's partial praise, but this was from a person who had no association
or occasion to gain. Lord Byron halted his desire to further persuade Jane of
the tremendous clout with which her words had impaled upon him. He leveraged
the moment by </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azpf0t72gUQ/U9f38JiV8OI/AAAAAAAAJ74/kmTy6burq4U/s1600/Byron+Bennett+family+Pride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Azpf0t72gUQ/U9f38JiV8OI/AAAAAAAAJ74/kmTy6burq4U/s1600/Byron+Bennett+family+Pride.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
adding "I have much more to say to you, more than you can
now seem to bear." It was wise to hold his words to a few as he was
certain by her expressions that she grappled with the minimum of what he so
ardently desired to confess. "Until the spirit of revelation is fully
surrendered to, none of us can comprehend how deeply the written word can
minister to the hidden brokenness of a human heart." Jane was struck with
the duplicity of his public persona and the words he was now speaking to her.
It was as if God Himself had introduced him to her for such a time as this. In
her fragile state of health, the family excursions to the seaside of Sidmouth,
Dawlish and Lyme Regis were intentional to refresh Jane's weakened condition.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">She concluded that God had a
ripping sense of humor that He would use Lord Byron to teach and uplift her to
a height that was precisely heavenly. His gallantry with her erased all
previous inclinations regarding his character. She was reminded in their silent
walk through the garden of a conversation she had enjoyed with her father, a
member of the clergy, charged to pray for all people, the saved and especially
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_psg-rXx_Y/U9f5izTfmOI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/Qo4S3o5H3g8/s1600/Byron+forgives.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_psg-rXx_Y/U9f5izTfmOI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/Qo4S3o5H3g8/s1600/Byron+forgives.png" width="252" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
the lost. Her sister Cassandra had readily perceived that Lord Byron’s lack of
parenting and disconnect from the faith caused him to write from his darkness.
It was curious to Jane that the wit of her pen had been so meaningful that he
would pour out such praise of something she did not write with the intention of
converting a soul. Feeling a freedom to speak with honesty she confessed
"Among my few friends and shrinking family it would be considered an
indecent crush between us if it were known that we are sitting alone sharing
such transparent words.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">Ashamed as I should be to admit</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">that my first impression</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">of you was rather severe and unjust, I
now perceive you with a worthy extraordinary esteem. Not entirely based on your
kindness shown towards me, but having more to do with my own conviction for
having judged you at all" Byron was tested to also recite his compulsory
penchant to discover who wrote the stirring words that he had chosen to read
publicly in several places before Bath. “Miss Austen it was my choice to
unmercifully badger my publisher to research and reveal just who was the lady
genius behind what my heart believes to be a legacy, a gift to all who at some
point </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu9kd3GdBy8/U9f5s8uCicI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/-UtDj2oJYA4/s1600/Byron+gift+grace+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu9kd3GdBy8/U9f5s8uCicI/AAAAAAAAJ8M/-UtDj2oJYA4/s1600/Byron+gift+grace+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
find themselves questioning the meaning of life. The content of Sense and
Sensibility is profound as it does not ridicule, but it was written to enlighten.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">My initial shock was to learn that it was written by a woman,
and the most astonishing revelation was that she is a woman who is the daughter
of a clergyman. I read about love, emptiness and pain that is laced with
forbearance. My depraved self-indulgence has never been delayed or as
controlled as your words. My attempts to fill the emptiness of my souls cry for
love, fame or money has not met with contentment or sensibility. My questions
to why was I born, or why I was chosen to live out the title as Lord Byron have
yet to be answered. Having met many statesmen, and after many debates with
esteemed writers, I was moved to take steps to meet and speak to Jane Austen
before I depart this plane. Escaping my past is impossible; however, I do have
hope in a future that includes people of your dignity and character. My
confession to you </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp08256XxUI/U9f586j85SI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/W-OyApgb2Nk/s1600/Byron+world+forgive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dp08256XxUI/U9f586j85SI/AAAAAAAAJ8U/W-OyApgb2Nk/s1600/Byron+world+forgive.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
Miss Austen is that I came to Bath in hopes that we would
somehow come to this very open and honest communication." Jane was
surprised by the clarity he gleaned from something she wrote to simply
entertain, but she was not surprised at how God could use anything to draw the
lost back to Himself. After soothing him with a look of sincere compassion Jane
smiled and shared “My dear brother Byron it has been remarkable to witness my
own transformation during our brief yet divine interface. My lessons have been
great last night and again today. What I am not is a saint. I therefore must
encourage you to trust that God has a plan for you just as He planned that you
would read something and seek comfort from something new. Indeed our lifestyles
may differ, however my lifelong lesson is to be quick to listen,</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">slow to speak and slow</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">to become angry.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> Without my Father talking to
me about God, left to myself, my life would be full of what the world would
perceive as unforgivable. When I heard you reading my words last evening I was filled with pride and prejudice.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFsNj5q5rNQ/U9f6GLmovNI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/lw6gN5rksvI/s1600/Byron+and+Jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFsNj5q5rNQ/U9f6GLmovNI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/lw6gN5rksvI/s1600/Byron+and+Jane.jpg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
We each seek to know that somehow our work,
our life, our being alive has in some measure benefited someone, somewhere in
some small way. Sitting here now with the man known to the world as the bad,
mad and dangerous boy ~ because of grace issued unto me, I see you in the light of truth. I was blinded and deceived, but I now perceive thee correctly. I shall treasure our friendship forever, and NOT because
you protest that my words have inspired you, but because you Lord Byron have
inspired me to write more truly about poor judgment. To write as transparently as you have spoken. My pride had a desperate need to be broken
and thoroughly undone, so I thank God for our chance encounter.</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">For
all the friends that I have had while alive, for all the silly parties that I
have attended, this conversation we are now engaged in has been the most
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMlyo5Yy5gw/U9f6ui1fRMI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/0R2jqlkNpB4/s1600/Byron+pray+forgives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMlyo5Yy5gw/U9f6ui1fRMI/AAAAAAAAJ8o/0R2jqlkNpB4/s1600/Byron+pray+forgives.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">
fulfilling of my lifetime. Might I call you simply brother Byron?” His response
was immediate “Yes, sister Jane, I would like that very much.” Lydia came into
view and waved them towards the lake where Cassandra was engaged in teasing the
geese. Jane then was prompted to inquire “Brother Byron, please accept this
most wonderful invitation to join the Austen sisters for some frivolity this
afternoon! Also, I was wondering if you would be so kind as to grace us with
your fame for a surprise birthday lunch for our beloved brother? If delighting
your poor sister is something that brings you joy, then might I also request
that you would read to your adoring family some of your prose?” Byron beamed
“It is indeed a dreadful sin to have</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;">such
an indecent crush on your sister!” They both laughed and soon stood beside the
lake skipping rocks across the still water. Lydia’s childlike laughter and
Cassandra’s sweet humming added the distinct sense that 1812 was bound to be a
great year filled with a joy that will surpass every understanding. After a
time they raced back to the hotel where Jane would tell eager ears that the
conclusion of her titillating odyssey this afternoon was that the Austen family
had acquired a rather dashing new brother in Lord Byron!</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 13.85pt;"> </span><strong style="line-height: 13.85pt;">(END OF STORY but not the fascination of
Jane Austen) This story</strong><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> was submitted to the Austen Fan 2011 Contest hosted on the Republic of Pemberly website and published on Valentine’s Day 2011.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.85pt;">
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-46799762394694533802022-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:002022-08-28T18:56:13.431-07:00WONDEROUS CHANGE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Did you know that METAMORPHOSIS is a term derived from the Greek word meaning a transformation? Truth is that we are born out of the seed, the ova, the egg of Abraham. Much like the butterfly, there are four stages in our transformation, our metamorphosis from being a voracious consumer of all the world has to offer, to a new creature "in Christ" who has been gifted with unique abilities. With discernment we fly high above world views and we see things correctly through the mind of Christ. We were all born from a seed, on a planet full of many things to eat, ideas to ingest. The larva (caterpillar) eats voraciously for several weeks, growing so fat, so full that it splits its skin and sheds several times. The baby (human) eats for several months, and grows out of its newborn clothes quickly. The hard shelled PUPA (chrysalis) is formed around the caterpillar because it has chosen to slow down with a willingness to surrender ALL to it's Creator. For several months, inside the hard </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1a_cnBHl_E/XeGxal6YHvI/AAAAAAABK08/aiEppfPmUc4USXaQ5Z40YYfRtXviNc5dQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1001529_10151696119776530_917877876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="471" data-original-width="556" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q1a_cnBHl_E/XeGxal6YHvI/AAAAAAABK08/aiEppfPmUc4USXaQ5Z40YYfRtXviNc5dQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/1001529_10151696119776530_917877876_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">pupa a miraculous meltdown occurs. Science confirms that the caterpillar is no more ---as inside the pupa, nothing is found but green slime. Not a leg, not an ear, not an eye, an idea or the skin of a caterpillar exists. From the green slime, God knits together a whole new creature with amazing wings and a purpose filled gift to fly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ADULT (butterfly) emerges from the hardened pupa ready for a new life, not crawling on the ground, but in flight looking down with a new body, and a life filled with AWE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Monarch butterfly reaches deep into flowers and gathers a lot of nectar, they taste with their feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> "Taste and see that the Lord is good." </span>Pollen sticks to their feet and they transport this life giving nutrient to make a new seed, a new plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Like the outer shell of a single kernel of wheat must be broken, for new life to come forth, so must we. What does our Lord love and require of us? A broken and contrite spirit. For we humans to crack, to breakdown, to surrender to God's bigger plan, it often takes much suffering on our part. As we yield to the seed of Truth bursting within us, we agree to be confined to the Word of God, and to be transformed. Our Father desires His creation to fully experience "Christ in us" His hope for glory! </span>The butterflies compound eyes allow them to see a wide spectrum of color and detect predators while in flight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wings are made of tiny scales which are water repellent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Monarch migrates up to 3,000 miles for a single season, never to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Simply consider how the Creator of all things installed a GPS in the mind of a butterfly, that </span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">the Monarch, several</span></div>
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generations later, still manages to return to the same exact place of origin is still a subject of research and astounding WONDER.<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> Wise people</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> gather much insight by reading God’s word. It is truly marvelous to behold the discovery that as we surrender ALL, and die to our self-centered ways, we emerge to migrate in flight to spread the GOOD NEWS. Just like the caterpillar, we put off the corrupted old self, and during the divine melting down process of sanctification, we are no longer constrained by the world, but we are set free, as a new creature in Christ. We were chosen and saved by grace to continue to work out our salvation as we renew our mind in who we are "in Him". </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Several generations later, man returns to marvel at the mystery of God’s ways! "As he was praying, the appearance of his face </span><b style="font-family: Calibri;">change</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>d</b>, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning." LUKE 9:29 ~ "Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be </span><b style="font-family: Calibri;">change</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>d</b> in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDf2saucCF4/XeGkXLKgUAI/AAAAAAABK0g/gqC5e1OvCEcM39j7zYxTygVuSaADHCdzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/79219443_1029651450706737_8734286321104715776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="705" data-original-width="720" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dDf2saucCF4/XeGkXLKgUAI/AAAAAAABK0g/gqC5e1OvCEcM39j7zYxTygVuSaADHCdzQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/79219443_1029651450706737_8734286321104715776_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Unwilling to commit to the cocoon, <br />
40 years later, no surrender, no change!</span></td></tr>
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For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be </span><b style="font-family: Calibri;">change</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b style="font-family: calibri;">d</b><span style="font-family: "calibri";">." 1 Corinthians 15:51-52 - </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Without falling to the ground and dying to our selfish ways, we remain a single seed, with no growth, and zero CHANGE. People who are bound to their flesh, their will, their ways - they remain unable to experience all the glory of God. Consider the Apostle Paul and if he boasted, he spoke about his weakness, for without Christ we can do nothing that has any eternal value. Thank God for each season, for every change, and for His consistency, and the Holy Spirit's persistent conviction to "walk this way". His job "in us" is to teach, guide and grow us until we step into heaven. The work of Jesus was finished on the cross, but we are reminded to work out our salvation, our freedom "in Christ". As a new creature in Christ we are given </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">compound eyes that allow us to see a wider, larger purpose and detect predators while on our journey. Without divine transformation, we cannot the crucified life. A poem that inspires a stuffed caterpillar to <a href="https://amazed2017.com/2019/11/05/a-part-of-his-story/">Total Surrender</a> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">and to put on</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29297A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29297A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> the new self,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29297B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29297B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Ephesians 4:24 and "</span><span style="background-color: white;">So if the Son sets you </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">free</b><span style="background-color: white;">, you will be </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">free</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">indeed</b><span style="background-color: white;">." John 8:36 Ever wonder what your gift is? Click this link and be transported to a look at the <a href="https://amazed2017.com/2019/11/01/gifts-of-the-spirit/">Gifts of the Spirit</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-89505744222917190152022-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:002022-08-28T18:57:59.021-07:00Word Fast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Ahhh, let me hear you say "outstanding!" Or tickle my ear with "that sounds marvelous!" Increase my joy by replying "what fun!" Fascinate me by your interest in the tale I told. "What a blessing that must have been!" </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"We have two ears, and one mouth....let us listen more, and speak more about "their" positive impact, "their" value, and less about me, me, me. Why not ask more questions, and listen intently? Let us not minimize "their" experience with one of our own. Simply remark on how you perceive the potential THEY have to be a mighty force, a great </span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">blessing to others! The Holy Spirit dwells within each beleiver. He is just waiting to be asked to take hold of our tongues so that we can speak more blessings! "Are </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">you listening to what the Spirit is saying?" We are exhorted to "LISTEN" many times in God's Word. Examine yourself: Does the content of my mind and heart show up on my face as a smile or a scowl? Are you baffled by doors that have been closed to you? Do people seek to be around you? Are you a light? Do you consider IF your complaints</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">about people in authority, or about innocent strangers..."IF"you are pleasing God, or those that hear the complaint? Or do you simply voice whatever runs through your mind without the filter of considering God's purpose? Do you resist changing your pattern of thinking and speaking? Why? Are your thoughts superior to God's? While observing God's beloved people, are you judging them by asking "Why would anybody say that, or do that?" As Jesus hears every thought, if we remain surrendered to the Holy Spirit, He might respond "Only God knows the motives of man's heart and that we all fall short and need grace." Are you easily irritated
by perpetually optimistic people? Does your level of contentment depend on who wins the game, the race, the election? Do you grumble when plans change? Do you automatically issue mercy because you have received much? </span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;"> Do you seek opportunities to encourage?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Do you look for what is GOOD in your
spouse, in the White House, your team or
the church and speak it? Are you quick to inject a compliment or a complaint? Are you
inclined to defend your ways, your thoughts, your actions, your opinions? Do you listen with both ears and an open
mind? Are you quick to point out the good, the better way when in the midst of chaos? Can you admit that you miss
the moment in front of you as you reminisce about the way it used to be? Will you agree or deny the scripture that
paints the picture of a man’s stinking thinking? “What comes out of a man is
what defiles a man.” Mark 7:20-23 For our heavenly Father is fully aware of our secret criticisms. Inside every Christian, the Holy Spirit abides, and He is there to help us be purified of all that defiles us. Can
you agree that sarcastic humor is just as wicked, or as sinful as profanity or
murder? It is foolishness to
deceive ourselves... and pride fully deny... that a critical spirit is not of God. Lord, in the name of Jesus, help us heed Your calling for
our hearts to be transformed as we put on the mind of Christ. Wash our minds and uproot </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">the deep pockets
of judgment that reside in our hearts. Give us eyes to see what You see in
others. A living hope, a holy restoration and the ongoing sanctification through the completed work of our Lord Jesus. Help us to look and find the
good in every situation, in each encounter You set before us. Help us to control our tongues and speak words
that will edify and encourage those You place in our path. “Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,</span><b><span style="color: red;"> I
will put to silence</span></b><span style="color: #1d2129;">; whoever has haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not
tolerate.” Psalm 101:5 To the glory of
God, and for His good purpose, as we relate to our brothers and sisters in
Christ, it is vitally important that we become a love covering for another believers
inappropriate actions or words. 1 Peter
4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">LOVE covers a multitude of sins”
This truth instructs us to recognize
that if we gossip about a wrong choice, or a worldly way in another, we are exposing faults and uncovering them. When we tear down instead of lift up, we are choosing to sin against God's will that we love one another, forgive one another, and issue grace to one another...just as He loves, forgives and issues grace and mercy to us....daily. “For in
the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you
use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2
A dysfunctional Christian justifies his complaining, sarcastic humor,
negativity and criticisms. Jesus taught
that there is no middle ground between the kingdom of heaven and the world we
live in. “Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather
with Me scatters.” Matthew 12:30 Our judgments’
produce misery and the chronic critic reaps what he sows. “Yet I will show you a more excellent way” 1
Corinthians 12:31 The polar opposite of a
life spent in judgment, criticism, sarcasm and </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: #1d2129;">bitterness is a life filled with
complete joy and contentment. “We know
that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are
called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 The NEW creation, is NOT a
negative person, but a positive, joy filled, peaceful person who identifies with
the freedom of Christ Paul had while in prison. We are either praising God in all
circumstances, or we are whining and complaining! To live “in Me” as I am “in you” is to live
in gratitude and contentment. “Rejoice
always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the</span><b><span style="color: red;"> WILL
of GOD</span></b><span style="color: #1d2129;"> in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thess 5:16 <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose to look for whatever is noble, noteworthy or good in
every situation, everyday.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose to draw people to the Love, Light and Joy that lives
inside you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose to rehearse or filter every thought before it exits your
lips.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose your words intentionally to inspire, uplift and transform.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose words that saturate the receiver’s soul with love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose words that cause the hearing face to light up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose words that cause good feelings to emerge into a smile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Choose to be methodical not mechanical in your praises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtX2VJPDet0/WD3v-LaHTjI/AAAAAAAAcDE/2C-FhYjIsdUYpZpvc4f8D7O7Omz4LzLUwCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1480422919310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtX2VJPDet0/WD3v-LaHTjI/AAAAAAAAcDE/2C-FhYjIsdUYpZpvc4f8D7O7Omz4LzLUwCLcB/s1600/FB_IMG_1480422919310.jpg" /></a></div>
This word picture goes perfectly with our 40 day word fast challenge. We cannot accomplish fasting on negative, pessimistic thinking and broadcasting without our indwelt Holy Helper. Lord help us hold our tongue. Help us listen with genuine interest and not just wait for a pause just so we can share our experiences. Help us intentionally choose words that will uplift, acknowledge, and encourage. Help us glorify Your plan for the world as we speak Kingdom language. Forgive us for any secretly held thoughts of criticism, judgment, malice or unforgiveness. Amen ---- <b><span style="color: red;">"The Forty-Day Word Fast"</span></b> by Tim CameronBarbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-64787835897754543262022-08-01T07:25:00.000-07:002022-08-28T18:58:21.035-07:00HOLY SMOKES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggi5JsbKtlk/VNzTz21wIHI/AAAAAAAAMDc/R3xoXS548Ow/s1600/Ann%2Bthanks.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ggi5JsbKtlk/VNzTz21wIHI/AAAAAAAAMDc/R3xoXS548Ow/s1600/Ann%2Bthanks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">Who never departs from us, Who never ceases to surprise us, Who is everywhere we are, Who gives us courage, Who is always available 24/7, Who is always for us never against us, Who consistently issues us mercy and grace, Who is extravagantly patient with us, Who intercedes in prayer for us, Who squeezes are broken hearts with tenderness, Who is trustworthy no matter who else may deceive us, Who is absolutely reliable to give us wisdom and guidance, Who knows all our secrets a</span><span class="text_exposed_show" face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">nd loves us unconditionally, Who replenishes our strength, Who is our constant supplier of all good things, Who knows our needs before we ask, Who fills our emptiness with everlasting love, Who teaches with authority Who God is, Who is pure, praiseworthy and exceptionally excellent in all ways, all the time, Who can you be certain is listening always, Who forgives and forgets completely all our offenses, Who is the Person who knows you more intimately than any human being?????????? He was delivered into you supernaturally when you believed that Jesus is Lord, the King of kings. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show" face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WDzmS_0d2c/VhPrNLRtAfI/AAAAAAAARzQ/3SJsJY17RcQ/s1600/insidehelp.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1WDzmS_0d2c/VhPrNLRtAfI/AAAAAAAARzQ/3SJsJY17RcQ/s320/insidehelp.jpg" width="220" /></a></span></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">After you surrendered your heart and life to Jesus Christ, this One holy and divine being immediately took up residence in you. He resides and abides in you! Our most holy and loving Father, our all knowing Jesus masterfully made it possible by delivering the promised Holy Spirit into us. We have invited Him in to counsel, to guide and to change us. He enables us to personally embrace </span><span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">the real Truth of Who Jesus Christ is. The Holy Spirit is NOT a dissipating puff of smoke or a passing feeling...but He is our omnipresent Counselor Who enables us to experience God Himself, Who is always at work "in" us and for us! A blessing prayer for YOU! I bless your spirit to rise above circumstances and allow the transformation that only Jesus can bring. Our greatest weapon against the Liar is the Almighty Word of God. I bless you with a confident and playful life that engages your family and others. I bless your spirit with a hunger for God's living Word and a supernatural relationship with the Holy Spirit. I bless your spirit with the freedom to believe and trust God over all the restrictions and beliefs circulating in this world. I bless your spirit to fly high above what is seen, with illumined eyes that perceive the unseen and majestic holy presence of God in all situations. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">I bless y</span><span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.32px;">ou in the the transforming power of Jesus Christ, the King of kings, in Whom there is absolute liberty from fear and JOY unspeakable. The danger of drifting in 2021; </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d3436; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Ubuntu, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is time to renew our monkey mind and BE HAPPY AGAIN! When we go without the nourishment of truth, when the crave comes, we are tempted to fill our spiritual hunger with temporary pleasures. Consuming more food, more thrills, more news DOES NOT satisfy the emptiness. Physical pleasures don't fill us, they can numb us. Numb souls are stagnant souls. Numbed and lulled into complacency, the WOKE wonder why they feel distant from God ? </span></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-15118661550955631302022-02-18T22:00:00.000-08:002022-02-19T07:08:17.076-08:00FASHION POLICE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGEgNszUHcc9vF-wiZ-tDvUngzOBriBjDhWjvrHfROMa9B1FcVVzGD4CySIWtITH4VOOtrIqxWNU72NWNCYrf8B8T-mS75kflbX-ygubV9bZD8UgG4tet2WMfcYZ99SkMzZhQ0x91L5si/s1600/JB+locust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGEgNszUHcc9vF-wiZ-tDvUngzOBriBjDhWjvrHfROMa9B1FcVVzGD4CySIWtITH4VOOtrIqxWNU72NWNCYrf8B8T-mS75kflbX-ygubV9bZD8UgG4tet2WMfcYZ99SkMzZhQ0x91L5si/s1600/JB+locust.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Crowds were drawn in great numbers to hear what this 2<sup>nd</sup> century holy hippie named John had to say. JB was not into fashion, his hair was matted into dreadlocks; he wore camel hair skins and ate locusts and wild honey. H</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e had grown up with the Essenes, in an outdoor commune. It was a sect of society that were known to be rigid in their abstinence of all worldly pleasures. John the Baptist (JB)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> lived under the Old Testament law, and the severe restraints of the Essenes. In his commune, the human appetite for anything that may corrupt the spiritual goal of purity was denied. They adamantly practiced celibacy and willful poverty. When he was 30, JB began preaching “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." To the dismay of King Herod, many were moved by JB’s spirit filled words. Throngs of people were confessing their sins and getting baptized by JB in the Jordon River.</span></div>
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When JB encountered many of the Pharisees and Sadducees, the two other major sects of the time, JB screamed “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” With fire blazing from the eyes of this crazed looking hippy, he shouted at them “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves ‘We have Abraham as our father’. I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham." Anticipating the return of the Messiah, JB persisted “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." JB painted the picture of the Messiah returning like The Terminator, using a huge blow torch on all sinners. JB stands his ground proclaiming " I baptize you with water for repentance, But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” This history recorded in a letter written by Matthew, chapter 3. King Herod feared the great influence JB had over the people of Jerusalem and all throughout the province of Judea. Feeling insecure, King Herod had JB arrested and imprisoned for two years in the dungeon of a castle called Macherus. It<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPoeLx9N6RE/VAcysC3_F9I/AAAAAAAAK3U/yBZW2YBCpDs/s1600/JB%2Bmap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPoeLx9N6RE/VAcysC3_F9I/AAAAAAAAK3U/yBZW2YBCpDs/s1600/JB%2Bmap.gif" width="232" /></a></div>
was a fortified hilltop palace which is located in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan" title="Jordan"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Jordan</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">fifteen miles southeast of the mouth of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_river" title="Jordan river"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Jordan River</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">on the eastern side of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Sea" title="Dead Sea"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Dead Sea</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">. </span>Before JB was imprisoned he greeted the Messiah asking Him “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and JB saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:11-17 ~ <span style="color: blue;">So now imagine our JB, a strict Old Testament Jew, raised by the Essenes, sitting alone in a dark prison when he suddenly gets highly agitated upon learning that Jesus has served wine at a wedding, that he healed folks on a Sunday, and that Jesus was seen in a bar talking with sinners, and that He spoke to a prostitute! JB was extremely rattled and he actually questioned the divinity of Christ!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">“When JB in prison heard what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus <span style="color: red;">“Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”</span> Jesus replied “Go back and report to JB what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the GOOD NEWS is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me.” Jesus baffles John’s disciples by asking them “What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? A Prophet? Yes, I tell you more than a Prophet. JB is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.” I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:2-16 ~ <span style="color: red;"><b>Man judges by appearances, but our holy God judges us by the content of our hearts.</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6my8sg19afY/VAcy9WQ4tyI/AAAAAAAAK3k/fyDbiiDTWBs/s1600/JB%2Bhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6my8sg19afY/VAcy9WQ4tyI/AAAAAAAAK3k/fyDbiiDTWBs/s1600/JB%2Bhead.jpg" /></b></a></span></div>
<span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">John the Baptist was highly influenced by the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essenes" title="Essenes"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Essenes</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">, of <b>Judea. </b> The Essenes were stoic and rigidly performed cleansing rituals<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> prior to writing the name of God, Yahweh. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b>Essenes</b><span class="apple-converted-space"> were a sect of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Temple_Judaism" title="Second Temple Judaism"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Second Temple Judaism</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">that flourished in the 2nd century BCE. They were much fewer in number than the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharisees" title="Pharisees"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Pharisees</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">and the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadducees" title="Sadducees"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Sadducees</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">who were the other two major sects at the time. They lived in various cities but congregated in communal life dedicated to</span> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asceticism" title="Asceticism"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">asceticism</span></a> which is <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing very high spiritual goals. Many<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious" title="Religious"><span style="color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">religious</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">traditions, such as<span class="apple-converted-space"> Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity still </span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">advocate strict restraint with respect to actions of body, speech, and mind.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"> The Essenes rigidly practiced voluntary poverty, daily immersion and celibacy. </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span class="apple-converted-space"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp4kWqLlzfo/VAczIBuLAPI/AAAAAAAAK3s/8DGiRyAaUno/s1600/JB%2Bcamel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kp4kWqLlzfo/VAczIBuLAPI/AAAAAAAAK3s/8DGiRyAaUno/s1600/JB%2Bcamel.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As the forerunner of Jesus, </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">JB lived with great expectation for the return of the Messiah. </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">God had anointed JB in his mother’s womb. When Elizabeth was pregnant with JB and her niece Mary arrived pregnant with Jesus, JB flipped in </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Liz’s womb, recognizing Jesus Christ as God, his Creator. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Zechariah's wife, mentioned in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament" title="New Testament"><span style="color: #0b0080; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">New Testament</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">as<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_(Biblical_person)" title="Elizabeth (Biblical person)"><span style="color: #0b0080; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Elizabeth</span></a><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: 115%;">, was barren and therefore the birth of a child seemed impossible. As a gift from God, Zechariah was given a son by the name of "Yaḥya", (John) a name specially chosen for this child alone. In accordance with Zechariah's prayer, God created John and Jesus in the womb, and they were born 6 months apart. God's purpose was to use His two creations to bring the GOOD NEWS message of our Father God, into New Testament times. The High Priests of Israel had corrupted the truth. This is according to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b0080; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exegesis" title="Exegesis">exegesis</a>, which</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> includes the study of the historical and cultural backgrounds for the author, the text, and the original audience. </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">JB was also identified by the prophet<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah" title="Elijah"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Elijah</span></a>.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> </span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">According to 2 Kings 2:1-11, Elijah defended the worship of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahweh" title="Yahweh"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Yahweh</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">over that of the Canaanite god</span> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal" title="Baal"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Baal</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">which was considered as idol worship. Elijah </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resurrection" title="Resurrection"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">raised the dead</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, brought fire down from the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky" title="Sky"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">sky</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, and was taken up "by a whirlwind." In the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Malachi" title="Book of Malachi"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Book of Malachi</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">, Elijah's return is prophesied "before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord,"</span><sup id="cite_ref-6" style="unicode-bidi: -webkit-isolate;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 8.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></sup><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> making Elijah a harbinger of the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messiah" title="Messiah"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">Messiah</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">and the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eschatology" title="Eschatology"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">eschaton</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%;">in various faiths that revere the Hebrew Bible. </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">According to<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flavius_Josephus" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;" title="Flavius Josephus"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">Flavius Josephus</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 18.479999542236328px;">Macherus</span> is the location of the imprisonment and execution of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist" title="John the Baptist"><span style="background: white; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;">John the Baptist</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">. According to the chronology</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> of the Bible, JB's infamous execution took place </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: white; color: #252525;">following his imprisonment of 2 years, shortly after the Passover.</span></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0Latin America22.917922936146045 -101.6015625-7.1710960638539554 -142.9101565 53.006941936146049 -60.2929685tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-24792779418290078152022-02-18T13:59:00.001-08:002022-02-19T07:06:37.579-08:00Good Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMVm8_tG3pk/V2Rkpue6zHI/AAAAAAAAYBc/HDOXET6TybAtxn9n-lVUBHieySAjJaXLwCLcB/s1600/2363256941_7a8e6e4876.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMVm8_tG3pk/V2Rkpue6zHI/AAAAAAAAYBc/HDOXET6TybAtxn9n-lVUBHieySAjJaXLwCLcB/s320/2363256941_7a8e6e4876.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">My son Jason moved in with Jesus in 2016. I chose to share my grief journey in hopes of helping other moms who have lost a loved one. Vivid dreams awakened me, and I allowed tears to flow. It is always important to embrace our humanity and weep at times. My Lord's Word refreshed my spirit as He reminded me that a cheerful heart is good medicine. To maintain the joy of the Lord, I chose to abide in His Presence through it all. A time for grief, a pause for memories, and a choice to rejoice in all the Lord has done. My Lord has kept my tears in a jar and He grieves with me. To mourn is to respect Jay's life, and remembering is a holy, healthy thing to do. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" Psalm 126:5 -- My hearts cry was heard and our loving Father returned to me a song of thanksgiving. I am assured that my son is forever in the holy presence of Jesus. However, the pain of never
hugging my son on this earth, ever again…returns unexpectedly, months and even a year after his shockingly sudden death.
Extreme emotions yet emerge when I hear the lyrics of songs that we sang
together. On the first anniversary of Jay's reunion with our Father, it is in his honor that I lodged some great memories. Music was always a part of our jointly shared joys in this life. Jason loved to groove to Motown tunes and he
displayed his soul on the dance floor. He made me laugh until I snarkled! We took many country drives together, windows down with our playlists
loudly blasting. He savored our sweet
Mother’s day and Father's day adventures on the road and I can hear him <span style="text-indent: 0in;">say to me “no worries Momma, it’s all good!” Father's day 2013 was the best Jason ever had. We rented a cabin at Tower Park in Lodi on the river and Jason was the Captain of the boat that day! His dog Bella was our mascot and his aunt Sue and cousin David joined us for that glorious weekend. Jason underlined this scripture "My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song." Psalm 28:7 - On board a cruise ship in 2017 Nicole C Mullen sang "My Redeemer Lives" and my body trembled as my Lord gave me this scripture "He brought His people out with JOY, His chosen ones with singing." Psalm 105:43 ESV - Jesus took Jason out of this world of trouble and heartache, and Jesus chose Jason - who loved to worship at his church "Lifesong" in Stockton, California!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When Jason was thirteen I took him to his first concert. It was to hear Kenny Loggins
at the AG Spanos Center and the most recent was an outdoor performance, in the
rain, with Katie and Diana in the Bay area. Another vivid memory includes busting a gut
laughing while Snipe fishing at Lake Alpine shortly before Jay’s dad died. My son never lost his child-like wonder or
the absolute joy of welcoming a new job, or a new friend into his life’s
shortened experience. At Jay’s memorial,
several of his friends stood up to share
memories and at the luncheon afterwards one tall man came to tell me that Jason
was the glue, the guy who brought two rivalry schools together. Tom Simmons shared that in the last few
months of his life, Jason’s thirst for
the Word of God grew. He shared Jason’s
joy in reading the psalms each morning. As his mother I am comforted in knowing --- with full assurance that
Jason accepted “His way is right for me.” There was a lifelong spiritual battle going on for Jason's soul and I Praise God that in the end, our Lord got the victory and won!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">On Easter Sunday
2016 Jason was overjoyed that his sister and her family came to his
church. Jason came to fascinate over his
ways that had led him away from God, and the unconditional love, mercy and
grace he received when he returned to His holy heavenly Father. Jesus, our Savior tied faith and tears
together when He declared “Blessed are those who mourn” Matthew 5:4 --- Grieving has no time limit as
it engages blessed memories of the giant physical presence, of my son who I shall continue to miss. My
grief is a gift that persists on a planet that continues to spin without
Jason’s loving, gentle heart standing nearby on it. Surviving parents need permission to not
suppress a sudden violent storm of emotion.
A song, a smell, a shared vista may suddenly trigger a flood of tears.
Cloudy, misty eyed days may end in another night of sleepless thrashing. The hard reality of life without my son wakes
me like a slap in the face. One, two,
three </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">days pass and my grief seems to have subsided and life’s simple joys
bring me the confident thought that “I’m doing good”, but then, without warning
an avalanche of regret buries me in a grave of grief. Grieving pays no attention to time, stages,
patterns or rules. Do not worry if you
bypassed the “angry at God” stage. My
faith in Jesus Christ and His victory over death will not diminish my grief,
nor shall it speak of a measure of my personal
“lack of faith”. In the book of
Hebrews, chapter 12 a few of the listed hero’s of faith were indeed imperfect
and at times wobbled in their faith in God.
Grieving parents take heart in the truth. Each hero listed was given God’s strength in their weakness. “Precious
in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones.” Psalm 116:15 – No
matter how short or long of a time it takes, grief is important to share. Raw and unfiltered feelings need to come out.
If I pushed my feelings down, they would suffocate my soul and I would be
subject to lengthy bouts of depression. Without my faith in Jesus I would be inconsolable. Because I believe God's Word and His promises, <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> I know I'm going to see Jason again. He is way better off now, and more alive now than he ever was on earth and that is saying a lot. Jason will never be emotionally or physically hurt again. I also know, with certainty that God's plan is far superior than my desire to hug Jason here on earth. Today my Lord gave me strength to write about grief, and He reminded me that it is holy to remember. Picture of Gina, Marissa and me at Lodi airport.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hzWBHT83Uu4/V2RmDUjoBfI/AAAAAAAAYCI/8Ot0spKDTmMUCXSdiFvckuRMCNm5U4muACLcB/s1600/1%2BaaWoodlawn%2B2015.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU8YRPh-wpqBZpQauMcEuUlcoJjtkyKvfEniZNAti9Lvt2U02T0ORWmRQXZz98jS5S6xE-PZuvqBUVUSsy8KFFiiUGWrmmuDobzPA2EFtqEpO8AeGh6aCEkgNdHCwBKusXsD9URZo60Yuq4Jkge2rWFRcu7_JDarx9cEAy_bzBPbMkvnPaxpIT2I6R=s626" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU8YRPh-wpqBZpQauMcEuUlcoJjtkyKvfEniZNAti9Lvt2U02T0ORWmRQXZz98jS5S6xE-PZuvqBUVUSsy8KFFiiUGWrmmuDobzPA2EFtqEpO8AeGh6aCEkgNdHCwBKusXsD9URZo60Yuq4Jkge2rWFRcu7_JDarx9cEAy_bzBPbMkvnPaxpIT2I6R=s320" width="269" /></a></div></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ecclesiastes desc</span>ribes all kinds of seasons and there is a time for
tears, and a time for laughter. “In his
heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 – Jason was at peace in his
sweet soul before Jesus escorted him to the perfect room in one our Lord's many mansions, Jay's room will be undoubtedly filled with great music and perhaps a view of a lake and hopefully a fluffy dog. Imagining this gives me great comfort and I am deeply grateful to God for giving me an imagination, the largest nation in the world! Jason
Corey Newell, Yo Momma, Barbara Sue
loves you and today I am loving the memories of our last date in Stockton for mother's day <span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;">August 2015 - It was 108 degrees, we had no air conditioning and you wore that wet rag around your neck, smiling, never complaining! You picked me up from the airport in Sacramento, we stayed at the Best Western in Galt and then we took a drive along the river and had lunch at Al Da Waps in the old town of Locke. You wanted to take me to Micke Grove Zoo, and it was so hot that even the animals hid in the shade and we laughed! It was like God impressed upon you to make more memories with yo Momma. More Scriptures underlined by Jason in his bible: "Through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the HOPE of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us." Romans 5:2-5 --- "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit. because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will." Romans 8:26-28 --- God poured Agape love into my son's heart and Jason splashed that love all over those he was with. Jay was certainly nudged by the Spirit to drive his mother to Grupe Park in Stockton to hang out where day "boyz" played hoop. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOzEXF4t0CBYyHaSgpdrTwTuuKV_ncaJJnCn0VnYuq3K9KGN7LqGdxO3gkbv2zNzgFptCbtU_p3Dmkz3dCQUGkS0ZjexHdbCnWapzOmyuyr5D4Cl_jZYN-hLtbZxkCpie20t1vgv8RLCeaAESI3J2HMWeOJ9hf9BxrIMB9wHDNeiSqwRLL7U5rC5UC=s668" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOzEXF4t0CBYyHaSgpdrTwTuuKV_ncaJJnCn0VnYuq3K9KGN7LqGdxO3gkbv2zNzgFptCbtU_p3Dmkz3dCQUGkS0ZjexHdbCnWapzOmyuyr5D4Cl_jZYN-hLtbZxkCpie20t1vgv8RLCeaAESI3J2HMWeOJ9hf9BxrIMB9wHDNeiSqwRLL7U5rC5UC=s320" width="226" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;">You dropped me off at Diana's house and the next day we went to the movies in Lodi to see the "War Room" and Jason wept. We played with three happy black wet retrievers at Aunt Paula's and swam in her pool in Acampo. Before taking me to the airport we stopped along the river and watched the first football game of the season and shared a burger. ALL GREAT MEMORIES - Today yo momma is listening to a Motown playlist with Marvin Gaye at the</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;"> top. </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: red; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;">"What's Going On"</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;"> --I love you BIG Jason Newell!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">"Mother, mother<br />There's too many of you crying<br />Brother, brother, brother<br />There's far too many of you dying<br />You know we've got to find a way<br />To bring some lovin' here today - Ya<br /><br />Father, father -- We don't need to escalate<br />You see, war is not the answer<br />For only love can conquer hate<br />You know we've got to find a way<br />To bring some lovin' here today</span></span></span><br />
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<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />Picket lines and picket signs<br />Don't punish me with brutality<br />Talk to me, so you can see<br />Oh, what's going on<br />What's going on - what's going on<br />Ah, what's going on<br />In the mean time...<br />Right on, baby, Right on<br /><br />Mother, mother, everybody thinks we're wrong...<br />Oh, but who are they to judge us...<br />Simply because our hair is long<br />Oh, you know we've got to find a way -To bring some understanding here today<br /><br />Talk to me - So you can see - What's going on - Ya, what's going on - Tell me what's going on" </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; line-height: 18px; text-indent: 0in;">Yeah my son, I'm still talking to you about what's going on...with me, I'm missing you! September 10, 2015 was the last day God blessed me with a day with my son, in the sun. Jason drove me to the Sacramento airport and "our" plan was to see each other again Mothers Day 2016. Click link for pictures of</span><br />
<a href="http://www.tributes.com/obituary/photos/Jason-Corey-Newell-103503520">Jason Corey Newell Eternal Tribute</a></span></div>
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-24153360115935427742022-02-15T08:04:00.000-08:002022-02-19T07:08:44.608-08:00DENIAL DEFINED<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Once upon a time, in the midst of a self-made-mid-life crisis, when my frustrations and delusions overwhelmed me, I had a slight glimpse of truth, a heart exposing revelation. That in my campaign to change people, I trampled over boundaries as I pridefully criticized world leaders, my family, friends and the church! Denial kept me blind to my foolish attempts to control people and my environment. My world of contempt ended when I realized that I was not God and my only option was to surrender my will to His will. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." 1 Corin 10:12 - In 1997, as I sat in a church in Santa Cruz, I began comparing the joy and peace I witnessed in others, with the sad truth that I was not happy. I could not stop the tears! Who was this woman named Grace that <a href="http://livingonthedge.org/">Pastor Chip Ingram</a> was talking about? I so wanted what they all seemed to have, but at that time, I was unable to be healed, because of <span style="color: red;">my stiff necked DENIAL</span>. Wishing I could be anybody else, my heart silently grieved, and my happy-all-is-well-in-my-soul mask finally cracked.<br />
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My fake smile began to pucker under the pressure to APPEAR perfect. "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor." Jesus went on to say "Happy are the merciful, the peacemakers, the pure in heart, and those who mourn." His sermon on the mount certainly shed much needed light on the foolishness of my ways. The prison of DENIAL had me locked behind the bars of obsessive thinking! Whose thoughts had I been churning? Furious thoughts tossed back and forth in my head like a heated tennis match. "The world should, my mate should, my kid should, the church should, that government should, that politicians should, and that God should change His silent, patient ways and just fix it! " These demanding thoughts were NOT from God! God is forgiving and He issues grace daily, whether I recognize and receive it or not. His mercy is new every morning, and His grace was sufficient to save a wretch like me! What a NUISANCE I was to myself and everyone around me! Because I "shoulded" all over God, and all over everyone else, I had to admit that<br />
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I was the creator of strife in each relationship, including the chasm I caused between the One true and Holy God. In retrospect, my deepest despair was in the trouble I had in accepting and loving others as they are...and the world as it is... <b><span style="color: red;">as Jesus does</span></b>..... and NOT as I demand. People who are in DENIAL, want what they want, and they deceive themselves in thinking that they have the ability to change others, and the world, according to their will, ways and perfect preferences. As an overly critical person, for way too long I DEPENDED on myself, NOT GOD, to initiate all the needed changes so that I could be happy. I was DEPENDENT on the perfect behaviors of my loved ones for peace to rule in my heart...this was a huge burden for everyone in my life. When my futile manipulations, subtle suggestions, my blatant blaming, my fits of rage, my all consuming judgements of others became unmanageable--- I collapsed and admitted, I need help. Today I celebrate my recovery from the stinking thinking of a co-dependent. A co-dependent person depends on people to make them happy. They demand external changes, or insist that others change in order for them to FEEL peace. The co-dependent me that I was --- <span style="color: red;">HAD TO GIVE</span>; my opinion, my advice, and my help. My idolatrous devotion to obtaining perfection was nauseating. After honest self-examination, I had to admit that I was pitifully self-sufficient, self-serving, not humble, not kind and not loving and merciful like Jesus. I was certainly NOT reflecting the Light of the world. My aggressive ways to satisfy my NEED to be VALUED and RESPECTED as a person,<br />
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eventfully brought me to my knees before the mercy seat of Jesus Christ. By working the 12 steps and applying the Beatitudes, through the Power of the Holy Spirit, I was enabled to overcome my hurts, habit of stinking thinking, and hang up or hope that the world would change so I could be happy. The saving power of Jesus Christ, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, established and restored His peace in me. My part was to surrender my ways, my heart, my desperate needs over to the capable care of Christ. "Christ in me, His hope for glory" HALLELUJAH! Admitting that I was powerless to change myself, others or the world was to step out of DENIAL and into RECOVERY. TRUSTING God with my messy life, REQUIRED that I surrender my hopes, dreams, and desires to His perfect refining purpose in my suffering. <span style="color: red;">God NEVER wastes a single tear or torment</span>. By His conviction to confess, obediently to one another, we are healed. "Confess your sins to one another so that you may be healed." James 5:16 --- The amazing Grace of God pursued me and He transformed me from an incessantly hungry, unqualified caterpillar, into a butterfly set<br />
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FREE from a cocoon of shame. My story: Barbara Sue Alley's ability to trust my father was fractured at the <span style="color: red;">age of 7</span> when dad molested me and DENIED it. My shocked mother sent me direct to the priest to confess my sin. <span style="color: red;">Shame replaced my innocence</span> as I bowed my head and hoped to be forgiven. My dad rejected me and said "I will never touch you again. You are dead to me." The consequence of telling the truth to my mother, resulted in my dad's lifelong avoidance of me. Looking for love in wrong places, at the age of 16 a baby girl was born, removed from my body and adopted away from me. We left the hospital and my mother instructed "We will never speak of this again." My voice or my presence unwanted by my parents, <span style="color: red;">I chose a life of DENIAL and SECRETS</span>. Acting as if I was happy became the character I played as the youngest of three kids. My silenced reality was shoved down so deep that I became a natural liar to God, myself and others. A mighty fortress was erected unconsciously around my heart of stone. Compassion, mercy or grace were impossible for me to give as I was not open to receive. My heart grew cold in my secret chamber of fear. Married or divorced, I regularly and silently sat in Catholic, Baptist, Protestant, Lutheran, Methodist and Unity church pews feeling like an impostor. No matter the denomination, when an alter call was given, I went forward and got baptized again, and again even <span style="color: red;">after accepting Jesus in 1985</span> at a Pentecostal church. "It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe." Proverbs 29:25 - Fear of what church folks would think of me, IF I confessed my shameful past,<br />
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kept me silent. A voice, not of God persisted "You will never be acceptable to God" I was unable to trust God with my whole heart, and I held onto my secret shame tightly. For 13 years of church bench warming, endless retreats, seminars, and perfect note taking (all which God used to soften my rocky soil),<span style="color: red;"> it was not until 1998</span>, <span style="color: red;">when I was 47 years old, did HOPE begin to rise</span>. After hearing other broken-hearted, imperfect, hurting women....in Celebrate Recovery, confess their raw hurts, honest fears and feelings of hopelessness... I was moved by the Holy Spirit, to voice my nightmare. God mercifully guided me into Santa Cruz Bible Church, and into a 12 step study for sexually abused women. After ten months of weekly meetings, and hours with my accountability sponsor, much prayer, and the Holy Spirit showing me truth in scriptures....I came to the END of myself, my pride, my ways. My life long, self-sufficient, leading lady role was over! Gladly I surrendered completely into the capable hands of Christ. Accepting the Truth that the King of Kings, had not only chosen me, but that He had legally adopted me, as His daughter....that FACT gripped and crushed my stubborn hardened heart. Loving and forgiving others as I had been by God...with no regrets, no bitterness, completely forgotten, and forever erased...was how God set me on fire for His ability to restore all who FEEL unworthy of His love. I was FREED from shame and the enemy's vicious trap of lies --- for Almighty God's purpose: that I can now courageously share my story, without shame, for what Christ has done in me. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:10<br />
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"Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40 - Obediently, I tested my ways and was convinced that my way of concealing my pain for over 40 years was foolish. Our Father wants to take our burdens and heal us, but we must submit, we must obey, we must trust Him, with the entire contents of our heart. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." Colossians 3:16 - Today I thank God for every struggle, for all things that drew me to Him, and for the tremendous compassion muscles I gained in my suffering. <b><span style="color: red;">It took the hearing of the word, and the honest confessions of other believers to loosen my tight grip on my shame, and to TRUST GOD.</span></b> When I chose to truly LET GO and LET GOD, my heavenly Father, have His Holy way "in me", only then was I able to FEEL real JOY for the first time. Living fully forgiven, and fully restored, I wear His robe of righteousness, and I am enabled to receive His ongoing stream of GRACE and experience His Holy Presence. His abiding Peace TRULY surpasses all human understanding. Celebrate Recovery is a biblically based 12 Step Program to RESTORE your relationship with GOD and the church, or anyone who may have rejected, hurt or abandoned you. IF you fear rejection, or IF you are ashamed of your doubts about God's mercy, IF you are addicted to sadness, TV, food, shopping, drama,<br />
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or being in control, to stinking thinking, or to convincing others that you are worthy of respect because of all your good deeds....When your inability to love and forgive yourself as God does ..hurts enough, when your DENIAL gets too heavy, and your broken, ineffective life crumbles, I encourage you to hold on to HOPE in Christ. Find a SAFE PLACE with a small group of honest struggling people. All Celebrate Recovery meetings are anonymous. <a href="http://celebraterecovery.com/">Celebrate Recovery Groups in your area. </a>STEP ONE is to step out of DENIAL and into RECOVERY. We admitted we were powerless over our addiction to: controlling circumstances, people, and the world. We admit that our compulsive behaviors have injured relationships, and that our lives have become unmanageable. We came to the conclusion that without God, we were doomed to live an empty life, without purpose or meaning. "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." Philippians 2:13 --- and we humbly submit to the Truth of this holy scripture: "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." Romans 7:18 and with the help of the Holy Spirit we grab onto God's undeniable TRUTH which will destroy all DENIAL...because the truth is: only the TRUTH will set you FREE...<br />
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"Brothers (and sisters) loved by God, we know that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you NOT simply with words, but also with POWER, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction." 1 Thessalonians 1:4 --- We TRUST God's living Word to enter our brokenness and restore us to wholeness "We have NOT received the (critical) spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us......For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?....but we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corin 2:12-16 We are chosen and given every spiritual blessing "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For HE CHOSE us ' in Him' before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His PLEASURE and will - to the praise of HIS glorious GRACE, which He has freely given us in the One He loves." Ephesians 1:3-6Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-45934743473672939792022-02-14T06:49:00.000-08:002022-02-19T07:14:39.882-08:00Batting hot, cold, or warm?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #141823;">Baseball season seems to have ended forever. Players are striking as they bid for 500 million dollar contracts? Are you comfortable with your worth "in Christ?" What will be the final score of your faith ? Or do you believe that you are smoking hot, batting 100% on the Lord's team? Do you simply trust that you hit a home run with Jesus based on your past performance and that you are good-to-go-to-heaven-as-is? Do you justify not needing to attend church because you already read God's word and believe in Jesus? "The harvest is ready but the workers are few" Do you stand in the midst of a land full of broken people, while the Holy Spirit resides in you, totally silenced by your unwillingness, because you feel too weak and inadequate? "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Are you absolutely content with your eternal destination? Is your soul completely </span><span style="color: red;">satisfied in itself? Are you self-sufficient or do you need Jesus? </span><span style="color: #141823;"> God does not require your participation here on </span></span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #141823;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB3EQolVobc/VI75ccofaTI/AAAAAAAALvA/dhItppynetQ/s1600/IMG_234658030260287%2B(1).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB3EQolVobc/VI75ccofaTI/AAAAAAAALvA/dhItppynetQ/s200/IMG_234658030260287%2B(1).jpeg" /></a></span></span></div>
<span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #141823;">earth because He has it handled. With or without you, His will is being done. Do you think God is lucky to call you His own because you regularly offer up prayers for the poor and donate some coins to the orphans? Is God pleased with the amount of time and earnest compassion you extend? Do you choose to watch sports over spending time in God's word to renew your mind? Do you consider yourself full of the spirit because of your knowledge of scripture? Do you observe those who really need the Lord and pray that Jesus will light a fire in them, but you trust that your warm home and heart pleases God Almighty? Has your pride been conquered by Christ? Do you speak and pray with the authority that you are under? Are you overcome and humbled by the power and presence of the One Holy God? Is Jesus Christ your master? Are you His servant? </span><span style="color: red;">Are you chained to His chariot and willing to allow Him to do the driving?</span><span style="color: #141823;"> Are you thrilled to admit that your are weak, </span></span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #141823; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">that your will has been conquered, </span><span face=""helvetica" , "arial" , "lucida grande" , "tahoma" , "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;"><span style="color: #141823;">and therefore you are in need of guidance by a loving, redemptive, all powerful God? Pastor Bob Hendrick's sermon on Sunday December 14, 2014 is worthy of your ear. Listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to His people, His church, His chosen. Are you seeking the lost? Are you even batting for the Lord? What other King has ever left His throne, to greet you with mercy, to lay down His life for you? </span><span style="color: red;">Revelation 3:15-20</span><span style="color: #141823;"> ~ Lord Jesus I pray that You work miracles in the minds, hearts and thirsty souls of all listeners. We celebrate Your reason for birth on this earth, and rebirth in us.Click this link and ask Jesus to set your heart on fire! </span></span></span><a href="http://lcbcnotes.podbean.com/e/hear-and-open-revelation-320/#.VI70OeD1Oao.blogger">LCBC Notes</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #404040;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">The Holy Spirit works through God's Word to renew our minds. As He restores our minds to the truth, our desires change, and our faith increases by hearing the testimonies of the changed life of Saul, the allegiance of Daniel, the faithfulness of God to generations of unfaithful people. Our hope </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span face=""roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif" style="color: #404040;"><span style="line-height: 18.2px;">is confirmed by the indwelt Holy Spirit, who counsels us with wisdom. He reminds us of who we are in Christ Jesus, our Lord, and that His work in us continues to transform us. We are God's beloved creations, we are His chosen ambassadors of good will. The gospel is simple. God came down to make Himself known through His perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who purposefully chose to die on a cross for our sins. Our holy God forgave our sins through the blood of Jesus and we are justified by Christ alone. We are privileged to wear His robe of righteousness and represent Him on earth. We are legally adopted into God’s family. As His beloved, we experience His grace, and His uncompromising promises. By His authority, we are filled with the Holy Spirit, so we can choose to love our enemies, forgive those who wrong us, and remain dependent on His unfailing love. God requires our full submission in order for us to receive a steady transmission of His plan and purpose for us. LIGHT our hearts on fire, Lord. AMEN</span></span></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-54903043469557163832022-02-03T12:36:00.000-08:002022-02-19T07:10:01.295-08:00Faith is a Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="text"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background: white;">Faith
is a free gift from God, and the blessings of God are given to us because we
trust in Whom we have never seen. How
does a person acquire faith? By seeking
and trusting God, by believing in God, in His sovereign rule, in His creation, in
God’s way above the way of the world, or man.
What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is
going to happen. It is the certainty
that what we hope for is waiting for us, (eternal life without pain, suffering,
death or taxes) even though we cannot see it up ahead. By faith, we believe that God created the
world, the galaxies, the neurons, the atmosphere, the </span></span><br />
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<span class="text"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background: white;">human heart, the amazing
human brain, all the animals, birds, fish, plants and the oxygen needed by all
things. Some hero’s of the FAITH were
laughed at, had their backs cut open with whips, Peter was beheaded, Stephen
was stoned, some were sawed in two. Because of Sarah’s faith she gave birth to
Isaac when she was in her nineties. Then because her husband Abraham had faith he offered
their son Isaac up as a human sacrifice. Mary, Joseph, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Jeremiah,
Samuel, Joshua, David, Paul, Peter and even the prostitute Rahab were all ordinary
people, and to begin with, their gifted faith was as small as a mustard seed. Each trusted God by the faith God gave them
when they first believed that a </span></span><br />
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<span class="text"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" style="background: white;">Messiah was coming, according to the holy
scriptures. They did not have the bible as we do today, and none received all
that God had promised them before they died.
The superior reward for our faith today will be delivered to us in
heaven. All the people of faith mentioned in the Old Testament never saw God in
the flesh, in the person of Jesus. The God breathed holy Scriptures purposely
shares many stories of un-renounced FAITH in the face of hardship,
impossibility and persecution. The old
testament LAW’s purpose is to show God’s high standard, which is 100%
perfection. God knows that humanity
cannot live up to, or live out a life of perfection, therefore, because God
loves mankind so much, supernaturally, God came to earth as the person of
Jesus Christ, to live, to teach by His humble example, to serve mankind, and to become
the perfect sacrifice in order that all who believed in Him, could be washed,
cleansed, made holy, and given the right to stand before a holy God, in the
name of Jesus. It is by His authority, and by His will, not our obedience that we are given the faith to believe, and to overcome. People cannot be saved by keeping the ten commandments, nor can people throw away the gift of faith,
or their salvation in their ongoing imperfect understanding of God's will and ways. When a person comes to believe in God, and that the sinless
man Jesus died for them as a perfect sacrifice, and that Jesus rose from the
dead, then the Holy Spirit comes into
them, never to depart, and the gift of faith is received. Our Lord Jesus taught to pray the Lord’s
prayer. Our Father who art in heaven…respected is Thy holy name Jehovah, Thy
kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Hallelujah! God operating in us, His hope for
glory. Bible: Romans 4:16;
Hebrews 11; Matthew 6:9; Colossians 1:26. See comments below for more bible references regarding justification. </span></span></div>
Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-50876606503844950222021-04-29T13:52:00.000-07:002021-04-29T16:00:56.637-07:00DUMP the TRASH<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Dan confidently says "I know that there is no human way that man can make a vertical leap that tops five feet." Socrates replies "Ancient Greeks vaulted over bulls, did you know that?" Defensively and pridefully Dan snorts " I know more than you think!" Mercifully Socrates states the obvious "You think much more than you know. Knowledge is NOT the same as wisdom." Baffled Dan asks "What is the difference?" The humble man responds with a question. "You know how to clean a windshield?" Dan chuckles "Yeah!" Socrates throws him a squeegee "Wisdom is doing it" Selfish curiosity about how this old man miraculously leaped atop the gas station roof, drew Dan into a relationship with Socrates. "Look I do whatever it takes, I train 50 weeks a year, I read and study the best methods and apply them and I am just a heartbeat away from qualifying for the Olympics. Even as good as I am, I gotta do all I can to make sure I qualify." Socrates was patient as he listened to Dan talk about how he trains his BODY, not his mind so HARD and says "There is a lot you need to let go of before you will understand what you saw Me do" Socrates allows God's grace to work in him as he practices the truth. "<span style="background-color: white;">For the law was given through Moses;</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26062A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> [John 1:17] When the student was ready, the teacher appeared. Dan invited Socrates into his heart and mind so he could learn the secret to performing like Socrates. The relationship began with Dan's transparent desire to learn. </span></span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">"Ask me anything." Socrates pauses then asks "Are you happy?" Exasperated Dan questions "What does happiness have to do with anything? My dad has plenty of cash, school is a breeze, I get straight A's, I have great friends, I am in great shape, and I don't sleep alone unless I want to. I have all I need to be happy." Socrates then asks "Why cant you sleep then? You keep returning at 3:00 in the morning to talk to Me. What if you do not qualify for the Olympics, will you still be happy? What if things do not go your way will you still enjoy your friends and the competition? Maybe you are still asleep. Many people live their whole life, asleep to the truth, and they miss all the glorious moments in between where they are and where they are going. Never fully awake, never fully aware of all that is going on behind what they can see, or what they think they know is truth." Dan was getting agitated and blurts out "If you know so much, why do you work at a gas station?" With a clear voice Socrates says "This is a service station. We offer service. <b>There is no higher purpose.</b>" Suddenly a new character shows up and her name is JOY. Dan asks "Is she related to you?" Socrates shakes his head and says "<strong>You need to ask better questions</strong>." Dan begins to shovel food into his mouth and Soc says "Slow down." Dan continues to gulp down his food and replies "You sure got a lot of rules!" The teacher replies "Not rules, but GRACE. Through my life as a man, I learned to rely on grace, not my strength. </span>Grace is God's ability to work in me. But I must accept the gift of grace and allow it to work in me. You eat sloppy and your sloppy thoughts slide around and defeat your purpose. The difference between me and you Dan is that you practice being good at gymnastics. I practice listening, and allowing grace to work in me. God is able to work through those who believe in Jesus for each action, each breath, and each word they speak. There are no accidents, and <strong>nothing growing stays the same</strong>. IF you want to be all you were created to be, and IF you accept me as your Trainer I would require that you eat no meat, watch no TV, drink no alcohol and have no sex." Stunned by the sacrifices required, instead of being quick to listen and slow to speak Dan blurts out "And that is exactly why you will not be my chosen trainer." Knowing that Dan loves a challenge, Socrates asked Dan to maintain a simple squat for five minutes. Dan failed and fell to the floor. Socrates said "Meet my son Jack! Everyone tells Jack what to do. The church taught him how to acquire and sustain faith and what Jack must do to remain in good standing before God and to enjoy peace in this life. All his life Jack did not seek answers from within, but he relied on people ~ not on the living Word of God.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Jack got answers that were revealed by his intellect, by his own study of the commentary and opinion of his trustworthy coaches." Dan interrupted "So you want me to believe You and your ways?" Socrates answered "NOPE! What I command is that you stop gathering information from outside yourself and start listening to the voice within. People are afraid of what is inside ~ but inside is the only place where they will find the One who can give them what they need. The ever present Holy Spirit will deliver sufficient grace, joy and wisdom to whomever believes in Jesus. The warrior must be willing to surrender their ego to His power to transform a restlessness self-centered mind to the mind of Christ. You are awake at 3:00 in the morning because you have no peace. When your day is done, the distractions cease, your busyness stops, and most of the noise of life is silenced. You lay in bed awake and scared because you <strong>feel empty and alone</strong>. You tell me that you want to be more than a man who swings from the rings. You tell Me that you hope to make a difference. You tell me that you want to do more than perform a few well practiced tricks of the trade. You tell me that you want to be a man that uses his mind and body in ways that the world thinks is impossible. You tell me that you are ready to do what I say and I will be your personal Trainer. I </span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">will teach you to be a real warrior of the living Word of God." Dan agrees to have Socrates coach him. Soc invites Dan to meet up inside a local bar. Dan is shocked to find Socrates smoking a cigar and having a drink. Dan asks "Hey I thought we were better than this?" Socrates takes a puff of his cigar and says "Just because you choose to obstain so that you can perform does not make you superior. You are no better than anyone seated in this bar." Dan departs and at the gym a friend falls and gets badly injured. Dan admits to Socrates that his first thought was selfish and judgmental. His initial thought was what his friend should NOT have done. Dan admitted the truth that he thought if his friend had followed the rules, this would not have happened. Then Dan was disgusted in himself for truly thinking that his friends unfortunate</span> <br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">injury would give him the advantage. Dan said "Sometimes I do not like myself." Socrates quickly offered this truth "People are not their thoughts. They think they are what they think, or they are who people say they are. <u>The thought that 'I am not good enough' compels the lost to prove who they are by what they do</u>. This thinking sets them up to try harder, on their own. You are NOT what you think. The truth is: you are what God says you are and His grace is sufficient for you. Your mind is just a reflex organ that reacts to everything. Your head is filled with a million random thoughts each day. People judge, criticize, and wonder too much about what and why people do what they do. None of these thoughts are useful. No amount of this useless comparison will reveal the truth of who you are and why you are here." <b> Socrates suddenly SLAPS Dan.</b> Shocked Dan says "I do not want to hurt you" Well I guess I will just have to keep slapping you until you wake up! <b>LESSON: Develop awareness.</b> Be still. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Develop the right motive. At the right place, at the right time, allow grace to work in you and through you. <b>LESSON: Take out the TRASH.</b> Throw out all useless thoughts. Thoughts of the past, about why, worry about not being right, and about the future. <b> EMPTY your mind</b>." Dan asked " But how do I empty my mind? Socrates invited him to meet up the next day for a quick demonstration. Dan arrived a bit late and he was in a hurry so Socrates tossed him off the bridge. Dan gets out steaming mad! Socrates asked "Are you thinking about yesterday? Are you thinking about what you know about swimming, what you were taught in school, at church, from any man? Great you are </span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">totally in the present, ALIVE and living in this pure moment! Congratulations you have just emptied your mind!" TRUTH IS: People cannot receive the gift of GRACE if their hearts and minds are full of chatter about what they need to do, or what they should be doing, or what others are thinking and doing. "<b>and of His fullness have all we received, and grace to grace.</b>" John 1:16 ~ God's grace is His ability to work in us. Just as God the Father grew His Son Jesus in grace, so we can grow in grace, ONLY IF we empty our minds on how and why and accept His gift of grace! People who are like children, live in the moment without a thought of the future or if they are good enough. "and the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him." Luke 2:40 ~ Some people who know the Bible pridefully quote scripture confidently thinking that they know God. However, they have NOT surrendered their limited man acquired knowledge or doctine to the Teacher, the Holy Spirit. The grace of God is then blocked from doing the work in them and through them. </span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">They simply operate on what they have been taught by humans. They rely on themselves to "get er done!" God's living word warns us to NOT lean on our own understanding, but to seek Him. We were saved by grace, and to live the way of the peaceful warrior requires that people drop the pride of what they know and allow the grace of God to do His work in them and through them. People must put to death their way of thinking and adopt the mind of Christ. People must welcome the gift of grace, depend on Jesus and allow the grace of God to do what we cannot do apart from God, apart from grace. Frustration comes when people cannot get scripture to work for them. Knowledge of how to swing on the rings, knowledge of how to drive a car, any knowledge lodged in the mind of how to be a good Christian, this knowledge is useless without grace. IF we could obey all the scriptures in our own strength, by our own understanding, God would not have needed to send His Son Jesus to come and die as a perfect sacrifice so that we could be presented before our holy Father. WHY EMPTY your mind of all you think? Jesus was a man full of grace, dependent and obedient to His Father. "<span style="background-color: white;">how God anointed</span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27298A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27298B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white;">all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" </span>Acts 10:38 states that Father God anointed, or filled Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power so that He could do good because God was with Him. Father God did not anoint Himself, He anointed His Son Jesus to heal the sick and cast out demons. The humanity of Jesus does NOT diminish His Diety or God's purpose. Jesus came down, He was sent by God to walk among us in the flesh, in the form of a man. Jesus cried out to His Father "it is finished", His body was buried, and His Spirit ascended to the throne and then Jesus returned to speak to His disciples and deliver the Holy Spirit as He promised He would.</span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Son of God, Jesus was honest with His Father and with anguish He asked "Take this cup from Me" ~ Jesus grew in grace and relied upon His Father for the grace to be obedient to death on a cross. "<span style="background-color: white;">Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: </span><b><span style="background-color: white;">Who, being in very nature</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></b><span style="background-color: white;"><b>God</b>, </span><span class="text Phil-2-6" style="position: relative;">did not consider equality with God<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29398C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> something to be used to his own advantage; </span><span style="background-color: white;">rather, <b>He made himself nothing</b> </span><span class="text Phil-2-7" style="position: relative;">by taking the very nature</span><span class="text Phil-2-7" style="position: relative;"><b> </b> of a servant, </span><span class="text Phil-2-7" style="position: relative;">being made in human likeness. </span><span style="background-color: white;">And being found in appearance as a man, H</span><span class="text Phil-2-8" style="position: relative;">e <b>humbled himself</b> </span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Phil-2-8" style="position: relative;">by becoming obedient to death<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29400G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>—</span></span><span class="text Phil-2-8" style="position: relative;">even death on a cross!" Phil 2:5-8</span> Jesus went to the garden to pray, to share His burden, to ask for grace. Jesus depended on grace to defeat temptations and receive grace from His Father to obey. Jesus never did anything by His own power or ability. He was humble and obedient, He was full of the grace and He prayed: <span class="text John-17-1" style="background-color: white;">“Father, the hour has come.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26761B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26761C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-2" id="en-NIV-26762" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>For you granted him authority over all people<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26762D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> that he might give eternal life<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26762E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> to all those you have given him.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26762F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-3" id="en-NIV-26763" style="background-color: white;">Now this is eternal life: that they know you, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26763G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></span>the only true God, </span></span><br />
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<span class="text John-17-3" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26763" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OauEt8cwuVI/UfWpGRwk19I/AAAAAAAAD7g/AoLw1vrsetQ/s1600/1001529_10151696119776530_917877876_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OauEt8cwuVI/UfWpGRwk19I/AAAAAAAAD7g/AoLw1vrsetQ/s320/1001529_10151696119776530_917877876_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="text John-17-3" id="en-NIV-26763" style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: magenta;">and </span></b>Jesus Christ, <span style="color: magenta;"><b>whom you have sent</b></span>.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26763H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-4" id="en-NIV-26764" style="background-color: white;">I have brought you glory<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26764I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></span> on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26764J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-5" id="en-NIV-26765" style="background-color: white;">And<b> now, Father, glorify me</b><b><span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26765K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></span></b><b> in your presence with the glory I had with you</b><b><span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26765L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></span></b><b> before the world began. </b></span><span class="text John-17-6" style="background-color: white;"><b><span class="versenum" style="vertical-align: top;"> </span>“</b>I have revealed you</span><span class="text John-17-6" style="background-color: white;"><b> </b> to those whom you gave me<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26766O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span> out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-7" id="en-NIV-26767" style="background-color: white;">Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-8" id="en-NIV-26768" style="background-color: white;">For I gave them the words you gave me<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26768P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span> and they accepted them. <b>They knew with certainty that I came from you,<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26768Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span> and they believed that you sent me.<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26768R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span></b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><b> </b></span><span class="text John-17-9" id="en-NIV-26769" style="background-color: white;"><b>I pray for them</b>.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26769S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span> I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26769T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span> for they are yours.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-10" id="en-NIV-26770" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>All I have is yours, and all you have is mine.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26770U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> And glory has come to me through them.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-11" id="en-NIV-26771" style="background-color: white;">I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26771V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span> and I am coming to you.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26771W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span> Holy Father, protect them by the power of</span><span class="text John-17-11" style="background-color: white;"><b> </b>your name,<b><span style="color: magenta;"> the name you gave me</span></b>, so that they may be one<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26771X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span> as we are one.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26771Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-12" id="en-NIV-26772" style="background-color: white;">While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by</span><span class="text John-17-12" style="background-color: white;"><b> </b><b><span style="color: magenta;">that name you gave me</span></b>. None has been lost<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26772Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></span> except the one doomed to destruction<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26772AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span> so that Scripture would be fulfilled.</span><span class="text John-17-13" id="en-NIV-26773" style="background-color: white;">“I am coming to you now,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26773AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span> but I <b>say these things while I am still in the world</b>, so that they <b>may have</b> the full </span></span><br />
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span class="text John-17-13" id="en-NIV-26773" style="background-color: white;">measure of <b>my joy</b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-13" style="background-color: white;"> <b><span style="color: magenta;">within them</span></b>.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-14" id="en-NIV-26774" style="background-color: white;">I have given them your word and the world has hated them,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26774AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></span> for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.</span><span class="text John-17-15" id="en-NIV-26775" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26775AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-16" id="en-NIV-26776" style="background-color: white;">They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26776AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-17" id="en-NIV-26777" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Sanctify them by the truth; <b><span style="color: magenta;">your word is truth</span></b>.<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26777AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text John-17-18" id="en-NIV-26778" style="background-color: white;">As <b>you</b> <b>sent me into the world</b>,<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26778AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></span> I have sent them into the world." John chapter 17 NIV </span><span class="text Rev-4-11" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"> ~ </span><span style="background-color: white;">“You are worthy</span><span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30789S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">to take the scroll </span><span class="text Rev-5-9" style="position: relative;">and to open its seals, </span><span style="background-color: white;">because you were slain, </span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Rev-5-9" style="position: relative;">and <strong><span style="color: red;">with your blood</span><span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30789T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span></strong> you purchased<span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30789U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span> <strong><span style="color: red;">for God</span></strong> </span><span class="text Rev-5-9" style="position: relative;">persons from every tribe and language and people and nation." <span style="color: blue;"><b>Rev 5:9</b></span>. </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> "</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta; line-height: 25px;"><b>His name is the Word of God.</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">" </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19:13&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;"><strong><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Rev 19:1</span></strong></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><strong style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> "</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">On</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">his</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">robe and on</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">his</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">thigh he has this</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">name</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">writt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">en:</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 25px;">king of kings and lord of lords</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;">."</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 25px;"><strong> </strong></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+19:16&version=NIV" style="text-decoration: none;"><strong><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Rev 19:16</span></strong></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> ~ </span></span><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Let us empty our mind, drop our pride, our ego and let us boldly claim the truth. Jesus Christ is the living Word of God, who was with God the Father in the beginning. "First there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." John 1:1-2. Scripture lines up with scripture and Jesus is returning and His name is the Word of God. He is the alpha and the omega, He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. There is no teaching, no commentary written by man that can stand up against the truth; and the truth is the Word of God, which came down and walked among us as the man Jesus Christ. Dan Millman's best-selling <u>Way of the Peaceful Warrior</u> was first published in 1980. Written in autobiographical form, it chronicles Millman's </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR8M4TuOAzw/UfaBIKPQxQI/AAAAAAAAD8g/sBMK2RbyJEg/s1600/0382345_35757_MC_Tx360.jpg" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><img bba="true" border="0" height="172" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eR8M4TuOAzw/UfaBIKPQxQI/AAAAAAAAD8g/sBMK2RbyJEg/s320/0382345_35757_MC_Tx360.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 25px;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">experiences as a competitive gymnast at the University of California in Berkely. A woman named JOY shows up and lays hands on Dan and prays for his soul. Socrates, or the Holy Spirit keeps talking to Dan in his dreams to reveal God's way as the only way. Socrates seeks to break down Millman's conventional thought and show him the way of the "Peaceful Warrior" and that is to allow God's grace to work through him. Dan had to drop his ego and surrender all he thought he knew, and his way of performing in life to allow grace to do what only God could accomplish.</span></span></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> The fact is, the truth is: The grace of God healed Dan's multi-fractured leg. In ten short months Dan confounded the wise and performed flawlessly to qualify for the Olympics.</span> LESSON: Lighten up, enjoy the journey, take out the trash, Yackety Yak, don't talk back! Sing a FUN song by the Coasters or enjoy the lyrics of HOME by Phillips and Phillips. "If you get lost, you can always find HOME, you are never alone! Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-43482462938050835882021-03-10T05:07:00.000-08:002021-03-11T08:20:37.464-08:00A Scholar's Atheist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Quote from "Surprised by Joy" the autobiography by CS Lewis. "I was at this time living, like so many atheists...in a whirl of contradictions. I maintained that God did NOT exist. I was very angry with God for NOT existing. I was equally angry with Him for creating a world." CS Lewis considered Christianity nothing more than a myth. He was an Oxford scholar, a respected teacher with profound things to say. He held two degrees from his university and also taught at Cambridge. CS prized the creative imagination and as an academic, his lectures stimulated reason and much thought among his students. He was a literary critic, a tremendous historian and a satirical humorist who was fun to hang out with. "The things that I assert most rigorously and with such vigor, are the very things that I resisted long and accepted late." His highly intelligent argumentative skills allotted him frequent triumph in verbal debates. CS was a complex man who was gravely affected by his mother's battle with cancer and early death. At the age of nine, the tragic loss of his mother stiffened his heart against belief in a</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">benevolent God. CS believed that there was no God worthy of praise because of all the unnecessary cruelty, agony and pain contained by humans affected by war and death. His unanswered prayer for his mother's life proved that billions of weeping prayers were pointlessly directed to the absolute void of a merciful, loving God. CS Lewis was born on November 29, 1898 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. His boyhood library shelves were filled with fantastical books of mythology. After romps with his brother through the rich green landscape of Ireland, CS would retire to his room to draw pictures that matched his fantasy characters. At the young age of 19 ... CS found himself in France on the front lines of World War 1. Many men under his command were blown to bits and his best friend was killed in a fierce combat. Resolved to keep his promise, CS took care of his deceased friends mother and sister after the war. His mind was filled with the haunting question of WHY? Is life and death so random? After his father died in 1929, CS purchased a home in Britain just three miles from his work on Oxford campus. His alcoholic brother came to live with him shortly after moving in. For </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">30 years CS taught, lectured and immensely enjoyed his walks and talks with other outstanding intellects. He loved the life of the mind and became close friends with J.R.R. Tolkien. Together over a pint at the local university pub called the "Eagle and Child", CS and Tolkien agreed that as there was massive amounts of inadequately fulfilling literature at the university, that they would begin to write things that would satisfy their souls. They initiated a club called the "Inklings" and their members included prolific intellects such as Owen Barfield, Neville Calkhill, and Hugo Deisen. They both began to write mythical fantasy with a morality beyond prejudices commonly held by opposing beliefs regarding religion and politics. They met weekly at the pub, or in their respective homes to drink, socialize and read aloud samplings with welcomed and revered criticism. The process of honing their written words among the great minds of the day, enabled the finished work of CS and Tolkien to appeal to a wide range of peoples. Fifty years later, their inspired writings have touched the </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hearts of young and old. Millions of copies of their books have been sold and both became legends at the box office by movie goers across the globe. "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" and " The Lord of the Rings" are indeed timeless works of great literature gone viral. To be infected by their highly contagious virus of hope for more, the series entitled "The Chronicles of Narnia" and sequels of hits for more of "The Lord of the Rings" is a testament to the thirst of the soul for knowledge that good prevails over evil. People do celebrate the victory in these wonder filled visual triumphs. After years of believing that Christianity was a beautifully spun lie, at the wise age of 33, CS was introduced to a book entitled "Everlasting Man" by Chesterson. He had long resisted believing in Jesus and after many hours debating with Tolkien, CS became a believer because of his identification of God in the glorious theater of nature, in science and in his innate compulsion to know the truth. His satirical account of letters between t</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he author of evil and his earthbound helper became an over night sensation. "The Screwtape Letters" became a best-seller. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A revolutionary book in the 1920's, it rattled the souls of his peers and became the most talked about writing among his students, and eventually it was a worldwide must read. <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.00299835205078px;">Screwtape (the devil) gives Wormwood (the temptor) detailed advice on various methods of undermining faith in people while promoting healthy pleasures. In Screwtape's advice, individual benefit and greed are seen as the greatest good.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because CS Lewis served on the faculty at Oxford University, and as his published works caused such a scandal, the University board was unable to convince him to be silent about his faith, so they simply denied this literary giant the title of Professor. <span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">CS Lewis was baptized at birth in the Church of Ireland, but denied Jesus for 32 years. God used his close friend Tolkien to water the seed of faith and CS became a ordinary layman of the Church of England. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> CS credits the Holy Spirit for the content and impact of his children's books. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> His wartime radio broadcasts on the subject of Christianity brought him worldwide acclaim. Later CS published a book entitled "Mere Christianity" which was a compilation of his popular radio broadcasts. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">In 1956, he married the American writer</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joy_Davidman" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" title="Joy Davidman">Joy Davidman</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">, 17 years his junior.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Joy died at the age of 45, just four years after they were married. Lewis died three years after his wife, from</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renal_failure" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" title="Renal failure">renal failure</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, one week before his 65th birthday on November 22,1963, in the same hour that President John F Kennedy was assassinated. When it comes to faith in God, it is an ongoing personal choice to be made. It is a relationship with a very real and unseen Supreme Being. Only God can aptly answer the question of why? His ways are not our ways, and History, is indeed His story. When we are faced with the harshest of realities here on earth, we must pay careful attention to who and what we are listening to. Intellectuals live in their minds, but a relationship with God requires trust, it requires faith in the unknown, in the unseen department of the heart. If you have suffered great loss, or a prolonged illness, read the book of John in the Bible, then read CS </span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">Lewis book entitled "The Problem of Pain". Herein a picture of his beloved wife Joy.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">We choose to listen to the voice of indisputable Truth or the voice of the great Liar...CS Lewis challenged the miracles of Jesus "</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_God" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; line-height: 22.399999618530273px; text-decoration: none;" title="Son of God">Son of God</a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." Who do we trust? "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture....the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming...If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm....I was young, now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken....Wait for the Lord and keep His way...The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble." The book of psalms was written by a young musician who trusted in God and became King. Psalm 37</span></span></span></span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-9457610175013950582021-02-21T14:03:00.001-08:002021-02-22T08:06:04.070-08:00Imagine Your Last Breath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Imagine entering into the holy Presence of God. Imagine that you were very sick for a long while and you closed your eyes and woke up in heaven! Or, just imagine that you were enjoying the day like you had not in a long while, and suddenly you lose your breath. A deep sharp pain in your chest causes you to drop cold to the floor and then your spirit rises with several surprises "look down there, that is my body on the ground...and I am floating up into a brilliant Light and I feel calm, warmly embraced, deeply comforted, genuinely treasured, softly nurtured, absolutely understood, dearly cherished, completely forgiven, totally honored, happily welcomed, instantly perfected, and unconditionally loved ALL at once! <span style="font-family: inherit;">God told us</span> in His living word "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"<span style="text-indent: 0in;"> Now, just imagine, that without hesitation or any regret your sense of self dissolves</span><br />
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as your soul is enveloped by the Light of the world, and you are aware of Jesus more than ever before. Imagine standing submerged in His Presence while knowing Jesus and experiencing God so powerfully that you fall to your knees in a state of genuine worship. Imagine all thoughts and feelings as a human melting into the brilliance of His glory. Imagine having all your questions answered without asking. Imagine experiencing God's promises fulfilled as your soul is filled with unprecedented peace. Imagine feeling "at home" for the first time in your life while feeling "safe" and "free" to live eternally in the unequaled beauty and unmatched Love of God. How compassionate of my Father to lead me to the words to write about my son Jason's experience as he took his last breath. Our heavenly Father loves us, He knows us and He provides all that we need to be comforted in this world. A song we sang at church today: <span style="text-indent: 0in;">“There’s a Peace I've come to know, though my heart and flesh may fail, there is an anchor for my soul</span><br />
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<span style="text-indent: 0in;">and I can say “it is
well”.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Jesus has overcome and the grave
is overwhelmed, the victory is won.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">He
is risen from the dead.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">And I will rise
when He calls my name, no more sorrows, no more pain.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I will rise on eagles’ wings, before my God,
fall on my knees, and rise, I will ri<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">se. </span></span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a day that is drawing near, when this
darkness breaks to</span> light, and the shadows disappear…and my faith shall be my
eyes, and I hear the voice of many angels sing, “worthy is the Lamb” </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">And I will rise when He calls my name, no
more sorrow, no more pain.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I will rise
on eagles’ wings, before my God, fall on my knees.</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">And rise, I will rise.”</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Chris Tomlin lyrics “I will Rise” -- In the book 'Jesus is Calling' on April 20, 2016 the day of Jason's last breath it is written:"Do NOT be afraid, for I am with you. Hear Me saying Peace, be still to your inquiring and restless heart. No matter what happens, I will never leave you or forsake you. Let this assurance soak into your mind and heart, until you overflow with Joy. The media relentlessly proclaims bad news, but the Good News is that Jesus came to give us eternal Life in Him. Let Scripture saturate your mind and heart, and you will walk steadily into your ultimate destination. "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you." Deuteronomy 3:16</span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-59230250462192660642018-12-25T10:45:00.000-08:002021-03-11T08:22:59.125-08:00Alone with God music<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LDN6AXOZL3s" width="480"></iframe>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-74574649231152578712018-07-08T10:20:00.000-07:002018-08-31T10:18:28.842-07:00Tame Thy Tongue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our holy God expects that we tame our tongues. "Do NOT let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may <b><span style="color: red;">benefit those who listen</span></b>. And do NOT grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, (sarcasm) slander and every form of malice, BE KIND and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you" <span style="color: red;">Ephesians 4:29:29-32</span> Are we wise to be reluctant in speech? Are the quiet folks timid or mature? Charles Baker shared his utter amazement as he over heard an untamed tongue at a soup kitchen. This chatty, proud volunteer, while serving the homeless....went on and on and on...about his vast experience in ministering to the poor in other countries. God says "I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech." <span style="color: red;">Proverbs 8:13</span> We must examine our motive behind our words. Will our comment build up others...or are they intended to benefit our self importance? "In the pride of your heart ...you think you are as wise as a god..." <span style="color: red;">Ezekiel 28:2-7</span> It was NOT easy for Ezekiel to speak this truth the the prideful king of Tyre, and then Ezekiel was reminded by God to take up a lament concerning the king, to NOT rejoice when others are self-deceived to believe they are without sin. We must THINK before we speak and wisely employ a filter between our proud mind and our ever-ready mouth. Were the words of this prideful missionary helpful, necessary, or inspiring to his hungry audience? <i>Was he intending to bring God or himself glory?<b></b></i> Boasting while serving is very unattractive! God knows our hearts, and our intentions. Have you ever known a chatter box? Have you sought their wise counsel, or do you avoid them? <b><span style="color: red;">A fool is a person who persists in the telling of too much unwanted detail without regard or sensitivity to the body language of those distancing themselves. </span></b>They seem to be blind to the rolling eyes and disinterest of those obviously tuned out. Politely we endure the curse of an untamed tongue, and ponder this wisdom: <br />
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"When words are many, sin is NOT absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise." Proverbs 10:19 -----The sin may very well be our NEED to speak and NOT hold our tongue. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 ---- Mature Christians guard their speech, they are quick to listen and slow to speak. Charles then reminded all the men that their retired pastor LC rarely shares during bible study, but when he does speak, wise men in the room ponder deeply every word LC shares. WHY? "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have all been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. <b><span style="color: red;">My brothers this should NOT be</span></b>.....(What politician, pastor, friend, neighbor, lost soul, sports figure, news anchor have I cursed out loud or in my heart? ) ----<b><span style="color: red;">Who is wise</span></b> and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by <b><span style="color: red;">deeds done in the HUMILITY</span></b> that comes from wisdom. But if you <br />
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harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts DO NOT BOAST about it or DENY the truth. Such wisdom DOES NOT come down from heaven but is earthly, UNSPIRTITUAL, of the devil. For where you have ENVY and SELFISH AMBITION, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first PURE; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." James 3:9-18 We are to forgive others, and be considerate, full of mercy...as Christ is to us, and as He resides in us, and as we surrender to His omniscience, we are fully equipped to love others as we are loved. "Brothers loved by God, we know that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you NOT simply with words, but also with POWER, with the HOLY SPIRIT." 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7. We have the mind of Christ and the power and capacity to love those who annoy us, as Jesus did. "Now about brotherly love....<br />
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we do NOT need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other....Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win respect of outsiders and so that you will NOT be dependent on anybody." 1 Thessalonians 4:9-13. God's will for us to be discerning, yet kind is a command. God expects us to use our collective gifts to draw the lost to the Light in us...We do this effectively by smiling as we keep our hands busy, and our mouths shut. SUMMARY LESSON: Our daily life, our humble quiet deeds are to give honor and glory to God, not attention to ourselves. "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception." Proverbs 14:8. So says the Lord who knows the content of each heart..."The heart is deceitful above all else." Brother James warns us to confess our sins to one another so that we may be healed, pure and holy before the Lord. "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but he delights <br />
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in airing his own opinions." Proverbs 18:2. <b><span style="color: red;">A fool usually airs their opinion without ever wondering what their audience has to say on the subject</span></b>. They feel best when heard, not in the hearing. We have all been annoyed by people who are insistent in giving their unwanted opinion. "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning IF he holds his tongue." Proverbs 17:28 ~ "When He ascended on high, <span style="color: red;"><b>He led captives</b></span> in His train and <span style="color: red;"><b>gave gifts to men</b></span>" Psalm 68:18 "The very One who ascended higher than the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe...it was He who gave some to be evangelists, some to be pastors, some teachers...to prepare God's people for works of service, <span style="color: red;"><b>so that the body of Christ may be BUILT UP until we ALL reach UNITY in the FAITH and in knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the WHOLE measure of the fullest of Christ."</b></span> Ephesians 3:8-13<br />
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-25396671169236076762018-07-04T10:59:00.001-07:002023-02-13T10:54:54.293-08:00LOVE ONE ANOTHER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">"When a child loves you, they ADORE spending time with you, NOT just so you can feed them, but as you take time to connect with them, making goofy faces, smiling, laughing with them, they want more of you, they feel TRUE LOVE for you. A child does not know the difference between LIKE and LOVE. <span style="color: red;">Love is all they know, it is given freely.</span> Childlike faith is to love and trust freely without conditions, without proofs. <span style="color: red;">God is love</span>. Within a pure heart, there are seven million reasons to rejoice, and be glad. "Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance....Jesus will say to His sheep "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat....I was a stranger and you invited Me in....I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me." Matthew 25:34-36 NIV ---- The inspired living Word of God says<span style="color: red;"> "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God." 1 John 3:1</span> --- Sinners and saints, God loves us all. A great example of this truth</span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UF2gtQOep4/V2wL_NQXGCI/AAAAAAAAYHk/avVEr6_saE8xDOSsjBwMwfO26TVyyJdiQCLcB/s1600/1%2BJason%2Bengagement%2Bto%2BGina.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6UF2gtQOep4/V2wL_NQXGCI/AAAAAAAAYHk/avVEr6_saE8xDOSsjBwMwfO26TVyyJdiQCLcB/s320/1%2BJason%2Bengagement%2Bto%2BGina.jpg" width="226" /></a></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""> is when God blinded the apostle Paul for </span></span><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">three days as he traveled the road to kill more believers. This story is told so that we would be encouraged about the desire of God to use those who have sinned, have murdered, who have believed in previous false teachings. Paul's sight was restored and he openly professed that his head knowledge of scripture did not save him, or transform him, but it was God's unmerited love and grace that changed his heart of stone, and gave him spiritual discernment that <span style="color: red;">he would love his brother</span>, not kill, destroy, accuse or condemn. "<span style="color: red;">Whoever loves his brother lives in the Light</span>, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble." 1 John 1:10 --- We who have accepted Jesus know the truth "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of <span style="color: red;">you know the truth</span>. I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth....As for you, <span style="color: red;">the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you.</span>" 1 John 2:20-27. With the indwelt Holy Spirit, we do not lack any spiritual gift, as our internal holy Teacher will not lead us astray. <span style="color: blue;">The Holy Spirit will give us discernment as we come to know our brother.</span> We inquire of a brother's needs, and we trust that we are equipped to pray effectively for the purpose of loving him back to grace. AMEN</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">"For our LIGHT and momentary troubles are ACHIEVING for us an ETERNAL GLORY that far outweighs them all. So we <span style="color: red;">fix our eyes</span> NOT on what is seen, but <span style="color: red;">on what is UNSEEN</span>. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Bless the Lord O my soul, for we are renewed day by day! The Holy Spirit illuminates our minds, educates our souls, and instructs our hearts which way to go! As frail humans, we fall short regularly, so we wisely place our trust in God's grace and forgiveness! The Word of God is consistent and the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, will never depart from us . Seasons change, our life circumstances will change, but JESUS never changes. LORD HELP us to <span style="color: red;">love and forgive</span> all others as YOU LOVE and forgive all those who cry out! </span></span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif">Even when our ears perceive a rejection, even when people act with the intention to harm us, help us Lord to hold on to the truth, that only LOVE will change the hearts of man. Holy Spirit help us to respond with grace, to quickly confess our goof ups, and to accept the unfailing forgiveness of God Almighty. Ruth Graham said "Those who have </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif">affected my life the most deeply for good have seldom, if ever, been aware of the fact. On the other hand, people who think themselves a blessing seldom have been" Our Lord will separate His sheep from the goats. The proud goats did not befriend strangers, they did not feed the hungry, they did not look after the sick, but they boasted of their good works and so God cursed them into the eternal fire. LORD HUMBLE US so that we may think more of our neighbors than of ourselves. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: blue;">Let us give without expecting an earthly reward of praise. </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif">Live out His Word "Do NOT be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: red;">because we love our brothers</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif">. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates his brother is a </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , sans-serif">murderer, and you know that a murderer has no eternal life in him. Anyone who has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?" 1 John 3:11 --- Help us Lord to NOT criticize the weakness of others, or say that we do not sin or fail in similar ways. TRUTH IS: "Nothing good lives in me apart from the love of God" </span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: red;">God loves our pure hearts, not our appearance, not our good works</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif">. "All sin and fall short" This must be our confession and also our assurance of His ongoing love and saving grace. When we admit our weakness, when we tell our story, when we share our daily NEED to be renewed and forgiven, we attract others who also miss the mark of perfection, and His finished work is glorified. To never gossip, stretch the truth, speak ill of someone, envy, or covet what others have is IMPOSSIBLE for all humanity, including Christians. Our loving Father issues us mercy, grace, and comforting encouragement through His Word and through others. "</span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="color: blue;">Lord Jesus, examine my heart, help me to confess my shortcomings so that I may be a blessing to all those You have placed in my life." AMEN</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">We are to PRAISE God in all things because He is there, He is listening, and He takes pleasure in us. <span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="color: red;">"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; (Jesus was a carpenters son) not many were of noble birth. (Jesus was born in a barn). BUT God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power. We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but NOT the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it, for IF they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."</span> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">We are weak, but He who is in us is strong! How easy it is for us to become attached to a spiritual leader. When someone has helped us, our human frailty tends to make us feel loyal and dependent on that </span><br />
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person's opinion. Paul warns us to AVOID taking pride in our association, in our professions of faith in a man, or in any leader. Stubborn loyalty to a man made idea, religion, opinion or doctrine leads to divisions in God's church. We are His hands and feet, all unique, all called to serve God, to bring God glory, not man. We are wise to contemplate how we came to believe; and to Whom we believe in. Do we trust the evening news, Wall Street, the weather man, or in God? If our mind is filtered with what we have experienced, with what we have memorized, then are we NOT listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying ~ but we are perhaps relying on imperfect, incomplete knowledge obtained from man. Any loyalty to a religion, an idea, or on a commentary ...subjects us to be deceived by the Liar who manipulates God's word to cause division and confusion. The Deceiver rejoices when he effectively closes our minds to the Holy Spirits interpretation of scripture. Man is still inspired by the Holy Spirit and there are hundreds of scholars who interpret the Greek and Hebrew meanings, however, all commentaries are based on a plethera of opposing doctrines. "Finally my children, <span style="color: red;">be strong in the Lord and</span> <span style="color: red;">in the power of His might</span>" <span style="color: blue;">WARNING:</span> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"Some of you have become arrogant. For the kingdom of God is NOT a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit?" </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Jesus came, He spoke to the woman at the well.......</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-4-10" id="en-NIV-26167">Jesus answered her, <span class="woj">“If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would</span></span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-4-10" id="en-NIV-26167"><span class="woj"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMdozL3YMos/VS1G-OEvQiI/AAAAAAAAMjk/6e6wc4lp94Q/s1600/1c.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMdozL3YMos/VS1G-OEvQiI/AAAAAAAAMjk/6e6wc4lp94Q/s1600/1c.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text John-4-10" id="en-NIV-26167"><span class="woj">have given you living water.” </span></span><span class="text John-4-11" id="en-NIV-26168"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? </span><span class="text John-4-12" id="en-NIV-26169"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26169B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”</span><span class="text John-4-13" id="en-NIV-26170" style="background-color: transparent;">Jesus answered, <span class="woj">“Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,</span></span> <span class="text John-4-14" id="en-NIV-26171" style="background-color: transparent;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>but <span style="color: red;">whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst</span>.<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26171C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26171D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> welling up to eternal life.” <span style="color: red;">"</span></span></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">I tell you the truth, Jesus answered, before Abraham was born I am." </span></b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text John-4-34" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26191"><span class="woj">“My food,”</span> said Jesus, <span class="woj">“is to do the will<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26191A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> of Him who sent me and to finish His work.</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span class="text John-4-36" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26193"><span class="woj">Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26193D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span> a crop for eternal life,<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26193E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></span> so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together.</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span class="text John-4-37" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26194"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26194F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></span> is true.</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span class="text John-4-38" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26195"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” John 4:34 ~ </span></span><span class="text John-5-26" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26237"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="color: red;">For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26237AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></span> in Himself.</span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: red;"> </span><span class="text John-5-27" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26238"><span style="color: red;">And He has given Him authority to judge<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26238AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></span> because He is the Son of Man.</span> </span><span class="text John-5-28" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26239">“Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in</span><br />
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<span class="text John-5-28" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26239">their graves will hear his voice</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span><span class="text John-5-29" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26240">and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.</span><span class="text John-5-30" face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" id="en-NIV-26241"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="color: red;">By Myself I can do nothing;<span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26241AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></span></span> I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just,<span style="font-size: 0.65em;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26241AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></span></span> for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me</span>." JN 5:30 ~7:38 Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow within him. By this He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive." </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">"I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, <span style="color: red;">who does not look to the proud</span>, to those who turn aside to false gods. "O Lord my God, many are the wonders You have done. The things You planned for us no one can recount to You." <span style="color: blue;">COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS!</span></span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">J</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">esus may wince at our ingraditude, but His grace covers the content of our unseen hearts and our unvoiced grumblings. God loves the contrite heart, the one that is unashamed to cry out in need of for mercy, grace and understanding... daily. Jesus in the Person of the Holy Spirit is our constant companion, regardless of the human company we keep. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">He knows our intentions, our secrets, and the entire contents of our heart. He cherishes our total dependence on Him. SCRIPTURES quoted... </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">1 Cor 1:7-9; 1 Cor 4:16-18; 1 Cor 1:26-27; 1 Cor 2:3-9; 1 Cor 2:10-15; Romans 7:34; 1 Cor 3:16; Psalm 89:15; Ephesians 6:10; 1 Cor 4:18-21; 1 Cor 6:1-5; Psalm 40:1-5 </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Consider it pure JOY</span></b><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds." James 1:2 "And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corin 12:9 </span></div>
Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-57315722916022597252018-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:002018-08-31T10:17:28.624-07:00RUN FOREST RUN<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Forest was being bullied just like Satan bullies us. He throws rocks at our belief in Jesus, and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">he chases us <span style="color: blue;">shouting ...ALL LIES</span> like: "you are stupid, damaged and you will never be good enough!" "God does not care about you!" "There is no God, all you have is because of your own effort!" Forest took off running in FAITH and his shackles miraculously fell off. His best friend Jenny encouraged him to <b><span style="color: red;">RUN FOREST RUN</span></b>...and like Forest, we all need to be encouraged to <span style="color: blue;">run</span><span style="color: #674ea7;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">the race before us with zeal</span>, not fear... because we know our final destination!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our Father loves to restore all that has been lost. Just like Jonathon's son in 2 Sam 9:7-13, we are destined to eat at the Kings table and get comfy living forever in the Lord's palace. Many feel trapped in the chains of pain, doubt and fear, we have all felt crippled and felt stuck in this life. "For I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, so that you would be slaves no longer..<b><span style="color: red;"> I have broken your chains</span></b> so that you can walk with dignity." (Lev 26:13) The great news is that we have all been summoned by God to come...to come as we are, all a mess, weak and broken. Our Father wants to lavish His love, compassion, understanding, mercy, healing and kindness upon us. He delights in giving us more than we could ever imagine. <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/x2-MCPa_3rU?list=LLbc9MOB5Qr3qKY12Ra2qR2g" width="480"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Don’t be afraid of them,” the Lord said to ….(<span style="color: red;">YOU the reader of God’s living Word</span>) “for they are already defeated! I have given them to you to destroy. Not a single one of them will be able to stand up to you.” Joshua 10:8 TLB --- God commands "Fear NOT" --- <b><span style="color: blue;">Trust that He is capable to defeat whatever is attacking your mind, body or relationships! </span></b>-- “So David went out and fought with them (his enemy, an imposing foe, a Goliath threat) and defeated them. “The Lord did it!” he exclaimed. “He burst through my enemies like a raging flood.” So David named the place “Bursting.” 1 Samuel 5:20 TLB --- So David OBEDIENTLY went out with courage ...because David trusted God's word and took action, he walked in determined faith to bring God glory.</span><br />
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This implies that in order for US to defeat our GOLIATH challenges, we must <b><span style="color: blue;">TRUST and OBEY</span></b>. We must fight our foe by speaking God's word. <span style="color: red;"><b>"Remember Me"</b></span> It is WISE to write down the many blessings from the Lord and keep that list ready to read out loud to remind ourselves that God has never forsaken us. Next time the dragon is chasing you, stop and yell "<span style="color: red;"><b>I belong to the King of Kings</b></span>, and ONLY what He says about me is true!" Who do you give credit to for your e<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">yesight, the human ability to feel joy, awe or pain? Your Creator is worthy of praise, every day... for each sunrise, for fresh-living water, each sunset, cool breeze, the <b>ability to choose</b>, think, smile, talk, walk and FEEL emotion; delight, joy, warning fears, remorse, and relief.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Faith, forgiveness, mercy and grace are all gifts from God. We have also been given the power to banish evil by speaking the Word of God. If you FEEL like you have been running from bullies, or your past...PUT ON YOUR BRAKES and boldly stare into a mirror and face that fiery-lie-spewing-dragon in your head. <b><span style="color: red;">SHOUT a SCRIPTURE</span></b> in his puny face and watch him melt like the wicked witch of OZ! TRUST in the power of the Holy Spirit within, and put Him to work for you. Jesus Christ gave us the authority to slay demons. He is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, just waiting to be asked to restore, renew and strengthen us when we are weak! Our Father is AWESOME, He equipped us with a sword that wins every time! <b><span style="color: red;">Defeat the beast</span></b> by telling your victory story! Hallelujah and AMEN! <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OUm7hw5rDRw" width="459"></iframe></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Encouragement from our loving Father “O Lord our God, the majesty and glory of your name fills all the earth and overflows the heavens. You have taught the little children to praise you perfectly. May their example shame and silence your enemies! When I look up into the night skies and <span style="color: blue;"><b>see the work of your fingers</b></span>—the moon and the stars you have made— I cannot understand how you can bother with mere puny man, to pay any attention to him! And yet you have made him only a little lower than the angels and placed a crown of glory and honor upon his head. You have put him in charge of everything you made; <span style="color: blue;"><b>everything is put under his authority</b></span>: all sheep and oxen, and wild animals too, the birds and fish, and all the life in the sea. O Jehovah, our Lord, the majesty and glory of your name fills the earth.” Psalm 8 TLB <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Jehovah is the<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">name</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">of</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">God</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="oneClick-link" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">in</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"> Hebrew S</span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px;">criptures, JHVH pronunced</span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; line-height: 22px;">)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing the praises of Your name, O Most High. My enemies turn back; they stumble and perish before You….The LORD (Jesus) reigns forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He rules the world in righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, <b><span style="color: blue;">a stronghold in times of trouble</span></b>. Those who know Your name (Jesus) trust in You, for <b>You, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek You.” </b> Psalm 9 NIV 1985 -- “There is something else deep within me, in my lower nature, that is at war with my mind and wins the fight and makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. In my mind I want to be God’s willing servant, but instead I find myself still enslaved to sin. So you see how it is: my new life tells me to do right, but the old nature that is still inside me loves to sin. Oh, what a terrible predicament I’m in! Who will free me from my slavery to this deadly lower nature? <b><span style="color: red;">Thank God! </span></b> <b>It has been done by Jesus Christ our Lord</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">He has set me free</span>.”</b> Romans 7:23-25 LB -- “But thanks be to God! For through <b>what Christ has done</b>, He has triumphed over us so that now wherever we go <span style="color: blue;"><b>He uses us</b> </span>to tell others about the Lord and to spread the Gospel like a sweet perfume.” 2 Corinthians 2:14 LB ---“<b><span style="color: red;">Be gentle and ready to forgive</span></b>; never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Colossians 3:13 LB --- "And you must love Him with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.’ “The second is: ‘You must love others as much as yourself.’ No other commandments are greater than these.” Mark 12:30 LB</span>Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-53080085092829594062017-05-19T17:29:00.000-07:002017-06-01T13:25:14.730-07:00ACCOUNTABILITY Partners<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juPWWpbTCSE/Up9fT8t3o3I/AAAAAAAAH_s/ED9PeTRHWZU/s1600/1469874_569240169828725_1891450856_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_851185="null" eua="true" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-juPWWpbTCSE/Up9fT8t3o3I/AAAAAAAAH_s/ED9PeTRHWZU/s320/1469874_569240169828725_1891450856_n.jpg" width="213" /></a>Think about why professional athletes need coaching? To stay on top of their game, they MUST be accountable to someone who knows their strengths and weaknesses. A mentor or coach builds a relationship of TRUST while expecting a positive mental attitude, a physical exercise routine, and a team spirit. Improved performance comes from a person dedicated to a team, and to what the coach demands. Inside an effective mentor/coach relationship, both parties are acutely aware of strengths and weaknesses. Corrections are sandwiched with encouragements in order to increase ones potential spiritually, physically or financially. <b><u><span style="color: red;">WHO</span></u> </b>you are in Christ, is what makes you set apart, for His purposes. <span style="color: red;"> <b><u>WHAT</u></b></span> lies ahead will always be a mystery, Trust God, do NOT be afraid. <b><u><span style="color: red;">WHEN</span></u></b> temptation haunts you, speak aloud God's word to destroy and banish the voice that is NOT from God. <span style="color: red;"><b><u>WHERE</u></b> </span>there are choices to make, make the one that honors God. You will never regret that decision. <b><u><span style="color: red;">WHY</span></u></b> things happen will never be certain. Hold on to your FAITH in God, and in His plan for you. Before you enter into such a dynamic growing relationship with God, and your special accountability partner of choice... it is wise to ask yourself these important questions and write out the answers: Where have I been? Where am I going physically, spiritually and emotionally? <b><span style="color: blue;">IF I do not change </span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">my habits, my ways...where will I be in 3 years?</span></b> In five years? For things to change I must change...my thoughts, my ways, my habits. A good mentor/accountability partner will know IF you are being honest, and IF you are not, they will be the SALT and LIGHT you need and call you on your stuff. Taking a moral inventory requires us to be authentically honest with ourself and then to our accountability partner. We MUST place our HOPE in GOD and NOT in our mate, our sponsor, our accountability partner. <span style="color: blue;"><b>REMEMBER this TRUTH:</b></span> People will fail you. Your expectations will not always be met. Your heart will be broken by people, NOT GOD. Only GOD is consistently GOOD and only His plan never fails. We MUST choose to TRUST GOD, no matter how often our plans fail. We MUST commit to NOT quit, no matter how many times our circumstances shift away from what we WANT. What we NEED is different than what we WANT. We will face trials and a CRISIS of BELIEF along our journey. We will be required to make adjustments in our thinking to follow God's plan to prosper us. People MUST give themselves a check up from the neck up. <span style="color: red;"> "EXAMINE MY MIND and HEART O' GOD and reveal to me anything in my thinking, in my ways that does NOT honor You."</span> AMEN! The relationship with any accountability partner is based on TRUST. Both must agree that whatever is shared, stays private. All information shared is honored as sacred. Our coach has the right to call us on our hesitations, and our excuses. Introspection keeps our motives pure and keeps us in the growing mode. After all, doing the same thing year after year and expecting different results defines INSANITY. Patience and commitment are critical in order to grow. Remember if you are not growing, your are decaying. Leaders read and they journal where they are physically, spiritually and mentally. Open, honest communication with self and your mentor is essential. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0d7LbQ47x0/UrDdoDIaCUI/AAAAAAAAISw/ddDCBWd3BuE/s1600/1488695_10201317679127116_1100947196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h0d7LbQ47x0/UrDdoDIaCUI/AAAAAAAAISw/ddDCBWd3BuE/s320/1488695_10201317679127116_1100947196_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>It requires sharing feelings, thoughts, new ideas and changes. Select someone you admire and respect and schedule a time to ASK THEM to be your mentor. A "getting to know you" meeting will take at least two hours. One sitting for rapport and trust building is NOT sufficient, but it is a great start. Being straightforward and transparent will be in your best interest. Eventually you and your mentor can write a simple agreed contract which includes regular monthly/or weekly meetings. Prior to this mentor meeting make a list of where you feel you need encouragement and help. This will become a working document for you and your mentor, which can be revised and changed over time. It will give your mentor a guideline and a view of you, providing accountability and a record of your progress. Family members and friends may NOT be considered the best mentors as many have a pre-conceived idea of what you are capable of. Some of our biggest cheerleaders and critics have been family members. If you are looking to develop a model in which to measure growth, make lifestyle changes, or even be transformed by the renewing of your mind and spirit, it is suggested to find someone who is older than yourself and someone who has already achieved what your are hoping to obtain. Someone with the same energy level, someone who shares similar interests, someone who you will look forward to spending time with. Accountability partners can be sought for accelerated learning, increasing faith, improving a skill, or developing a hobby such as, photography, gardening, fishing, golfing, <br />
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arts, or exercise. Your carefully chosen accountability partner will be there to listen, pray for you, and offer suggestions for a change. You will be the one who will need to keep the communication line open and make changes as they fit in your life. Your mentor will be the one who will question your motives and challenge your complaints. Good questions to be asked are: "How are you going to handle that?" or "What would you do?" "When do you plan to execute your firm decision?" Coaches draw on their past experiences and share their expertise, however, the ultimate decision you make is all up to you. You will always be responsible for your choices, good or bad. Meet together once a month, or twice a week. Decide and agree on the first Wednesday of the month or agree according to what feels comfortable for all concerned. Make it enjoyable and celebrate your growth together.Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-72173308721403016952017-05-07T13:56:00.000-07:002017-04-29T14:23:43.423-07:00OLD FUDDY DUDDY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; line-height: 20px;">In 1884 Mark Twain's first lines of Huck Finn read: "You don't know about me without readin a book by the name of 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'; but that ain't no matter. That book was made by a Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly.” Mr. Twain thought highly of his intellect, even boasting that he told the truth mainly. One of his readers, a Miss Olivia Langdon attended church twice </span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #37404e; display: inline; line-height: 20px;">weekly and she was a devoted Christian when Mark Twain came to court her in the 1800's. As Mark was a well known outspoken critic of religion, Olivia's parents were openly disgruntled when she accepted Mark's proposal of marriage. The young woman believed that by association her husband's heart would soften towards Jesus. Soon after they wed, Mark took part in family prayers and Bible reading. However, over time, Mark Twain's skepticism about matters of faith, hardened his heart and eventually, his wife changed, and also withdrew from her beliefs. He was quoted to say this to his young wife:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Livy, you may keep this up if you want to, but I must ask you to excuse me from it. It is making me a hypocrite. <span style="color: red;">I do not believe in the Bible</span>;<span style="color: blue;"> <b>it contradicts my reason</b></span>." Time passes and Livy becomes depressed over a friends death. Her husband encourages her "Livy, why don't you lean on your Christian faith, certainly that will help you get past your grief." <span style="color: red;"><b>Olivia replies "I can't Mark, I haven't any."</b></span> God is not an old fuddy duddy when He warns us to not marry those who do not share faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. </span><u style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Read Genesis 1:1-27</span></u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth and give you understanding of what our Creator, Redeemer, Spirit is saying in regard to our relationship to the ONE GOD. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">The
Amplified Bible reads</span>: "<span style="background: white;">God said, Let Us
[Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness,
and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the
air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps
upon the earth. So God created man in His own image, in the image <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</i> likeness of <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2014 in Sonora</td></tr>
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God He
created him; male and female He created them." God said
"let us" --- Who was in the "us"? <span style="color: blue;">The King James Version of
the Bible</span>: "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness</span>”</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background: white;"><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Let us
not rely on our intellect to interpret God's living Word, but let us be wise
and ask the Holy Spirit to give us understanding. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> "In the beginning
God created the heavens and the earth....and </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the Spirit of God</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> was hovering
over the waters." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Gen 1:2 NIV</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> ~ </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And God said....and His Spirit filled
living Word created all that there is. </b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">God expects us to believe in the full Deity, Power and Authority of His <span style="color: blue;"><b>Godhead</b></span>. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that He lavished on us with ALL wisdom and understanding. And </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He made known to us the <b>MYSTERY</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment---to bring ALL things in heaven and earth together <span style="color: blue;"><b>under ONE head</b></span>, even Christ." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Ephesians 1:7-10</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> What God says about His Son when He brought His first-born into the world, God said, "In the beginning, O Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain; they will all wear out like a garment....</span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZEv2lZ5k64/VAheKeUgdFI/AAAAAAAAK40/FsaozRUhj5E/s1600/trinity-godhood2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZEv2lZ5k64/VAheKeUgdFI/AAAAAAAAK40/FsaozRUhj5E/s1600/trinity-godhood2.gif" width="191" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">but You remain the same, and Your years will never end." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hebrews 1:10 NIV</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> ~ "Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the Builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hebrews 3:3</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> ~ The Lord's most beloved disciple wrote these Holy Spirit filled words "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">John 1:1</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> --- God said the Word was God, and that He, the Word was with God in the beginning. God also said "He was in the world, and though the world was MADE through Him, the world did not recognize Him. He came to that which was His own, but His own did not receive Him." </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">John 1:10</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> --- God came face to face with Mark Twain and even as Mark read these words in the Bible, Mark did not recognize Jesus as God, and Mark chose his REASON over the wisdom of God found in the holy scriptures. Let us not make the same mistake as Mark Twain and deny or profane the Name of God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs7MAi0V7Dg/VAheRD2AHYI/AAAAAAAAK48/ShOaCDSpRvw/s1600/trinity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cs7MAi0V7Dg/VAheRD2AHYI/AAAAAAAAK48/ShOaCDSpRvw/s1600/trinity.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
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"He has a name written on Him that no one but He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dripped in blood and </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><b>His name is the Word of God</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">." </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Revelation 9:12-13 ~ </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As humans who attend church, pray and worship, we will remain empty and wanting unless we return to God, our Father, Jesus our Lord, and submit to His ever present Holy Spirit. God said "I am in Him, He is in Me, and you are "in Christ". We are not separate when we accept what God says as the ultimate Truth. <span style="color: blue;">Mark Twain relied on </span>what he thought, <span style="color: blue;">his human reasoning</span>, and without the Holy Spirit, unfortunately, Mark and his wife were led astray and failed to "get it", to understand Who Jesus Christ is. Jesus is the Word of God, He spoke as God and created the world.</span></span><br />
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Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4111007803730909803.post-13664161512220479052017-05-05T14:47:00.000-07:002017-04-29T14:22:42.203-07:00OPINION OF OTHERS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-qBul4yoJc/VQX-VZzWmnI/AAAAAAAAMec/XLMf-Si9XjM/s1600/IMG_233905659495518.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-qBul4yoJc/VQX-VZzWmnI/AAAAAAAAMec/XLMf-Si9XjM/s320/IMG_233905659495518.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">When the big question "Why was I born?" emerges from within, it is a time for significant endings and new beginnings! It is a place in the road of our journey that can make us feel disoriented as we straddle our past and consider our possible future. This dot on our timeline can</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"> make anyone feel heavy, and depressed or melancholy. When we feel stuck and unable to make decisions about which way to travel, it is time to STOP and BE
STILL and LISTEN to the voice within. Our wise elder, the inner teacher, the Holy
Spirit, may be asking us to<span class="yiv4670295368apple-converted-space"> </span><strong id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426790403418_4865"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">slow down and turn inward so we
can take stock</span></strong><span class="yiv4670295368apple-converted-space"> </span>of
what is working, what is not? How do we respond to the opinions of others? Do we adjust ourselves to adapt to public opinion, or do we make adjustments to hold on to our belief in what God says about us? How do we honor our priorities, commitments,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TW7UUfUAVw/WNp6NAeNYQI/AAAAAAAAfSk/ZIMeZo445ZMSWZJyDSUyb27W8pqluJHOgCLcB/s1600/17156264_1652794338356793_6648228733701851334_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7TW7UUfUAVw/WNp6NAeNYQI/AAAAAAAAfSk/ZIMeZo445ZMSWZJyDSUyb27W8pqluJHOgCLcB/s400/17156264_1652794338356793_6648228733701851334_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">responsibilities, and boundaries? Who do we consult when making long-term goals? Have we examined how our belief systems? Are the stories that we tell about
ourselves and the world about the miracle of our redemption? Do we consider how our words and silent thoughts affect our current reality? Are the stories we tell useful? </span><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">Do we hold captive every thought and align our thoughts with Christ, and His plan for us? A PRAYER: Lord help </span></strong><em style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">each of us grow as bored with our vocalized victim stories as everyone around us already has!</span></em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">”
YES, it is time to shed the skin of our old sad self like the caterpillar did! Stilled out of pure boredom with all that the world had to offer, the caterpillar released his old life, his adolescent memories and surrendered his entire body and mind. Then God created a brand new creature with wings that can fly
above the world’s ways, and get a FRESH God sized perspective of our glorious short LIFE on earth, and our valid HOPE for eternity without pain or struggles!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uhDshJsv6Y/VQsjM4gyM6I/AAAAAAAAMfA/MZw7tr8f-EI/s1600/inventory7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uhDshJsv6Y/VQsjM4gyM6I/AAAAAAAAMfA/MZw7tr8f-EI/s1600/inventory7.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif";">Our heavenly Father's opinion of us is that He is pleased with His creation and He takes great pleasure in us. We must reclaim this truth and the authority of Christ within
us. <b style="background-color: #fff2cc;">We must BELIEVE that God will FINISH what He started in us! </b>We
must inhabit the truth that God equipped us to handle whatever task He assigns to us! Let use our wings of faith to experience our pre-destined life at its best. Our death-of-self and rebirth
into a new creature “in Christ” is our separation from a previous world view,
and into God’s plan. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;">Our radical break from the lie, from our old and tired self
portraits accelerates our ongoing wave of renewal! It is in </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">the “little things” that we witness change in us. It is in the
daily details that </span></em><br />
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<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr_ZoXG7pRA/VQtDSi3xp0I/AAAAAAAAMfQ/laUFdxUoy_U/s1600/change--do%2Byou%2Bwant%2Bto%2Bchange%2Bthe%2Bworld%2C%2Bstart%2Bwith%2Byourself.preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cr_ZoXG7pRA/VQtDSi3xp0I/AAAAAAAAMfQ/laUFdxUoy_U/s1600/change--do%2Byou%2Bwant%2Bto%2Bchange%2Bthe%2Bworld%2C%2Bstart%2Bwith%2Byourself.preview.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></em></div>
<em style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">we notice, moment by moment, that we are living an enriched,
thriving and changed life. In the face of the current overwhelming planetary crisis, we can choose to </span></em><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">start now, and begin small, to start fresh wherever we are. As set apart people,
we gladly turn away from what has never worked, to embrace God’s way. This does
not mean that LIFE will become easier! </span></i></strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;">We will meet
opposition, we will struggle, and we will be victorious even in the midst of
chaos. </span><strong style="line-height: 17.25pt;"><i><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">Small efforts make significant differences in our own communities. Instead of trying to change the world, as
transformed people with renewed minds…we confidently contribute on a small
scale and know that God is using us to make huge impacts on one watching person
at a time. We are faced with many choices while living on earth, however, there are only two eternal choices. </span></i></strong>Pastor Rick Warren, author of a "Purpose Driven Life" gives us a look at our two eternal choices. CLICK this link and ENJOY Rick Warren's reality check, a living Word from God, and His loving opinion of WHY we should choose His way. <a href="http://rickwarren.org/listen/player?bid=77d76fd5-e16d-4b58-922c-e24810958133">The Reality of Hell, Part 1</a></div>
Barbara Hoylehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11789458949936651728noreply@blogger.com1