tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-266824312024-03-13T17:38:33.493-06:00Through the SeasonsGrowing through the seasons of lifeSummerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-68408476577309483272024-01-30T13:15:00.002-07:002024-01-30T13:15:57.172-07:00Time is Ticking Away<p>Time has a funny way of escaping. Either it ticks by slowly as you wait for hopeful news, or it rushes by quickly when you are trying to capture the moments. </p><p>I have words and thoughts that I want to get out, but time slips by and before I know it, two months have escaped and I haven't written any of those thoughts down. I wish I could say I would be better in the future but I cannot guarantee that. What I do know, is that I am learning to try and slow myself down so that I enjoy the time I have.</p><p>When I was single, I would go walking or to the gym and immediately put my headphones on wanting the noise as I pushed my body to the max. Now as I am married and learning to juggle life with a husband and step children and all the extra curricular uber driving that comes with the kids' extracurriculars, I find that I cannot listen to anything when I am "exercising". Sometimes I even drive in silence (GASP!). And I don't even know if I can call it exercise anymore as it does not tax my physical body. I find myself taking the dogs out for walks in nature, unplugged from podcasts, music, tv, social media, and just simply walk and enjoy what is around me.</p><p>Yesterday, Montana and I took a long walk and I loved hearing the trickle of water from the stream, the birds calling, trees rustling in the wind and children's laughter. It was on this walk that I realized the stark difference between my singlehood walks and my walks now. And neither is bad. Each has a season and purpose. And in my life today with so much coming at me, I find that I long for the silence and my afternoon walks are ways to reset my mind. I feel better, have a clearer mindset and probably am a lot more pleasant to be around.</p><p>It feels like time is rushing by and in just a few short months, we will send the oldest off to college. It still feels like I just went to college! Slowing down and enjoying this time seems to be what my heart needs. </p><p>What is it your heart needs in the season of life you are in?</p>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-56288312240223497212023-11-30T09:21:00.000-07:002023-11-30T09:21:34.880-07:00Just for you Uncle<p> My uncle reminded me recently that writing was an outlet for me. I've been aware how much I miss it, but time just seems to sneak past me. Life continues going day by day and the words don't make it to the page. I'm hoping to slow down the ever busy pace that I have set in our family and find time to reflect, unwind and write again. </p><p>Marriage and becoming a step-mom, even though it's been six years now, seems to have taken all my time. And rightfully so in some ways. My family has been a priority, but in that I have let the busyness of the teenagers activities be an excuse for exhaustion or "not enough time". However, now that those teens are able to drive themselves, I am finding that I have pockets of time here and there. And it is time to revisit the power of words. </p><p>Writing was always an outlet for expression and for musings of my time with God. The quiet mornings in His Word have continued over the years, but it has felt more like a to-do checklist and not a relationship. I'd like to go back to that deep relationship of reading His Word, allowing lessons to pierce the heart, and sharing through writing some of those lessons...even if they are humble pie. </p><p>I don't know who reads this (except my Uncle), but at least this is a place to document the seasons of life that God has brought me in and through. And maybe, just maybe reader, you may be able to relate and be encouraged by God's faithfulness in all of the seasons of life. </p>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-20431139326721308252023-02-14T07:09:00.002-07:002023-02-14T07:09:22.180-07:00Stop. Pause. Resume.<p> Welcome back to the land of words. It's been a hot minute, but life has been full. So...let's try this thing again shall we?</p>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-10375611399374794542018-03-07T07:11:00.001-07:002023-02-14T07:13:35.580-07:00CourageI wear courage around my neck. Literally. It is the word that kept whispering to my soul struggling for air. As I stepped into 2018, I chose to cling to that word and its infinite meaning.<br />
People keep telling me that I am strong. I don't see it or feel it. On the contrary, I feel broken, weak, scared. I feel like some days I come sliding into bed with grit determination, skinned knees and a bruised soul. I am weary.<br />
<br />
This battle I am in, well sometimes it feels like I have broken armor that I'm trying to fight with. And maybe I do. My faith is weak and I"m not wearing the Armor of God with courage, with confidence.<br />
When I think courage, I think brave, strong, valiant, hopeful, trusting. But, according to dictionary.com courage is: "the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear, bravery". And therin lies my issue....without fear. I'm scared of the future, of what lies ahead for my husband and this diagnosis. Of how the kids will handle it, how I will handle it. Right now I only handle it with tears. I've tried to be strong but this past Sunday I broke down. I cried in the arms of my husband. I'm scared. I'm angry. I'm questioning God.....even as I sit in church.<br />
<br />
This past Sunday we sang songs that spoke of God's goodness, His faithfulness.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"<a class="referent referent--yellow" data-id="11581418" href="https://genius.com/Elevation-worship-do-it-again-lyrics#note-11581418">Walking around these walls<br />I thought by now they'd fall</a></em><br /><em>But You have never failed me yet</em><br /><em>Waiting for change to come</em><br /><em>Knowing the battle's won</em><br /><em>For You have never failed me yet</em><br /><em>Your promise still stands</em><br /><em>Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness</em><br /><em>I'm still in Your hands</em><br /><em>This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>You made a way, where there was no way</em><br /><em>And I believe, I'll see You do it again"</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Do It Again ~ Elevation Worship</em></div>
<br />
And I couldn't sing. I could not open my mouth to utter those words because I was angry and asking Him why. This doesn't sound like courage. Yes, I've seen God move mountains. I've experienced mountains moved in my life. But I am struggling with this mountain. A mountain of uncertainty in a diagnosis that no one understands.<br />
<br />
I took a drive and played "Good, Good Father" over and over and over again in an attempt to believe the words. Even now, I'm currently playing worship songs in hopes that they reach my weary soul. How is this courage? I don't know. Maybe that's why this is my word for the year. I need it. I need to find bravery in the unknown. But how do I do this?<br />
<br />
And God answers....through music. Because He knows it reaches the depths of my heart and mind. Music speaks to the weariness within.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"It's not the news that any of us hoped that we would hear</em><br /><em>It's not the road we would have chosen, no</em><br /><em>The only thing that we can see is darkness up ahead</em><br /><em>But You're asking us to lay our worry down and sing a song instead</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>And I didn't know I'd find You here</em><br /><em>In the middle of my deepest fear, but</em><br /><em>You are drawing near</em><br /><em>You are overwhelming me, with peace</em><br /><em>So I'll lift my voice and sing</em><br /><em>You're gonna carry us through everything</em><br /><em>You are drawing near</em><br /><em>You're overwhelming all my fears, with peace</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>You say that I should come to You with everything I need</em></strong><br /><strong><em>You're asking me to thank You even when the pain is deep</em></strong><br /><strong><em>You promise that You'll come and meet us on the road ahead</em></strong><br /><strong><em>And no matter what the fear says, You give me a reason to be glad</em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Here in the middle of the lonely night</em><br /><em>Here in the middle of the losing fight, You're</em><br /><em>Here in the middle of the deep regret</em><br /><em>Here when the healing hasn't happened yet</em><br /><em>Here in the middle of the desert place</em><br /><em>Here in the middle when I cannot see Your face</em><br /><em>Here in the middle with Your outstretched arms</em><br /><em>You can see my pain and it breaks Your heart</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Find You Here ~ Ellie Holcomb</em></div>
<br />
He's asking me to thank Him even when the pain is deep. Even when I cry out in anger, I thank Him. And in this, He will come and meet me. So maybe, just maybe, for me courage means speaking thankfulness in the pain, in the anger. Courage means playing worship music. Courage means waking up and taking the day to Him, telling Him my worries, fears and just resting. Courage means letting Him take what's deep inside and finding trust in that. And hopefully one day I can sing with the worship team the words "This is my confidence, You have never failed me yet".Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-685269452094456052018-01-10T07:09:00.000-07:002018-10-07T07:09:25.222-06:00Reference or ResidenceThe other day in church the following question was posed: Is your past a point of reference or a place of residency?<br />
<br />
I may have missed the majority of the sermon due to ruminating thoughts about this question. As I considered it, I began recalling those times in my life that were significant turning points. Those so called “forks in the road”. Have I resided in some of those places or do I look at them as a point of reference, a point of God working His way?<br />
<br />
That’s tough. I can immediately pick out the points of reference: college in Arizona, moving to Montana, Brazil, Kansas, Arkansas. I can also distinguish those places of residency, and those have been more difficult to grapple with: past broken relationships, Daniel’s diagnosis, hurtful words spoken to me.<br />
<br />
Memorials in the Old Testament of the Bible tended to be places of reference, not residence. Jacob, as he was traveling, laid down one night and used a stone as a pillow. Not my first choice for my pillow, but hey, whatever works for the man! As he dreamt that night he saw a <em>“stairway that reached from the earth up to the heaven”</em> (Genesis 28:12). The Scripture goes on to detail what he saw at the top of the stairs and the promises that were spoken to him by the Lord. When he awoke he commented, <em>“Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it…What an awesome place this is! It is none other than the house of God, the very gateway to heaven”</em> (Genesis 28:16, 17).<br />
Now if I was Jacob and I was in the house of God, I wouldn’t want to leave! I’d set up residence there. Plop down my warm comforter and fluffy pillow (no rock for this weary head!), pitch my tent (okay….cabin), and never leave. I desire to be in the house of God and Jacob was there. He saw the very gateway to heaven! What an amazing moment in his life!<br />
<br />
However, he is not like me. He did not set up camp there. He did not make that place his residence. Instead, he <em>“took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar…”</em> (Genesis 28:18). Afterwards he praised God, claimed the promises the Lord had spoken over him, and went on with his journey. That stone in Bethel was a place of reference. He did not make it his residence.<br />
<br />
I could take a lesson from Jacob on this one. My past is meant to help provide a testimony of God’s faithfulness in my life. Even the crappy times. He is still faithful. Maybe instead of setting up residence in Daniel’s diagnosis, I need to use it as a point of reference, a memorial to God. And if I cannot learn from Jacob, maybe I should take note from Joshua.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><br /></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>“We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.”</em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>Joshua 4:6-7</em></div>
<br />
Joshua didn’t live there at the Jordan River where God performed a miracle. He used it as a memorial, a place of reference.<br />
<br />
So, I guess it’s time I do the same. It’s time I stop residing in the past, in the things I cannot change and start living with my eyes on this moment before me. God can take the pain of the past and use it for His glory. And someday maybe I can use it as a testimony of His faithfulness.<br />
<br />
What about you? Are you residing in your past or is it a place of reference?Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-48138502078828539232017-06-24T07:21:00.003-06:002017-06-24T07:21:45.535-06:00Faithful through the Fire<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">When
you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you
ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the
Holy One of Israel, your Savior;…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Isaiah 43:2-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">By
your Spirit I will rise <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">from
the ashes of defeat<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">The resurrected
King<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Is resurrecting
me<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">In
your Name I come alive<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">To
declare your victory<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">The
resurrected King<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Is resurrecting
me<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Resurrected – Elevation Worship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">It has
been exactly 2 months since my apartment went down in flames. That day I watched everything burn and I
clung to the promise that God is still God and that He is good, even in the
midst of the fire and destruction. And
now, I can shout it from the rooftops that He is God and He is good! What could have destroyed me has only made me
stronger in Him. I cannot even begin to
explain how many times He has provided for me in the midst of all of this. There have been so many instances of His
grace, provision, mercy, compassion and love.
He has used people to bless me beyond what I ever imagined or can
comprehend. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">My school family
poured out upon me and enabled me to buy a new wardrobe, shoes, computer and
basic necessities. I keep thinking also of
the one student (I don’t know who it was), who donated a dollar, because “that
is all they had and they wanted to help”.
It reminds me of the widow’s offering (Luke 21). Even that dollar has been a huge blessing! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5LLYWVrqKy6eDwME5_dWwNWzhMdCQafdWJuVVbXq5UYGJjpbLPP8EO5QQLcDvG6_m7SbEpxV2aLbeyjuepBhrQtFAiRL6n05t8svNvHKru-Lg6nKXIDPKhvWxKmYvVevhSlK/s1600/New+home+owners.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5LLYWVrqKy6eDwME5_dWwNWzhMdCQafdWJuVVbXq5UYGJjpbLPP8EO5QQLcDvG6_m7SbEpxV2aLbeyjuepBhrQtFAiRL6n05t8svNvHKru-Lg6nKXIDPKhvWxKmYvVevhSlK/s320/New+home+owners.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Since the
fire, I have closed on a house, moved to Arkansas and started making this house
a home. My insurance has provided an
opportunity to put new floors in the house, pay for a wedding and help get out
of some debt. Again, what the enemy
could have used to destroy me, God has used to bless and provide. I have not been destroyed; I have been
provided for, loved on, blessed and seen His goodness in the whole process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">I wish I
could explain all of the instances where “it just so happened” (because of
God!), and how He has worked out the intricacies…..but I don’t even know where
to begin! Maybe in time I can share all
of it. But for now, He is my
victory! I have walked through the fire
and not been singed. He has been my
constant help, strength, provider and He has resurrected me from the ashes of
defeat because He is the Resurrected King!
All honor and glory to Him alone! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-91772856953066950152017-05-08T17:34:00.000-06:002017-05-08T17:39:42.156-06:00Overcome<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
It's 2am, and again I cannot sleep. It seems to happen quite often since the fire. I wake up and my mind won't turn off. So here I am, pecking away at the keys, sharing my heart because I don't know what else to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Umb-nufjXqBakk38-o3vyjkyCO-MOkqSuq6d8Nf71i_PpEy7yFmqcJ6rUQzK_dKMb6EZNlEtxv46_nCpII4_GZqQ3nw0FutP9rHI7mNGXHhknvpdMMWJLCKhDEcRAQLTvea_/s1600/Fire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Umb-nufjXqBakk38-o3vyjkyCO-MOkqSuq6d8Nf71i_PpEy7yFmqcJ6rUQzK_dKMb6EZNlEtxv46_nCpII4_GZqQ3nw0FutP9rHI7mNGXHhknvpdMMWJLCKhDEcRAQLTvea_/s320/Fire.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
Grief or Joy.
It’s a choice I’m faced with each day as I wake up and stare at walls
that are not my home, at belongings that are unfamiliar, and look back at once
was and is no more. Watching my home be
destroyed by fire could consume me, the flames could have overcome me; but as I
watched everything burn that fateful Monday two weeks ago, I realized that I have the One thing
that is most important to me… I have Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I stood there across from my apartment and watched
the firemen work tirelessly to put out the flames and I realized that all I
owned… I was either wearing it, holding it in my purse or had it in my car
(which in this one time, I wished I kept a stash of shoes in my vehicle like my friend who shall remain unnamed!). My cat was still in the apartment and I
didn’t know if she was alive or consumed by the smoke and flames. Even my Bible was in there. I stood on that hill with tears streaming
down my face, grief hitting and yet felt His peace consume me because I still
had Him. I had friends and coworkers standing
by my side, holding me up in prayer and taking care of my basic needs (although
I was unaware of this at the time). I
was not alone. God did not leave
me. Even in the midst of the fire I knew in my gut that He is good and that He is still God.
I had a choice to make: let this
fire overcome me or choose to overcome it.
I chose the latter. I’m not going
to lie…I still have moments where grief strikes and I cry over temporal things,
the familiar things that are lost. But
then I do the only thing I know to do, I count my blessings and I share them
with Him. I speak out what He has
provided, what He has done, and what He will do. I cling to His promises for my life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Waking up the next morning in borrowed pajamas, I
again was faced with that choice: be
overcome or be an overcomer. I stood in
the make-up aisle of Walmart crying because I couldn’t even remember what color
foundation I was using. I was wearing unfamiliar clothes that people bought for
me, unfamiliar shoes, and crying. I let
that grief hit and I stood there and prayed in that Walmart aisle. I prayed that God would take all this pain,
grief and devastation and use it for His glory.
I prayed that His promises would prevail and that others would come to
know Him because of this. I had to
choose to overcome by His strength and His grace.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I’ve also had to learn to receive. That’s been the most difficult lesson in all
of this. I find it so much easier to
bless others than to be on the receiving end.
But this time, I needed to receive.
God has used so many people to bless me but it has not only been a
blessing to me, but to my family as well.
My family has witnessed (from thousands of
miles away) people showering me with gift cards, finances, prayers and encouragement
and it is causing them to turn and thank God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLA0NUeGuVd31V6y9NCYu6K4KS8EhoYUSxaudh5jAIt5C0A8eEFJkV-NHIKRJ4JlkXLhVeyWgQgCRDwpUAh9dCGYul3UGIhhDJZsl_gvSQGlM32W8KMVnMj52MDdBwXbOxDyo/s1600/fire+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLA0NUeGuVd31V6y9NCYu6K4KS8EhoYUSxaudh5jAIt5C0A8eEFJkV-NHIKRJ4JlkXLhVeyWgQgCRDwpUAh9dCGYul3UGIhhDJZsl_gvSQGlM32W8KMVnMj52MDdBwXbOxDyo/s320/fire+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>I have also seen God’s provision and favor. Six hours after the fire, I went back to the
apartment and spoke with the fire chief about my cat. Before the firemen left, he asked them to
check my apartment one last time and they found my cat...drenched but alive. And then when I met with my insurance a few
days later, we were standing in front of the apartment and found out that no
one was allowed in. The fire inspector
“just so happened” to be there and overheard our conversation. He began showing me pictures of my apartment
and when I saw my grandmother’s paintings untouched by the fire, I told him
that’s all I wanted. Unbeknownst to me,
he had the authority to allow us in. He
decided to take me into my apartment to retrieve those paintings. At the same time, I was able to grab my Bible
which was untouched by water or fire (while everything else around it was
soaked). The kindness of the fire
inspector allowed me to retrieve sentimental possessions and provided me with
my Bible again (3 days without one in something like this is difficult…I am
thankful for His Word tucked in my heart!).
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
So even in the midst of devastation and
destruction, God is still good, He is still God and His promises never
fail. I can overcome because of His
grace, mercy, strength and power working in and through me. And I’m learning that those treasures stored
up in heaven are the things worth fighting for.
All these things on earth can be replaced, but the lives of my family
and friends…. that’s what matters. My
prayers for people are more fervent now than ever before. </div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-26843548781089924412017-04-25T00:06:00.001-06:002017-05-08T17:20:08.186-06:00Monday may have won today, but my dukes are up and I'm stillfighting!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVzLSTSJEbRCkbDRm4OgxBeD5SiYcqaCzsLpwGvvGWshZ6TEKQgnIJ5pIu13adsR9bQne5oTgpi1W8OfPSk3Br5nnSFvjnGqEMgwXqyaA_nUJkjkV4Z-OynnoTJob3q_kvSJI/s640/blogger-image--1999645904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitVzLSTSJEbRCkbDRm4OgxBeD5SiYcqaCzsLpwGvvGWshZ6TEKQgnIJ5pIu13adsR9bQne5oTgpi1W8OfPSk3Br5nnSFvjnGqEMgwXqyaA_nUJkjkV4Z-OynnoTJob3q_kvSJI/s320/blogger-image--1999645904.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Sleep eludes me. It shouldn't after the Monday I've had, and yet it does. And as I lay here wishing the sandman would visit, I'm left pondering so many things and being overwhelmed with gratitude.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful that everyone made it out safely. I'm grateful that the firemen went into my apartment hours later and found my cat, still alive and well. I'm grateful that quite a few of my belongings are already in Arkansas. I'm grateful for friends, who just happen to be the family I work with, supporting me throughout it all today. And that they went shopping for things I didn't even know I needed (like tweezers for those pesky chin hairs).<br />
<br />
And I lay here overwhelmed. It's hard to think about all the things that were lost today. Grandma's and great-grandma's paintings. Family furniture. Tokens of memories from Brazil and my other travels. All of my favorite clothes and shoes. Even medicine, contacts and glasses and essential oils. My Bible.<br />
<br />
You never know what you need until it's gone. Like my phone dying but my charger is buried under water and smoke. Or the paperwork for the house I'm buying. Or my car title that I had just received. Diplomas. My computer that housed my checkbook (that could spell trouble soon!). Blankets my mom made for me. Or how about when I walked in to the gym because I needed something normal, and realized all I had were the clothes on me and the boots I was wearing (and I just simply walked on that treadmill as is!). And good grief....I need hair stuff! And face moisturizer. And sports bras again. Ugh!!!!<br />
<br />
But really, it's all just stuff. I know that grief will come in waves, and I also know the way for me to press on is to remember and recall all the things I can be grateful for.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 1. A</span> to call home this next month.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 2. </span>My cat asleep at my feet.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 3. </span>Everyone is safe!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 4. </span>Daniel coming up here to help.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 5. </span>My workplace that is family.<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">6. </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Friends who actually like to shop and know my style (I despise shopping...and now I have a lot of it ahead of me)<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;">7. </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Things can be replaced (just with effort).<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 8. </span>Renters insurance<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 9. </span>I wasn't at home when that fire broke out!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 10. </span>God is still God and He's still good!!!!!!<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> 11. </span>It will all be ok.<br />
<br />
Thank all for your prayers and support. My phone and Facebook have exploded today. I cannot respond to everything and everyone because it's just overwhelming at the moment, but know I appreciate it all. Thank you!!!!<br />
<br />
Now Mr. Sandman....please come pay me a visit! <img src="webkit-fake-url://5d867d9c-120b-4bb0-b8dd-bf93ed767a3d/imagejpeg" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt91CmWzTFv0rm14VdX0H_H4Mcm3FkMRqg9tvYMHTnGvyXU8T7Y1ffdCJdmDUVQvA6bUfJ_pSw9MrmWpBzg10Xi3J76Vki22p0ja7s8Cg9DxUfMTFBQp2F9hvQrPJUOrkDoK6Z/s640/blogger-image-1326698580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt91CmWzTFv0rm14VdX0H_H4Mcm3FkMRqg9tvYMHTnGvyXU8T7Y1ffdCJdmDUVQvA6bUfJ_pSw9MrmWpBzg10Xi3J76Vki22p0ja7s8Cg9DxUfMTFBQp2F9hvQrPJUOrkDoK6Z/s640/blogger-image-1326698580.jpg" /></a></div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-48239790595281361672017-01-30T17:54:00.004-07:002017-01-30T18:13:56.510-07:00Someone shook my snow globe!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->My grandma’s house contains a menagerie of snow
globes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has all kinds:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ones that light up, musical ones, the old
twisty kinds, the click-of-the-button new kinds, and just the good old shake’em
up kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved as a kid to make them
all go at once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would sit there and
get as many of them to sing at the same time and/or light up and then I would
shake them all and watch the snow swirl around in them until it finally settled
down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always something magical
about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Something that once was calm,
only to be shaken up with snow swirling so forcefully that the little villages and
figures are hidden, then watch it calmly float down and settle again into a
different spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even after the snow was
stirred, the scene always returned to a thing of beauty.<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I feel like my snow globe of life has been shaken
up a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the fall I was
minding my own business teaching and serving at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had finally come to terms with my
singlehood, my life, and all that it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was content, in heart and in mind, and with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Content but not complacent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then the snow started swirling as if
someone had picked up my life and started moving things around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it was a gentle movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a good movement, a happy kind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I started dating someone that I have known for
many years (13-14 years I think).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
anyone who knows me, they know that this is kind of a big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Me dating?!?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I just don’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now don’t get me
wrong, I’ve dabbled in the whole online dating thing and found out that it
definitely was NOT for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to be in
a serious relationship….nope, not something that I had experienced much
before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So my life is different
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I like it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem is that he lives in another
state, 6 hours away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now I have the privilege
of being in a long-distance relationship!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The snow in my snow globe of life is swirling a little more, changing
the scenery a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s
beautiful!</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKv0wL0sVCaC6cBE97IinB_oglE5tTFyEhZ2ondlqOO0IwczToM9_gzwgNn4-z5vC83_pc5lB3AFl02aLXOKa5vnzSAE73TYspIR-H77MFQc00v_ZpI5hIMvnWRxplZ140D0q/s1600/snow+globe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKv0wL0sVCaC6cBE97IinB_oglE5tTFyEhZ2ondlqOO0IwczToM9_gzwgNn4-z5vC83_pc5lB3AFl02aLXOKa5vnzSAE73TYspIR-H77MFQc00v_ZpI5hIMvnWRxplZ140D0q/s1600/snow+globe.jpg" /></a>Enter January.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s the month when real snow should be covering the ground, but it’s 60
degrees outside and I wore flip flops today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the snow in my life is swirling so much that the scenery is now
hidden, but it’s not a bad thing, I like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In my grandma’s snow globes I always enjoyed this part because I knew it
would all settle and create a beautiful calm picture in the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes shaking needs to happen in order
for God to work out His ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That life
that I knew in the fall, well it won’t be my life this coming fall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within this short month of January, I have
put in my resignation at one job, interviewed at another and been offered the
position and accepted it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this new
job also comes one last move for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
move to Arkansas to be with my guy and his kids (and his whole extended family <span style="font-family: "wingdings";">😃</span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Life next fall will involve teaching at a
high school, in a small town (population 8000….8001 with me joining), and forging
ahead into unknown territory for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing will be the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
job, the age of kids I’ll be working with, church, culture (hello south!),
personal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the unknown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
My life has had many of these snow globe
shakings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some have been pleasant,
others ferocious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this one…this is peaceful,
joyful and filled with excitement (okay…maybe some tears…I’m a girl after all!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will not lie and say that I’m not
scared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the first time I will be moving for
someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a scary thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart is on the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But over and over, he has reiterated to me that
I am not alone in this, that I am wanted, cherished and loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All this waiting that I’ve done for someone
great for so many years, well, I’ve got him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s found me, and he’s found a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I am blessed by it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As scary as it is, I’m more excited about it
than anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And here’s why:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, well, He is definitely at work shaking
the snow around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the one that I
keep turning to and He keeps answering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
have never, in all my adventures with my jobs and moving, etc., had anything go
as smoothly or as quickly as this has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it helps that the entire time (since September before all this
even started), I have been praying:</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Barricade the road that goes nowhere, grace
me with Your clear revelation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose
the true road to Somewhere, I post Your road signs at every curve and
corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I grasp and cling to whatever
You tell me; God, don’t let me down!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll
run the course You lay out for me if You’ll just show me how.</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Psalm 119:29-32 MSG</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
He has done just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This path has been ridiculously smooth so
that only He is the one who gets the credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is His alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as the snow
swirls around me, I stand in Him waiting for it all to settle and I anxiously
await the beautiful scene that He is creating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m not standing alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is
here and my guy is here, and his kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
as the snow settles, I’m guessing there will be a little less of it thanks to
the south, but it will be beautiful none-the-less.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
And that folks, is the next <a href="http://throughtheseasons.blogspot.com/2017/01/stories.html" target="_blank">chapter</a> He is writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am looking forward to it!</div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-53798201212239068982017-01-13T06:07:00.001-07:002017-01-13T06:07:03.412-07:00StoriesStories. Movie and books are full of stories. Words are everywhere, creating stories all around us. And lately my heart and mind has been fixated on this particular word: story. It's been mulling around in my ever constant thoughts, it's been showing up in my quiet times and in the loud times at work. And then just yesterday it's what I felt God pressing on my heart to share with a group of middle school FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) students. <br />
<br />
Life is a story; a story full of individual chapters, cliff hangers, flashbacks and foreshadowing experiences. As I've pondered this, I've also come to look at the Bible in the same fashion. It is full of stories of the lives of those who have gone before us. And in these stories, we are privileged to see chapters of their lives. For some, we get to see the beginning chapters (ex. Moses, Jesus, Samuel, David), but for others we are only able to see a glimpse into a couple of chapters of their story. Yet even those glimpses provide powerful testimonies of God's faithfulness, mercy, goodness and love.<br />
<br />
What about in my life? In yours? What chapter of your story are you living out right now? That's the question I posed to the students yesterday. What is God writing in your life at this exact moment? Is it a chapter of trials and pain? Joy and blessings? Family issues or school trouble? What is it that is going on in your life right now? What is this chapter going to look like for you? <br />
<br />
Somehow yesterday I wound up sharing about my middle school experience with the kids. I did not set out with an intention of sharing that information, but that's how God works sometimes. It's a bit difficult for me, a teacher, to share with the kids the tumultuous time I had in middle school. The bad grades, the major band geek I was, the family strife and the trouble I got in to. I mean who really wants to share that they received failing grades in middle school? Not this teacher! But then I was able to share about how those chapters are part of my story and have brought me here today where I have the honor and joy of working with middle schoolers....and actually LOVE it!!! <br />
<br />
There will be chapters in your life that are ugly and you may wish you could delete them. I'm guessing King David felt the same way! But look what happened.....instead of deleting his affair, David humbled himself and God wrote a story of redemption full of blessings (after a little bit of pain) and creating a powerful legacy from it. So those ugly chapters in your life...well, God may want to do something beautiful with them. And those chapters may be the testimony that someone else needs to see and hear in order to be encouraged to press on through difficult times. Sharing a part of your story, a chapter, is your testimony.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-E1U3H8gD3g48kIpq89017UtQea4LDYVy0t6fm7QIHb-h6hyLn-XqfVRWwcRkxiJZUIGmhLhCHSOuN25r7qvMXseR9PrbabTNYUI6f1qGv38JXv66W8GoEAI63ePLPNr6NYi/s1600/chapter-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-E1U3H8gD3g48kIpq89017UtQea4LDYVy0t6fm7QIHb-h6hyLn-XqfVRWwcRkxiJZUIGmhLhCHSOuN25r7qvMXseR9PrbabTNYUI6f1qGv38JXv66W8GoEAI63ePLPNr6NYi/s320/chapter-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>God is in the midst of a creating a new chapter in my life. I'm still learning to put words to it, they are still stirring deep in my soul. This chapter has been one that I've longed for, for so long that I don't know how to share it. It's not what I expected, but it is so much better than I could ever have imagined. Maybe in time I will be able to put words to this chapter. But for now, I am able to look back at all that God has written in my life and I can see His hand....His mercy, grace, provision, protection, forgiveness, redemption and most importantly...His love. And for now, that is my testimony. God is good and He is love.Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-43882891911903610182016-10-18T21:07:00.000-06:002016-10-18T21:07:00.012-06:00 Feet to Faith<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sitting in a foster/adoption class is a scary thing. Sitting here as a single female...terrifying, yet exhilarating. This may not be how I envisioned this all going down, but I'm sitting here nonetheless. If I were to be transparent with ya'll, I had this pretty picture of my husband and I taking this adventure together, with our 3.5 children ready for new siblings, and our dog happily chasing squirrels in the front yard near the white picket fence. But that's not what life has dished out to me; and instead of wasting more years playing the waiting game, I'm finally putting feet to faith and to my dreams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">And so here I sit. Single. Almost 36 (just three more days at 35...sigh). With a cat who uses the wall as a trampoline. And wondering how I wound up in a training class when I thought it was simply an informational class on foster care and adoption. Must be God's sense of humor! HA!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do I think this is an ideal situation? Nope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do I want to do this alone? Nope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do I have all the necessary tools and qualifications? Nope.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Do I have an open heart and home? Yes. A <u>resounding</u> yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Am I willing? Yes...by God's strength.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So here I am, venturing out beyond the shores into the tumultuous ocean waves of the unknown. But I am willing and that is all He asked of me. As Peter walked out onto the water, so I am stepping out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Will I be perfect? Not in the slightest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Will I fail? Every single day/moment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Am I willing? Yes, even in my weakness, I am willing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are kids out there in need of consistent, Godly love, and my heart is ready. Will it break? In a million pieces for these kids every single day. But I am willing to be broken to give out what God has poured into me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Love isn't about how much money someone's willing to lay down for you, but about how much life they're willing to lay down for you."</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">~Ann Voskamp</span></em></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Pour out your life in small moments - because it's only these moments that add up to the monumental. The only way to live a truly remarkable life is not to get everyone to notice you, but to leave noticeable marks of His love everywhere you go."</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">~Ann Voskamp</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I'm not doing this for the accolades or the attention. I will probably wind up with more gray hairs, dark circles under my eyes, bruises on my knees from constant prayer and a heart that is broken again and again by the pain these kids have experienced. That sure doesn't sound attractive, and will probably put me on the "do not go near her list, she's too complicated and that gray hair is out of control" ...which means I may remain single. HA! And in all reality, this act of faith may not come to fruition for another year or so....which means those pesky gray hairs can stay in hiding a little longer.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">But really, all God asked of me was if I was willing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yes. Yes I am. So here I am...feet to faith.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"Real love is in the really small gestures - the way your hands, your feet, move to speak your heart."</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">~Ann Voskamp</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana;">#TheBrokenWay</span></em></div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-60469170575381794342016-10-02T19:24:00.001-06:002016-10-04T06:19:23.273-06:00The Waiting Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPYtYW6qQUMy-7_NvZrbHWRcDihdpcK1cMkjP5gNVGdLhH864xWBxfNnChi7yE6CpeeYaDpkblvdTfY8M61nYJ_sFQ21_MEMhvzq6Tcl9BGy8fyVnPkr6vew0HhrUaydybMT1/s1600/unspecified.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaPYtYW6qQUMy-7_NvZrbHWRcDihdpcK1cMkjP5gNVGdLhH864xWBxfNnChi7yE6CpeeYaDpkblvdTfY8M61nYJ_sFQ21_MEMhvzq6Tcl9BGy8fyVnPkr6vew0HhrUaydybMT1/s320/unspecified.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="371">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->I have been blessed with the opportunity to be part
of a book launch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not just any book
launch, but Ann Voskamp’s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don’t
know who she is, well, you are missing out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As part of this launch, I have been grafted into a community of other
believers who have the chance to read Ann’s (we’re on a first name basis…she
liked one of my posts, after all) new book, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Broken Way</i>, which is being released later this month (October 25<sup>th</sup>
to be exact).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this community we are
able to share our stories of brokenness and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read stories from all of these women
(and men) and my heart has grieved with them and rejoiced with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve watched as they have posted about how
the book is stirring new things in their broken hearts, how it has encouraged
them and drawn them closer to God with a deeper understanding and meaning for
their brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
And then I’ve waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve waited for something to strike the core
of me as I’ve read, because I knew it would come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Books have that way with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Words have a way of piercing my innermost
being, striking a match and lighting a flame of passion for God, and a flame
where the ugliness inside of me can be laid upon a burning altar for God to
purify.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Then came Chapter 6.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh dear, sweet chapter six.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The words hit home…a home run to my heart
with the battles I’ve been waging as of lately! </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Look, the whole lot of us are done with
waiting room theology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are done
waiting for some elusive future moment to say life is good enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are done waiting for some big enough
house, some big enough step up, some big, exciting enough experience to finally
think we’ve arrived at the abundance of being and living enough…. we are done
with waiting room living.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(p.87)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I don’t know if you’ve ever read “Oh, The Places
You’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, go to
your local library and check it out NOW! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not just a book for kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Trust me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, back to Ann and her words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I read that quote, I thought about all of the times I’ve waited and
I thought about the waiting place in Dr. Seuss’ book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Waiting makes me feel like life is
stagnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, that quiet still
pond that is buried underneath that green-smelly moss?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That kind of stagnant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blech!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I feel like I’ve been waiting lately.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "segoe print";">“Waiting for a train to go or a bus to come,
or a plane to go, or the mail to come, or the rain to go…. everyone is just
waiting…NO! That’s not for you!” (Dr. Seuss)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I don’t want to wait around for life to find
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to live an abundant life. It’s
what has been my heart’s cry lately…ABUNDANT LIFE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I feel like this nugget in chapter six
was written just for my heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What if instead of waiting for good enough
things to happen to us, we could be the good thing to happen to someone else
who’s waiting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if we could cure our
own waiting room addiction by making room in our life to be the good others are
waiting for? … What if abundant living isn’t about what you can expect from
life, but what life can expect from you?” (p.87)</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Ann goes on to say, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“the world is brokenhearted and full of suffering, and if you listen to
what life needs instead of what you need from it, you could fill the brokenness
with your own brokenhearted love – and this will in turn fill you.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Ahhh…. the truth that I couldn’t put into
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living to give myself to others
is when life becomes abundant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really,
if you look at the life of Jesus, didn’t he do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wasn’t He giving Himself so that others could
have life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He gave everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So why do I hold back giving of myself,
giving of my time, my energy, my talents, my love?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“What if living the abundant life isn’t
about having better stories to share but about living a story that lets others
live better?” (p.92)</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I want an abundant life that lets others live
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been through things that
have torn my heart to pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
watched friends go through difficulties that have rocked them to the core.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ve watched those same friends give out
of their brokenness, even though it broke them a little each time they did
so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their pain and their brokenness allowed
others to find healing and in the process they found healing, and abundant
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to do the same, use my
broken pieces of my past to help others find healing, find life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“When you are filled to the brim with the
enoughness of Christ, the only way you can possibly have more is to pour
yourself out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way to more life
is by pouring more of yourself out.”</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(p.93)</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Abundant life = pour out <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">→</span> receive more <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">→</span>
pour out <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">→</span> receive more <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">→</span> repeat</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Live for something worth dying for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let love break into you and mess with you and
loosen you up and make you laugh and cry and give and hurt because this is the
only way to really live…Don’t waste a minute on anything less than what lasts
for all eternity.” (p.95)</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is the one thing that will last for all eternity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s time for me to live that abundant life that I have been praying
for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to pour out on the people
around me, at work, on the kids at the therapeutic riding center, at church, to
the people I run into in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s about people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So maybe my
prayers for an abundant life start with giving of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you Ann, for your words in chapter
six.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were exactly what I needed in
this moment as I grasp the abundant life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You
are where you are for such a time as this – not to make an impression, but to
make a difference.” (p.91)</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
For more information, check out the book at: <a href="http://www.thebrokenway.com/">www.TheBrokenWay.com</a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></div>
</div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-74476025395476993442016-09-13T17:47:00.001-06:002016-09-14T04:53:22.939-06:00Comparison Game Just Ain't My Thang!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkqKqoEbfY0w1-bYlrXK-Q_G-q4Rxillkn4UzrcyDbZgvFI1YR7gmegYIU4In3YBeMyAXJVgNZZzwg7uOa-1y10TlT8N3-nfpkKwV9Q_JeD_QPw0KSam0HwI2q1KYm3OGcIrX/s1600/comparison.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkqKqoEbfY0w1-bYlrXK-Q_G-q4Rxillkn4UzrcyDbZgvFI1YR7gmegYIU4In3YBeMyAXJVgNZZzwg7uOa-1y10TlT8N3-nfpkKwV9Q_JeD_QPw0KSam0HwI2q1KYm3OGcIrX/s1600/comparison.bmp" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It seems like everywhere I look, I'm bombarded with things that make me look at myself and wonder if I'm measuring up. Movies, TV, magazines, the lives of friends, coworkers, etc. No matter where I look, I am fed this constant barrage of input that makes me question my worth, my value, my significance, my confidence. And I've had enough. I'm tired of the world dictating to me who I am, what I'm worth and how I should act. So instead, I've been going to my Creator and asking Him my worth, my value, my significance and I've been finding my confidence in Him. And it's changing me from the inside. I'm at peace, comfortable in my own skin, in my weaknesses and my strengths. I am walking confidently forth in what He has set before me. But that doesn't mean that the enemy is going to let me slide. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">Although I may have given up this little game, he hasn't. Because it is my weakness, he is using it to attack me, to attack my teaching and my passion for kids. It's not even in big, significant things at work; it's miniscule things, that in the large scheme of what we are doing, don't really matter. Right now, I'm being compared to another teacher, as though I'm not measuring up or doing enough for my students. Over the last two years, I've been compared to the previous special education teacher, as though once again, I'm not good enough. Sadly, I've let it get to me over the last couple of years...but this time, no! I'm finally seeing it for what it is...the comparison game from the enemy to attack me. And I'm not going to have it! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">But it's not just about me and my fight against measuring up. I'm realizing that for the person who is making the comments where I feel like I'm compared to others, well, maybe it's coming from something deeper. I know for me, when I look at others and sit there and compare myself (I'm my own worst critic...and I'm stopping that game too!), it is usually coming from insecurity or jealousy or of a deeper desire for something more, something I don't have. I'm not saying that's the case for this person, maybe it's just the words hit that deep root in me that needs to be removed. My coworker may have the best of intentions, and I'm just letting her words be used as an arrow to compare. So maybe instead of letting this comparison game frustrate me and cause me to roll my eyes, I need to be praying. Possibly lifting my coworker up to my Creator and allowing Him to work in this situation and through her words. I mean really, if I'm giving up this game then I'm simply giving it to Him. And the beauty of that?....well....He's already won. In Him is victory....for both my coworker and myself.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">You see, God's truth is really all that matters. He doesn't compare me to anyone else. He made me just as I am, weaknesses, stubbornness and all. And He loves me. His truth reigns over me....I am His masterpiece (Eph. 2:10), I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and I am created by Him and it is good (1 Timothy 4:4).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms";">I'm learning to let go of insecurity, doubt, and depression because I'm simply not playing that comparison game anymore. I'm letting His truth wash over me and I'm finding peace, joy, a prayerful heart, and a desire to live fully for Him. So instead of playing this game from the enemy, I'm going to go to my Creator in prayer and allow Him to work His magic and let His glory be known...so that in the end, the students reap the benefit of a unified team of teachers who love them. Cause the comparison game just ain't my thang!</span>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-71962535812934181212016-01-30T12:54:00.002-07:002016-01-31T01:53:06.563-07:00If. Trust. Forward.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If
you believe</b> that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is
possible to trust Me in all situations…..<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trust
is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">If you
are trusting</b> in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight
as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lean on, trust, and be
confident in Me with all your heart and mind”</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">~Jesus Calling (January 24<sup>th</sup>)</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
“So Moses took his wife and sons and put them on a
donkey for the return trip to Egypt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
had a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">firm grip on the staff of God</b>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
~Exodus 4:20 (MSG)</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
“Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and
set them so <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">they reflect their light
forward</b>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
~Exodus 25:37 (NLT)</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
If.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three powerful words that when looked at
individually may not seem like such a big deal, but combined, they cause me to
shudder with the weight of the meaning behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I have been struggling in a season of silence with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been seeking Him, digging into
His Word, serving His people….and I have experienced great joy in it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every situation has made me smile and has
caused my heart to understand the difference between happiness and joy…a joy
that comes from Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the blessings I
have experienced have been phenomenal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
in the midst of it all, it has felt like God has been silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reverberating sound of my own voice has
been deafening to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the past
I have walked closely with God, heard His whisper in my heart, and have
experienced sweet, divine moments with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And with this silence, I miss Him; I miss what I once had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But maybe in this season, He is working on
some deep crevices in my heart where I need to learn to simply trust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Or maybe… I need to stop looking backwards
and start looking forward to His light and step out with a deeper faith I’ve
not yet encountered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
I’ve been battling the “ifs”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only I had done this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only I had said this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What if I made a different choice, a
different decision?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These “ifs” have caused
me to remain rooted in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
been fixated on what once was, not what could be if I let go and trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been stuck on my dreams and desires and
my timeline, and I’ve become frustrated with God not acting the way I think He
should.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then that makes me god….and
I am not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only He had done such and
such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only this dream happened in
this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If only my dreams were fulfilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that’s why God has been silent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been placing myself before Him and
doubting His sovereignty and His goodness and His plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who am I to question God’s ways?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the author and Creator of life and of
me, so who am I to question the Creator?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These “if only’s” have caused me to remain focused
on the past and on myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What would
happen if I changed that “if only” to “what if”? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would the focus turn to Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would I learn to trust Him and His ways,
timing and plans?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I choose trust instead of doubt?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I choose obedience instead of stubbornness?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I see a person in need, whether it be
circumstances, financial or a heart-need….what if I step out and talk to them or
help fill that need?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I look for ways to encourage others?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I pen the words He has given me?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I open my home up to foster children?</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These “what ifs”, they change the focus from
inward-selfishness, to other-mindedness….to God’s people, to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What happens when the focus shifts to His
Kingdom and His people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Isn’t this where
His glory has a chance to shine?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
God asked Moses to go back to Egypt so that He
could release His people from captivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What if Moses was so preoccupied on his past (I mean he did flee Egypt
because he killed someone) that he didn’t stop long enough to examine the
burning bush?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in that moment when
he stopped to take a closer look at a burning bush that wasn’t being fully
consumed by fire, which God spoke to Moses resulting in the freedom of His
people from slavery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What moments might
I encounter if I stop focusing on the past and start living each day, each
moment with His light before me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The lampstand was a light that served as a guide
for the children of Israel during the Exodus and it only lit the path before
them, not the path behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can
serve as a reminder for my own heart that His light shines forward in my life,
not in the past, and that maybe it is time to step forward towards that
light.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will require leaning heavily
on His staff, trusting Him, not the things of this world I see before me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if Moses can be example to me, he had a
firm grip on the staff of God as he began the journey God called him to.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
So maybe I need to grasp firmly to His staff, lean
in and choose to trust Him, and then take that first step towards His light before
me and begin a journey of “what if” with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
What if I live a life fully surrendered to Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> If I choose to trust Him and move forward in His light each day, what will happen?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Then your light will break forth like the
dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go
before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Here am I. If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing
finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the
darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.”</i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Isaiah 58:8-10</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-42859438303151133082015-10-11T13:29:00.002-06:002015-10-11T13:29:53.497-06:00One expensive lesson
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything…and heck…I’m
not even sure anyone reads this anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not that my mind has been silent, it’s just that the things that
have been ruminating in my mind, were things that were personal issues God was
dealing with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then today hit, and
for the first time in a long time, I felt the urge from Him to share it….that
this message He had for me may also be for some unknown reader out there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgftjwbYL02gO-z_sw4heewjzSOtCnDsBCq4TB7UYv7Fj_b7MbBpj3rs24KSFp1RFiRDrndIBBgyYNMEJ-2sp75FL9r_ax_IZqCRWYiNbU1ayp_oQXH5uv6UJbzZhtNs7vEBL/s1600/pushing-broken-down-car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgftjwbYL02gO-z_sw4heewjzSOtCnDsBCq4TB7UYv7Fj_b7MbBpj3rs24KSFp1RFiRDrndIBBgyYNMEJ-2sp75FL9r_ax_IZqCRWYiNbU1ayp_oQXH5uv6UJbzZhtNs7vEBL/s320/pushing-broken-down-car.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It all began while my car was hungrily guzzling fuel that I
decided to walk around my vehicle to just simply look it over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I noticed it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A tear on the edge of a tire.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I’ve known that new tires were needed,
but I was trying to put it off a little longer since my car just had some work
done on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I could not
procrastinate any longer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I drove
straight from the gas station to a tire store instead of heading to
church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour and a half later, four
new tires and more money out of my wallet and I was finally on the road to the
2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> service at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">While driving home after church, I started to think about
the maintenance my car has needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
kept up on regular oil changes, rotating tires, etc., but sometimes there is
one minor thing with it that will alter the plans I had for the day (like a new
oil pan, new tires, new headlight).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
then I began to think about my walk with God in relationship to the maintenance
on my vehicle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wake up each morning and have my quiet time where I read
His Word, journal if prompted, and pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But lately it has seemed more routine….that I just simply get up and go
through the motions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These actions are
the like the regular maintenance services for my car.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all beneficial and helps keep things
running smoothly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But then, just like
this morning with getting new tires, something small may happen in my life, a
speedbump or a small prick of the heart from God, which signals that somewhere
my heart needs some deeper work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkBv2NoEzsvrrhd5IpzVJ16QUaQUUkNup7KCCYXSHc8vW-FeJVHg75d695OSozsfv51UPa3P_LwTXRt5KsQ0oleOFj6TZMoXUTPhgFD0g4DP-IticKRHfTuaD9yg8s0hkhyphenhyphen_I/s1600/quote-god-does-not-patch-up-the-old-life-or-make-certain-repairs-on-the-old-life-he-gives-kathryn-kuhlman-71-23-98.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkBv2NoEzsvrrhd5IpzVJ16QUaQUUkNup7KCCYXSHc8vW-FeJVHg75d695OSozsfv51UPa3P_LwTXRt5KsQ0oleOFj6TZMoXUTPhgFD0g4DP-IticKRHfTuaD9yg8s0hkhyphenhyphen_I/s320/quote-god-does-not-patch-up-the-old-life-or-make-certain-repairs-on-the-old-life-he-gives-kathryn-kuhlman-71-23-98.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My regular routine isn’t bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is not as beneficial if I am just
going through the motions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did I
lose that passion for His Word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When did
I treat it all as a check-off list?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
did I stop relying upon Him and start relying upon my own strength?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart needs some maintenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need His power to come in and change what
isn’t working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need fresh vision, a
renewed hope in His goodness, and maybe a new set of eyes to see things the way
He sees them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, just as my car has received some deep work and a new set
of wheels, my heart and life needs the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What an expensive lesson to learn this morning…all because I needed new
tires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-64686410698457416272015-05-09T06:13:00.001-06:002015-05-09T06:13:49.440-06:00Deep CleaningI like for my home to be tidy and for things to be tucked away. Clean counters, no visible clutter, that's what my eyes want to see - everything in its place. But, open a drawer and might see a disaster! Things thrown into the drawers, or even the linen and coat closet! Complete disorder...hidden away where no one else can see it.<div><br></div><div>I think my life is like that sometimes too. By appearances, I might look like I have it together. The smile may be on my face, the make-up covering blemishes or tired eyes...yet under that smile is pain that no one knows about. If you dig deeper than what you see, you might find brokenness and loneliness within my heart. And I know I'm not the only one like this.</div><div><br></div><div>There are moments where I look into people's eyes and I see past what is presented and God gives me a glimpse into their heart and the pain hidden there.</div><div><br></div><div>What would the world be like if we stopped hiding our deepest needs and started being transparent with those we trust? Healing would come. Freedom would invade and God's glory would be known.</div><div><br></div><div>I desire to stop hiding behind this facade and I want to be real, be authentic. I want healing, I want freedom. I want to face this loneliness and brokenness head-on; no more tucking it away. It's time to bring it to the battle lines and fight through it - to press on towards the work God has for me.</div><div><br></div><div>So how about you? Is it time to take out the deep cleaning supplies....God's Word, and prayer and press on into Him? </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-65537029823400083582015-01-22T17:25:00.001-07:002015-01-22T17:35:09.185-07:00All InI recall that day almost two years ago, when I applied for a counseling job at a school in A<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">fghanistan. And I remember the day I told my family and friends.....and their reactions.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I was crazy - at least when viewed from outward eyes and hearts looking at me. But the view from within was not so crazy. That particular decision had caused me to come to a point in my walk with God where my declaration was "I'm all in. Wherever You lead, whatever the outcome and circumstances, I'm all in." </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">What people viewed as crazy, I was only experiencing peace beyond understanding. I was terrified -don't misunderstand me- but with that application, I was declaring God as Lord over my life. He had to bring me to that point where I was willing to follow Him, no matter the cost, no matter the disapproving voices, no matter the hurtful words spoken out of love and concern for me. It was a pivotal moment where I was choosing God above all else in my life. It was my heartfelt declaration of the understanding of His great Sacrifice for me....and my sacrifice to work in Afghanistan was nothing compared to His great love for me.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now, we can all look back and see that He did not actually send me there, but to Brazil instead....and most people breathed a deep sigh of relief. But before Brazil could ever happen, I had to come to that place of all in. And I'm so grateful that He brought me to that moment. I'm also grateful for Brazil and my experiences there.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don't know why this has come to the forefront of my heart and mind today....but I am challenged by it again. I wonder if I'm all in during this season of life? Or am I complacent?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I want to take a step back and make sure that I am all in, every day...for Him - no matter what - all in. Because to be all in, is to be on the most adventurous yet peace-filled journey that I could be on. And His power is Life when I'm all in.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-56793922385972031902014-04-26T08:04:00.001-06:002014-04-26T08:04:25.838-06:00Fullness of LifeLife has been full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Busy and full.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Between school, some
health issues, and interviews for a job in Kansas, these last few weeks have
flown by!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-M4KaKp_GeCMestRG5qTeiGuCwo5OoTEryj_m6_ykDbCLgTODwyDAH3sFKOCnztt6qzffehKaVsZ85QitMuIvpMTDTln9mvHak9eIsh4363puELHZVd63iH2lLEGe1qfr-lx/s1600/044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-M4KaKp_GeCMestRG5qTeiGuCwo5OoTEryj_m6_ykDbCLgTODwyDAH3sFKOCnztt6qzffehKaVsZ85QitMuIvpMTDTln9mvHak9eIsh4363puELHZVd63iH2lLEGe1qfr-lx/s1600/044.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First graders at the Science Fair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Work has been a time full of preparation for the
Science Fair, then Carnival Break, and then preparation for International
Fair....and in the midst of all of this we had the opportunity to share the
Resurrecting Power of Jesus' life, death and resurrection to all of the students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Easter was a time where everyone here could
feel the weight of His Presence as we shared the Good News with students from
all over the world (and some from closed countries!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have been awe-struck by the questions the
students ask...even the kindergartners who ask some of the most
thought-provoking questions!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a privilege
and an honor to be able to openly share with all of the students the Hope to
which I cling to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that through
this time, not just at Easter but throughout this whole year, I was able to
glorify His Name and that seeds were planted for hearts and lives to join in
His Kingdom work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2rgOqu17WAYiOKYj882kwQz3sO2x8MaLM5Hyv2bBv4OPj9ffDNjVBArmqLGUPfBito_ZdKJS-G3tjHWOiEPqdPU2p3yUYyq9sem7lbNKSw2qdvQtfLRiJub12i1MdZSWnDYR/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2rgOqu17WAYiOKYj882kwQz3sO2x8MaLM5Hyv2bBv4OPj9ffDNjVBArmqLGUPfBito_ZdKJS-G3tjHWOiEPqdPU2p3yUYyq9sem7lbNKSw2qdvQtfLRiJub12i1MdZSWnDYR/s1600/048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having fun at the Science Fair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
I have also experienced some challenges at work
which have kept me fairly quiet when it came to media interactions with
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The attack against my character,
my teaching and just simple me was difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During that time, I was drawn to the Pauline Epistles and was encouraged
by not only Paul's words to the churches but also by the life he lived under
persecution and false accusations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I clung
to the Word and God did not disappoint nor leave me to bear the weight alone.
He was right there with me and with the administration as they walked through
this unique and challenging decision-making process we were facing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, for the most part, things are
resolved and there is peace once again with the outside therapy agencies, the
families, and with the school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
When God is refining you, there is never just one
area that he addresses...but sometimes multiple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While undergoing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the stress at work, my health was
deteriorating again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in December I
was having severe shoulder pain to the point where I could not lift
anything...even the daily tasks of getting ready in the morning were
hindered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just before Christmas, I went
to an orthopedist (with a translator) and he prescribed a hierarchy of
medication that I could use if needed and an MRI.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well...the medication helped along with the
month long break at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was able to
rest and recoup and the pain subsided and I was able to function again so I
never made the MRI appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
then, in early March, the pain returned with a vengeance and now not only were
my daily activities effected but so was my sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And me without sleep...not a pretty
sight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
So here I was, feeling attacked at work, in pain,
and in a foreign country where I had to rely upon others to help me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very humbling experience and one in
which I kind of shut down from the world and had to learn to rely upon
God...and those here in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once
again, I asked someone to call the hospital to set up a MRI appointment for
me...and then I had to ask someone to come spend the evening with me and
translate for me at the appointment (which lasted 3 hours!!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's not exactly exciting to share with
people that you are near tears while at a doctor's office or while laying on
the MRI table...all because you have to rely upon others and cannot do any of
this yourself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I had to ask
someone to take me back to the hospital to pick up the results and again someone
to call and set up a follow-up appointment with the orthopedist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His recommendation after looking at the MRI
results...physical therapy for the inflammation in one of the main tendons in
the shoulder and for the inflammation in the Bursa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So again, I had to have someone call and set
up an appointment with the physical therapist and take me and translate for me
once more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seeing a theme here?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never would have thought about how much I
would need people to help me go to the doctors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well, I had my first PT appointment this past Wednesday and God is good
and although the PT speaks only Portuguese, there were other patients there who
speak English and we had some great laughs that evening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since the PT wants me there every day for a
while to reduce the swelling, I went BY MYSELF on Thursday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a challenge, and again humbling as I
am relying on strangers every once in a while to help translate....but it is
stretching me out of my comfort zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbasiV-lrFuX4wftE6JmshRtFxeoz7jQ4Brg7rx-INegghjXG_VU0Lcqpt7WrVN_uoyYq-3aUaBK13G8NKZ92qS-jr-BF6yEUqQggtMXRt1P1zUy1RYMIvyMNGxrCimlcWbV5d/s1600/178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbasiV-lrFuX4wftE6JmshRtFxeoz7jQ4Brg7rx-INegghjXG_VU0Lcqpt7WrVN_uoyYq-3aUaBK13G8NKZ92qS-jr-BF6yEUqQggtMXRt1P1zUy1RYMIvyMNGxrCimlcWbV5d/s1600/178.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brazilian Palace Guard...looks like a toy soldier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And in the middle of all of this, I have been actively
applying for a job in the Kansas City area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had two screening interviews for special education positions and
one screening interview for a middle school counseling position.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a very unique experience to conduct
an interview via Skype and my prayer is that I am able to allow Christ to shine
through me in these interviews.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
matter what I do, I want to glorify His Name...not my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
So life has been full and busy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God has been doing some deep work in me
through it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has not been easy and
I will admit that there was one particularly rough time where I was ready to be
done and looked into the cost of a flight back to the States for that
weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Obviously I did not follow
through with that...but only because I knew that to leave was to simply run
from the work God was doing in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
instead of finding the easy way out, I wanted to continue to be open to
allowing God to refine me and purify me for His purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding joy in the midst of all of this has
come only by turning my eyes to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
alone is my Rock, my Fortress and my Sanctuary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LbtwlP5K5mhkVSPssmk9V9e-gDRq50eex3VSpSMgnqPq_SIbjTbibqaZ5rMQ31FBQiSvS0XD-4VyW6fXevD7t2fvxiNGQTIHJ4uNt1rfjo3XBpqaDaG5cnVBsyWAsF22w-pq/s1600/internationalfair4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LbtwlP5K5mhkVSPssmk9V9e-gDRq50eex3VSpSMgnqPq_SIbjTbibqaZ5rMQ31FBQiSvS0XD-4VyW6fXevD7t2fvxiNGQTIHJ4uNt1rfjo3XBpqaDaG5cnVBsyWAsF22w-pq/s1600/internationalfair4.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>I have 42 days left in Brasil, 28 at work with the
students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to make the most of each
day and bring praise to His Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
be praying for me as my time winds down....that I would live each day fully in
His Presence and giving all I am to the students here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May all glory be given to Him!</div>
<br />
<br />Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-52511405543617830822014-03-16T05:47:00.000-06:002014-03-16T05:47:13.253-06:00People are Watching...People watch you whether you realize it or not. They watch how you act, what you do, what you say, how you serve others. We cannot prevent people from watching our lives. But we can examine how we are living out our faith and what we may be saying about God through our actions, words and choices. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSHK45l4kS-7EarQvx8A9OexgKGkzVGR48BlNLetKIvwjy2Kv33hcjkGxwY5OilbjTepCmJMNnpK99kVg5Dx3T4MTioVqgxBz0-Tt3gP-SkYoEhyphenhypheny4gG8ktKNzIGe0oDWy4LN/s1600/221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisSHK45l4kS-7EarQvx8A9OexgKGkzVGR48BlNLetKIvwjy2Kv33hcjkGxwY5OilbjTepCmJMNnpK99kVg5Dx3T4MTioVqgxBz0-Tt3gP-SkYoEhyphenhypheny4gG8ktKNzIGe0oDWy4LN/s1600/221.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>This past week I have heard stories and witnessed some amazing things with the kiddos that I work with. Just yesterday, I attended a baptism of three students from our school. And earlier this week I heard one of the students who was to be baptized sharing with one of his friends what baptism is and what it means....and he is only in 3rd grade! I also heard stories from teachers about a kindergartner praying to Jesus and repenting of her sins and becoming a child in His Kingdom...and of a first grader sharing with his younger sister about Jesus and what it means to follow Him. These children are not hindered by what others think! They know the truth and they openly share it. They seize the opportunity in front of them and with child-like faith, they share the love of God with those within their realm of influence. Those three students that were baptized invited their whole class to the baptism. The brother shares his faith with his sister. The kindergartner shares her desire to follow God with her teacher. By the actions, words and choices these students are making, lives are being impacted!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_LINt5Op5nwaUdY82dZZvACIHoEAb4Ufc1ZUWCqKvqLqNPTFRMb0MBvz0LOwq94lj4L0Ht2JwK0TX2ooYXBI-EngjClsEAG0gT5VhZe6omb3rH1Sx0LP4BMXe1dpvzKF8mze/s1600/232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_LINt5Op5nwaUdY82dZZvACIHoEAb4Ufc1ZUWCqKvqLqNPTFRMb0MBvz0LOwq94lj4L0Ht2JwK0TX2ooYXBI-EngjClsEAG0gT5VhZe6omb3rH1Sx0LP4BMXe1dpvzKF8mze/s1600/232.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DMfFrv8lGEHuJsqR5pc3jsxRM69QGiY6hREwUgcjZRpkKZECN0LCrO9ywUafeQjB_uhXj-JtyxX4FtIaQK83An44yB15ViPb6XOGICSMa51h3GlPRUHIpgW4T__IgLx34lB8/s1600/209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8DMfFrv8lGEHuJsqR5pc3jsxRM69QGiY6hREwUgcjZRpkKZECN0LCrO9ywUafeQjB_uhXj-JtyxX4FtIaQK83An44yB15ViPb6XOGICSMa51h3GlPRUHIpgW4T__IgLx34lB8/s1600/209.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now I know some may be saying "Well that's easy to do when you work in a Christian environment". True. But, all of this made me begin to wonder about my actions, my words and my choices that I was making while working in the public education system for 9 years. Did my life look any different than those who do not know Jesus? Or did I just blend in? And...when I join back in the public education system later this year...will I take what God has been showing me these last 6 months and allow it change me so that I am a light for Him no matter where I go? <br />
<br />
What I am learning is that it doesn't matter where you work or who is in your realm of influence. What matters is how you are choosing to live for Him through your actions, words, thoughts, deeds, service and love for others. You can work in the public education system, you can be in the military, or work in an audiologist office, work from home, or be a stay at home parent. It does not matter. There are people within your reach that are watching how you choose to live for Him. So what are you saying about God through your life?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkizpkwZDCZkQZ0F2UjpkEWYZWsyY7lmz7etykxGu6q0zzlOQWVk3doWaX1oFXXnpUYb9vkMmFi6ylpLHTj1lc4n3v7nwOQu7UiJVDx7WYcFENEu9ZtDFUto4_cttpDS6wQJ1/s1600/200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbkizpkwZDCZkQZ0F2UjpkEWYZWsyY7lmz7etykxGu6q0zzlOQWVk3doWaX1oFXXnpUYb9vkMmFi6ylpLHTj1lc4n3v7nwOQu7UiJVDx7WYcFENEu9ZtDFUto4_cttpDS6wQJ1/s1600/200.JPG" height="240" unselectable="on" width="320" /></a>I am challenged. I am examining how I live and if Christ is shining through me or if I am letting my desire to blend in get in the way. I want to have the child-like faith that I have seen this week. I want to allow God to shine through me to those that I am around. I want to be available no matter where I am or who I am around, so that God can use me to influence His Kingdom. I want my actions, words, choices and love to be an example of His love for people.<br />
<br />
What about you? What do people see when they watch you?Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-34160314698924150422014-02-26T13:47:00.002-07:002014-03-08T14:35:00.552-07:00One year ago....February 21, 2013: turned in my letter for a one-year leave of absence from the GFPS District<br />
<br />
February 22, 2014: turned in my letter of resignation to the GFPS District<br />
<br />
I do not have a job lined up for the next school year. I am in the same place as I was exactly a year ago. But last year it was a scary leap of faith. I was terrified and I was leaning heavily upon God. It's not any different this year. But having watched how God works things out for the good, I have a deeper trust now. My past experience has taught me that He is faithful and He is good.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVIBM29WKaRduVRYskdi0sw6_LRAAgyaSjBkBMcAr1st9HAicvdQks27bh9fxd1JQX1ZPSADHzE9AjAKoN_Ey0LGdz3LpBR20Fe3R-Aehw0jWHZK9dXDVf3fz2mYukTKXs58p/s1600/faith.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVIBM29WKaRduVRYskdi0sw6_LRAAgyaSjBkBMcAr1st9HAicvdQks27bh9fxd1JQX1ZPSADHzE9AjAKoN_Ey0LGdz3LpBR20Fe3R-Aehw0jWHZK9dXDVf3fz2mYukTKXs58p/s1600/faith.png" /></a>It's a bit intimidating looking at it right now knowing that I will be moving away from Montana and Brazil...but I have such a deep residing peace in God and what He will do and how He will provide that instead of being terrified, I am resting secure in Him. <br />
<br />
Thoughts swirled through my head earlier today as I began thinking about the changes I will face once again. How will I get my belongings to my new destination? What is my timetable of events this summer? How will I financially be able to do all this? Many questions. But instead of worrying and fretting, I just shrug my shoulders and say, "It'll happen how God wants it to happen". That doesn't mean that I will just sit around and wait, expecting Him to drop it all in my lap. No. I will be praying, reading His Word, and listening for His still small voice so that when I sense He is directing me, I will immediately obey. It's like last year. He led, I obeyed and He provided. And I trust Him to do the same again this year. <br />
<br />
All those questions I had regarding moving overseas...He answered. And none of it was as scary as I imagined (darn my overactive imagination!) So...even with questions about what will happen and how it all will look this summer, I don't have the fear I had last year. I've learned that God is faithful. I know that His Word is chalk full of examples of His faithfulness, but for some reason, I had to walk through it myself to be able to fully understand and trust Him at His Word. And now, I stand strong in faith in Him, that all will work out for His glory and the way He needs it to be....not only for my move, but for my walk with Him. Past experience has taught me that.<br />
<br />
But...if it comes to your mind...please be praying for me that I would finish these last three months with strength and joy, and for the preparation in returning to the states and move to a new destination!!!Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-83273458279237814982014-02-22T06:07:00.000-07:002014-02-22T06:07:11.238-07:00Hugs, Kisses and My Bubble<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlXK65D-2pNBYeWhpfSFRREwNvBM3CaGDhp84MSFuWmjDS6RQIB_FnlmJW6VRav4P0iMb5mqvQDOx4mxFWTYc5zvf4cqDc7Q6Zf_1A2BzVpudBK9GzHk7EjzZJ-Q5EYBOoj_D/s1600/flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzlXK65D-2pNBYeWhpfSFRREwNvBM3CaGDhp84MSFuWmjDS6RQIB_FnlmJW6VRav4P0iMb5mqvQDOx4mxFWTYc5zvf4cqDc7Q6Zf_1A2BzVpudBK9GzHk7EjzZJ-Q5EYBOoj_D/s1600/flags.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>The realization that I am not just here for the kiddos has recently invaded my thoughts. These last two weeks have been difficult, exhausting and have made me cling tighter to the One who is in control. God has been pruning me, shaking me out of my comfortable way of thinking and asking me to look beyond my little scope of the ME world. There is a great big world out there, as evidenced by these kiddos I see everyday. So many different countries represented! And not just by the kids, but by their parents as well. I am learning that I not only have to adjust my worldview to better understand the kids, but I need to do so to understand the parents as well. And it's not always easy.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwbNmLB2R7jg5GSU7WT3MbpoNBFG1633So8ecQr9YNlGipUYGhTKw_DE3VZR9V3B4Qt10KToJEUDKNYTzdfS9h1chih0FWcnDl797Jgs6lPqwt0QHN_qPu-HOBQz75QYfdiFP/s1600/bubble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwbNmLB2R7jg5GSU7WT3MbpoNBFG1633So8ecQr9YNlGipUYGhTKw_DE3VZR9V3B4Qt10KToJEUDKNYTzdfS9h1chih0FWcnDl797Jgs6lPqwt0QHN_qPu-HOBQz75QYfdiFP/s1600/bubble.jpg" /></a>I am one who likes routine, likes a task-oriented lifestyle, and wants to complete a neat little check-off list. However, I have been thrown into a relationship-driven culture and am constantly being challenged to let go of some of my rigidity in "getting things accomplished". Now, building relationships with the students has not really been a problem for me...I seem to be more open to them...even with hugging and the way they love to hang all over me. I'm okay with that....which people witnessed yesterday as two kiddos clung to me as we walked down the hallway. But then, I'm beginning to realize that in order to reach their parents and build rapport with them, I need to be more willing to be open, transparent and at times even let an occasional hug (and with some cultures - a kiss on the cheek)...occur. And that's hard. And it scares me. To me, allowing someone within my little bubble, makes me feel vulnerable...and usually the only ones that have ever been allowed in are ones with whom I have a deep trust for. <br />
<br />
But, if I am to reach out and show Christ's love to not only the students, but the parents as well...then I need to learn to be more open, more transparent...and...let go of my little bubble (I just shuddered a bit at that!). And over the last two weeks I have really had to work on this as I've been dealing with a difficult situation at work. It's been hard. And instead of trying to fix it myself, I was open and honest with my director and our human resource director and asked them for help. I need their help to learn to balance my need to get things done with building rapport, trust and relationships with the parents. This South American culture is built upon relationships and I need to learn to adapt, change and grow in this area...especially if I want to show them the love of Christ. This job is not just about demonstrating the love of Christ to the kids, but it's about sharing it with their parent's as well. This is not just about me, but it is about them. It is about the truth of God's love reaching their hearts and changing their lives...not just mine. And if I need to embrace them (sometimes literally)...then so be it.<br />
<br />
Baby steps first....as the human resource director noted when he hugged me the other day. His comment..."See, you aren't shying away from hugs anymore". Now it's time to work on letting go of myself and really pouring into the kids and their parents during my last three months here. <br />
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-52974314799148509872014-01-25T05:43:00.000-07:002014-01-25T05:43:44.267-07:00Four months into this adventure...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOghGNSMacvPxv4fBBPCgN2Mr5Uy5mnnqecbjZJxnlW-XD7MoBk1cCsMXjrwL1B8bsox3R_OHK5vrjkF8vxy0yGGWxvrqsZ6T-6devFgbAjo55bkhAHHFCw5ADj5oA45ls25K/s1600/gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDOghGNSMacvPxv4fBBPCgN2Mr5Uy5mnnqecbjZJxnlW-XD7MoBk1cCsMXjrwL1B8bsox3R_OHK5vrjkF8vxy0yGGWxvrqsZ6T-6devFgbAjo55bkhAHHFCw5ADj5oA45ls25K/s1600/gifts.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's the little things in life that really make me
smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like ground black pepper from the
States.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taco sauce (little packets and a
BIG bottle of it).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleepytime tea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lavender satchels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Curling spray for my unruly hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stickers and erasers for my students.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pajamas made with love from my mama. A sweet
new Tim Horton's mug all the way from Canada.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And precious encouraging notes from a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, folks....my Christmas presents have arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doesn't matter that it is almost the end of
January...it was Christmas in my home this past week!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two packages within three days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was one happy camper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And a new computer was delivered to my office
yesterday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The blessings are pouring in.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">All of these tokens brought a smile to my face...but even
more so were the smiles of the students when I got back to work this past
Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's been a wonderful week back getting
back into the swing of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kids
seem excited, the teachers are excited...it's like the freshness of a new
school year all over again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose
that happens when you have a month off for Christmas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, you read that correctly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A month off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And it was an interesting month to say the least.</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPydyTpdLLvJmRBe3NikHLIoVk0DgckUUXvqRv8nZDkphMSuurRgTzu5dZH0cedQ1MlxPI_bToVgfdYn35GftP9ifv_6RZEau2QJZXXrxR_0hZr8YSxmzhG0sujnq6-Hx0Blb/s1600/ChristmasFryar1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPydyTpdLLvJmRBe3NikHLIoVk0DgckUUXvqRv8nZDkphMSuurRgTzu5dZH0cedQ1MlxPI_bToVgfdYn35GftP9ifv_6RZEau2QJZXXrxR_0hZr8YSxmzhG0sujnq6-Hx0Blb/s1600/ChristmasFryar1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aarZQ4cmEP1mHqV0IX2o8eCsRRrw-TuOhE2LHnsHFSfq4R_vr8sMZPzKbH2K8Dxg6iLJw9jQ4n-LPf4HQ6CiBsFlDjPLO3QkzLzR_qd4EqAlaBXC9f-nkFmhIaJYeNjWdd6f/s1600/ChristmasFryar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aarZQ4cmEP1mHqV0IX2o8eCsRRrw-TuOhE2LHnsHFSfq4R_vr8sMZPzKbH2K8Dxg6iLJw9jQ4n-LPf4HQ6CiBsFlDjPLO3QkzLzR_qd4EqAlaBXC9f-nkFmhIaJYeNjWdd6f/s1600/ChristmasFryar.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Both of my roommates left for the states which left me with
an apartment all by myself!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had its
positively glorious moments, and it's horrible ones as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had quite a few ugly cries during the first
week (with it being Christmas and all)....just simply missing family and
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But thankfully, a family here
would not let me sit at home for Christmas all by myself and they came and kidnapped
me on Christmas Eve and I stayed over at their house that evening and all of
the next day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It definitely helped cheer
me up watching their three kiddos and the excitement they exuberated during the
holiday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And hey...we even decorated
Christmas cookies...and had a southern-style Christmas dinner!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>:)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwToLAxSVeJ1sO4GDsOWQsOzScQxd0FNVaMKk0NmAk8kq9-8RgI2rJ0wtdf774vqtMoeaD0BgtYH7zE8OOOz7opTfvsNPmDC4IBo05sRzEzp0-RPZ0xaV2Bl7mktAiu-WJUa04/s1600/new+years1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwToLAxSVeJ1sO4GDsOWQsOzScQxd0FNVaMKk0NmAk8kq9-8RgI2rJ0wtdf774vqtMoeaD0BgtYH7zE8OOOz7opTfvsNPmDC4IBo05sRzEzp0-RPZ0xaV2Bl7mktAiu-WJUa04/s1600/new+years1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After Christmas I then had about a week to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had great anticipation of making my way
around my little neighborhood and had a great to-do list of things I wanted to
try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say...none of it
happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat in my apartment and
watched movies and Netflix, and read books most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just simply enjoyed being able to stay in
my PJs without anyone having to see me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was simply storing up my introvert time and enjoying every minute of
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did spend New Year's Eve with
quite a few people from BIS and was able to go and watch fireworks by the JK
Bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jtyRm2EE6Oo1jdJ7d2dRJTDspm5l2gI6QRbJessDKAkt9DMn7t0OKFrvXGQZgNiphiCUUNYwXq69FhDB1NBX8Xts-xFRiskzcPHg_G51vhKUJLv6U9O55IEVSCDjZ7bGaHoh/s1600/Rio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jtyRm2EE6Oo1jdJ7d2dRJTDspm5l2gI6QRbJessDKAkt9DMn7t0OKFrvXGQZgNiphiCUUNYwXq69FhDB1NBX8Xts-xFRiskzcPHg_G51vhKUJLv6U9O55IEVSCDjZ7bGaHoh/s1600/Rio.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">January 3rd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that
was what I was waiting for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rio de
Janeiro!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I traveled (flew) with the same family<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had stayed with at Christmas to Rio for an
entire week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I soaked up the sun, the
beach, the hot hot air, the sand, jellyfish, crab, the Redeemer Statue, more
sun and beach, glorious sunsets, sound of the waves, and good books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a beautiful vacation with an awesome
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even let me devour three
books in just a couple of days (Divergent series....check it out!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite time of the day was dusk as I
would sit on our balcony (did I mention that our hotel was right on the beach?)
and just watch the waves as the sun died down and Rio came to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And....I even visited a Starbucks, and bought
way too may "Brasil" mugs from there, and ate at Applebee's!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For a little bit, I almost forgot about my
language issues...since Rio is touristy, people speak broken English...matching
my broken Portuguese!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjaimCPyDJkanZZTN0dEGhTloKZE-m13-vR-rxO1cfciwltc62JDX88wyNC5DUXX7elZUIQvSZZ5zwtV5FQxbASCrcBC85YtIjRou9Fgb3X-HbBaW35JIMYIGNdGlH7dvKcMh/s1600/Rio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyjaimCPyDJkanZZTN0dEGhTloKZE-m13-vR-rxO1cfciwltc62JDX88wyNC5DUXX7elZUIQvSZZ5zwtV5FQxbASCrcBC85YtIjRou9Fgb3X-HbBaW35JIMYIGNdGlH7dvKcMh/s1600/Rio1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Reality hit when I arrived back in Brasilia and prepared for
my roommates to arrive home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I slipped
off to work the day before they arrived and along my walk was stopped by a lady
asking directions...and I had no idea what she was saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when I stopped in "our"
bakery, the guy asked about my "amigas" (hey, I understood
that!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I did my best to tell him
that they were on their way back to Brazil, but the conversation ended with
both of us shrugging our shoulders, smiling and having no idea what was being
said!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then.....the lady at the counter
tried talking to me and again...I was lost.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back to reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this simply made me realize just how much
I want to try to learn the language so I can communicate more!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUTbVlRFTeII7EA_EagVilRvRJRj5aAfkvC_OOzetgqXrUhVMR5RyLL1E6Fa3Y-XkMvxVkBvUfnAGuNVvXk-FTPrZcbzOif0chSSLQClNlDlmGetox89GkEuMbaqLhyphenhyphenBciick/s1600/pirno.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieUTbVlRFTeII7EA_EagVilRvRJRj5aAfkvC_OOzetgqXrUhVMR5RyLL1E6Fa3Y-XkMvxVkBvUfnAGuNVvXk-FTPrZcbzOif0chSSLQClNlDlmGetox89GkEuMbaqLhyphenhyphenBciick/s1600/pirno.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once the roomies arrived (on the same flight), the apartment
was buzzing with life again as I was able to hear stories from the States, as
well as receive goodies from them!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bless
them...they brought Oreo's, Reese's Pieces, hair stuff, and macaroni and
cheese!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not able to enjoy the
apartment for long as we were headed out to a staff retreat in
Pirenopolis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes...a staff retreat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For three days!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thinking how this would all look and
was pleasantly surprised at how smooth it went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I kept thinking what it would be like to put all of an American school
staff together like that for three days....yea...my imagination made up some
pretty crazy stories!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with the staff
here at BIS, it was a time of prayer, encouragement, vulnerability and honesty
so that we can come back refreshed and ready for the second half of the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with our time spent at the
retreat, we did venture out to the town of Pirenopolis for dinner one
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful little town!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And...here's a first....saw a Wandering<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brazilian Spider. ...and I hope to never see
one again!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now that brings you up to date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still struggle, still have my moments of
difficulty, but if there is anything that I have learned recently (especially
during my time alone at Christmas), is that God is always there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is at work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is orchestrating even the painful times
for His glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things are looking up, my
walk with Him is deeper than I ever imagined, and I am excited to finish the
race out here in Brazil with His help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
am even looking at taking a Portuguese class so that I can do more than order
food (which is a HUGE accomplishment!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But I would like to be able to actually converse with the bakery guy,
the people at the Brazilian church I visited (and want to visit again), or even
the taxi driver.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it is one step at a
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One step in the direction that God
leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because wherever He leads, is
where I want to be.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Blessings my friends!</span></div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-70297676573131852522014-01-13T23:11:00.000-07:002014-01-13T23:22:05.191-07:00Bolta Faith<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGS-7VvPijAOFKHbSq6L7XBFzSCAuSefbzo81pOMRBOSS52o0-JtHqRw-VQdrWIebG_Gr4d0RTZHi3etoGs17bs_HTkdz1y2yFEI2W9-eILkouEnzhkuxXE5ubpmq_j852crt/s1600/boltas1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQGS-7VvPijAOFKHbSq6L7XBFzSCAuSefbzo81pOMRBOSS52o0-JtHqRw-VQdrWIebG_Gr4d0RTZHi3etoGs17bs_HTkdz1y2yFEI2W9-eILkouEnzhkuxXE5ubpmq_j852crt/s320/boltas1.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cancer has not won. God HAS won!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It may not seem like it to most people that when
cancer slowly takes a life away, that God has won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are often asking:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why?</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do
You allow this evil to steal lives, God? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why hasn't the healing come? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But the reality is that with this family, God HAS won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Healing may not have come in the form that we had
wanted, hoped and prayed for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
healing has come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have watched and
read testimony after testimony from the Bolta's on how even in the many
valley's they've experienced, God is victorious and all glory has been given to
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just because God did not act in a way that we
wanted does not mean He hasn't healed and hasn't responded to the many prayers
said for this family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thousands of lives
have been impacted by their walk, by their faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just one of the many that can say that I
have been encouraged, challenged and drawn closer to God because of what they
have been through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS85uJ55cAduOh0Ylu_Hor6DaIJH6TKOZ4ntl6EgqUUyorxagOB-QhNgSn8b_zyjpDJRu3KmYQGvjvx-ZMgLMVXETgiFLc_rBNGtWE7FAZLW_LvR_F2hnXRd9de7jXU13ZMY8L/s1600/Boltas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS85uJ55cAduOh0Ylu_Hor6DaIJH6TKOZ4ntl6EgqUUyorxagOB-QhNgSn8b_zyjpDJRu3KmYQGvjvx-ZMgLMVXETgiFLc_rBNGtWE7FAZLW_LvR_F2hnXRd9de7jXU13ZMY8L/s320/Boltas.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been praying for healing for John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crying out in prayer for healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But think about this one....in Acts 3:1-11 is
a story of a beggar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lame from
birth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Carried each day to the city
gates to beg for his food and for a living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Peter and John walked by, the man did what he always did...beg for
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Peter offered him something
greater.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He offered him healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The man was healed and his healing was a
testimony to many about the works and glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The simple lesson I see in this example is
that we are not to be afraid to ask God for something...but just keep in mind
that He may answer in a way that we don't expect...in a way better for Him so
that His name can be proclaimed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't pretend to have all the answers as to why
the healing has not come on earth for all those in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do know that watching the Bolta's, John
is healed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is walking with the Savior
that he lived for, the Savior that he proclaimed was good no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in the healing that came a different way,
I've seen many people encouraged, challenged and humbled by John and Schelli's faith
to remain strong in the midst of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have watched as Schelli has written from her heart...raw emotions for
all to see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Raw tears spent as she
shared their life with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in this,
lives were changed for His glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
this, His Name has been proclaimed from the rooftops and all over the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaRjbU0ecZOGOBRGhVEInggFjThBhVtdg6SB_H2CQ11t1UQgpupsulRWRjdsOTY23Bc5qqFn8pKercChJFV1qs-4mtFDvxNjirjf7aElDcvFhXjSaW6m09oCmWoiSBhsg8zhB/s1600/boltas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIaRjbU0ecZOGOBRGhVEInggFjThBhVtdg6SB_H2CQ11t1UQgpupsulRWRjdsOTY23Bc5qqFn8pKercChJFV1qs-4mtFDvxNjirjf7aElDcvFhXjSaW6m09oCmWoiSBhsg8zhB/s320/boltas2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inasmuch as we wanted John to remain here on
earth, I believe that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>even with his
death, John would want all of us to keep proclaiming God's faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Proclaiming that God is good, He does heal,
He does provide and that He does love each and every one of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John's testimony is that God has won, not
cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is still good in death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to embrace Bolta like Faith and live
each and every moment for Him, looking for ways to give Him praise and glory
and choosing the faith that proclaims His goodness and faithfulness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we become angry and bitter, then yes,
cancer has won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that is not the
message that John and Schelli would want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Look for ways to be thankful, for ways to lift your hands to Him in the
midst of your darkest pain, look for ways to live each moment in His light and
glory....because then He wins and John's battle was not fought in vain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Choose Bolta like Faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because God HAS won, and always will.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John....thank you for living out your faith and for choosing to serve Him! Your legacy lives on! </span>Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-37955485825901558812013-12-30T12:38:00.000-07:002013-12-31T04:30:21.846-07:002013...The Year of Faith<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5deYTl57tT49dddWF-FaA72IljN1RhaJJIqMDLnUuaz5UBGV62ALJUznT1DvKgGtsSFe3bzV6rhTOBnmZFL55lTaRiiSLWfgRz8JP5nqAzTYK5ERDClsObMM-oTJdR1gFnW_-/s1600/faith+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5deYTl57tT49dddWF-FaA72IljN1RhaJJIqMDLnUuaz5UBGV62ALJUznT1DvKgGtsSFe3bzV6rhTOBnmZFL55lTaRiiSLWfgRz8JP5nqAzTYK5ERDClsObMM-oTJdR1gFnW_-/s1600/faith+4.png" /></a>As one year closes and another one approaches, I
can't help but think back to this past year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So much happened in just a year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if you had told me at the end of 2012 what was awaiting me this
year, I would have laughed at you (or yelled in disbelief)!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything that I had thought would happen in
2013, did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet I'm grateful because
the lessons that I've learned this year have dealt with deep things that broke
me to the core...but the year is ending with a greater faith and love for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God truly knows what He is doing when He does
not allow my plans to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
This has been the year of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right from the get-go.<br />
<br />
The very first day...January 1st.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
I was rocked out of what I had hoped for and I was
left broken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a way to start
2013....broken down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when you are
broken to pieces, God can sure put you back together the way He wants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just takes a little faith that He knows
what is best for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Over and over this year God brought me to the
story of Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abraham went through
so much, and he was human and made mistakes...but he had faith to believe the
impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it was choosing to
believe that he and Sarah could have a child (as old as they were), following
God to an unnamed place, or laying his son Isaac upon the altar...every single
piece required faith from Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each
time I read the story of Abraham, God kept speaking new things to me regarding
faith and trust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
This was no longer just a word to me, but an
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An action that He was calling me
to walk out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even in the deep pain, I
was to choose to have faith in God's grace and goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnBnoo7GijtheO9crqEvd0yxJQEV5gItmTIs6Gk59ZNMT2n4tD8JvKvozrmrc91-Z77pBkldQKFcNUr-m9fbS9-FxcqLrULjaIYmh8yg-zlR6IMJFScQPbB3ctdAWGPS-UIRD/s1600/faith+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnBnoo7GijtheO9crqEvd0yxJQEV5gItmTIs6Gk59ZNMT2n4tD8JvKvozrmrc91-Z77pBkldQKFcNUr-m9fbS9-FxcqLrULjaIYmh8yg-zlR6IMJFScQPbB3ctdAWGPS-UIRD/s1600/faith+2.jpg" /></a>I had no idea where that faith would lead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No idea what awaited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had it all under control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
I chose to trust Him and began to jump out in faith at the things He placed
upon my heart...even though it hurt to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It required me to turn from my desires, my comfort, and even some of my
friends.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing made sense to me
anymore, except His Word and His truth.<br />
<br />
In faith, I turned in a letter indicating my
desire for a one-year leave of absence and then began the process of applying
to teach overseas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of months
afterwards, I was offered a job to teach in Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And obviously I accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>;)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__3UTil9TSMuU4jY8woHaps11YM0NwUY6o064UEtXgNKEIbodCYmMGWi3IXcWlSjnoG4yLveiJOFE0aex0HHIlbhyphenhyphen7BbRs5UEAE9iwDleudN-kHniBKyWdykgtAAy0xq8JYhyphenhyphen/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__3UTil9TSMuU4jY8woHaps11YM0NwUY6o064UEtXgNKEIbodCYmMGWi3IXcWlSjnoG4yLveiJOFE0aex0HHIlbhyphenhyphen7BbRs5UEAE9iwDleudN-kHniBKyWdykgtAAy0xq8JYhyphenhyphen/s1600/change.jpg" /></a>This new move in my life would require even more
faith but in different areas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
what I was doing, the story of Abraham was always close to my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This new move brought me to the faith it
required for Abraham to leave his country, his father's home and go to a land
that God would show him (Genesis 12).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
began the process to close up my life in Montana for a year and follow God to a
new land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith was now being put into
action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Waiting for my visa to clear challenged my faith
and perseverance to hope for things that He promised to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And after staying in Kansas City for 2 1/2
months (a little vacation...thanks Heafner family!), I was finally on my way to
Brazil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But living out faith did not end
there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy92IbqeBKmPX1X3ClAWyg-Ds4ZZStKnQHgQA532L1oz4JUi8Qx6JQxO9oeLRJWCMp2vezNnA5BQEsTJL7Wvr3Rt3MGp42lg6EIyh2bmX_2pjDJa6dYsJK9fKDmIBHjFygGGkl/s1600/faith+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy92IbqeBKmPX1X3ClAWyg-Ds4ZZStKnQHgQA532L1oz4JUi8Qx6JQxO9oeLRJWCMp2vezNnA5BQEsTJL7Wvr3Rt3MGp42lg6EIyh2bmX_2pjDJa6dYsJK9fKDmIBHjFygGGkl/s1600/faith+3.jpg" /></a>Once I arrived here in Brazil, I was not only
living out this faith but I was losing all control that I once thought I had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living in a foreign country requires trust,
faith and a humbleness to ask for help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been difficult to learn that I cannot do things on my own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I need God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With this journey I am on, I have to be willing to depend upon
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is help interpreting
for me, getting a ride to a doctor's appointment, having someone call to make
the doctor appointment for me (that was fun), or relying upon a team of people
to help me learn to love this place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
all takes faith in God that He has placed these people in my life to help mold
me into who He needs me to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Yes, this has been a year of faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just because I am entering a new year
does not mean this lesson is over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
shall continue, for all of my days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
I also am beginning to sense a new lesson that God wants to instill in me this
next year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not sure I'm ready for
it...but I guess He believes I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
even though I may have ideas of what I would like to have transpire in 2014, I
give it all up to Him and simply say "Your will be done".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
Bring on the New Year and may I be able to look
back at 2014 and see God's handiwork in it all....just like I can see it in this
past year.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Pristina;">Against
all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,
just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without weakening in his </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;">faith</span></b><span style="font-family: Pristina;">,
he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead...Yet he did not waver
through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;">faith</span></b><span style="font-family: Pristina;">
and gave glory to God, being </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Pristina; line-height: 115%;">fully persuaded</span></b><span style="font-family: Pristina;"> that God had power to do what he had promised.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
<span style="font-family: Pristina;">Romans 4:18-21<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDrC5J0ZvkjSot9ynx6TX7ETBlpc47pHfVz59g3bn169JvKaiWXkjtT_KUrjmF97stkoWzlB44_xADLszsueZTHqrIIaBwLvx0kz3HM9kQ2K2qO8TvnRPB0u4X1xA8xoF2jP/s1600/2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRDrC5J0ZvkjSot9ynx6TX7ETBlpc47pHfVz59g3bn169JvKaiWXkjtT_KUrjmF97stkoWzlB44_xADLszsueZTHqrIIaBwLvx0kz3HM9kQ2K2qO8TvnRPB0u4X1xA8xoF2jP/s1600/2014.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<h2 class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 1em 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!
Be blessed, my friends!</span></h2>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26682431.post-71354288864030557572013-12-21T08:32:00.001-07:002013-12-21T08:32:08.037-07:00It's picture time!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes pictures are better than words....or it's just that I'm too lazy to think of something clever to say! </span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Feliz Natal!!!!</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFplTJvoD5WKmhZXyukRXOy_CsE8-w1JDQtJnnxyOHOGCMCikNjagKJKB4A0Y59JyLvfmdoeuk-WcD8_yMuQ_337eAUjyTROSDmmrSFDPtopWU2z1P9rs6b4Pd0mgI4ZEtgj4v/s1600/christmas+staff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFplTJvoD5WKmhZXyukRXOy_CsE8-w1JDQtJnnxyOHOGCMCikNjagKJKB4A0Y59JyLvfmdoeuk-WcD8_yMuQ_337eAUjyTROSDmmrSFDPtopWU2z1P9rs6b4Pd0mgI4ZEtgj4v/s320/christmas+staff.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Staff Christmas Party</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKlKMwXUT-CfKU-ZcraLvnvenyLndeiHr3VbFf7SdQw9TdKwJ_gh2gPVQ37cvbf5NXuk5dLzA8TkMJ3FXM8DOR4KvWRDEwxMibD_-ZBFcMfpO5H0WxbrQHNzg6Ye8z2FA-8zM/s1600/christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKlKMwXUT-CfKU-ZcraLvnvenyLndeiHr3VbFf7SdQw9TdKwJ_gh2gPVQ37cvbf5NXuk5dLzA8TkMJ3FXM8DOR4KvWRDEwxMibD_-ZBFcMfpO5H0WxbrQHNzg6Ye8z2FA-8zM/s320/christmas.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Beverly and I</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUkMBngUZHfkwQ1rxx3I4HSeNpZeCzo5D2BwaKZVf8XVCLyNVm77imcon-qTBaSGDp4WkzmvzIvnFjNxqVhhF6WHmRoiZeCIhnhbsCiirKFg8p5YxgGVPLE2RdYSrd56T0pv2/s1600/color+run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnUkMBngUZHfkwQ1rxx3I4HSeNpZeCzo5D2BwaKZVf8XVCLyNVm77imcon-qTBaSGDp4WkzmvzIvnFjNxqVhhF6WHmRoiZeCIhnhbsCiirKFg8p5YxgGVPLE2RdYSrd56T0pv2/s320/color+run.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> First 5K ever...and it was the Color Run!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0TK8cTzDS4dSTKkDEx2aPlMSsMg7TWt5rEi4W0W2Uq7cRzlF71tCCzODOFU2CHMwNEPEdD-fWWNebZkEWDAn32ERafNo-dpqatNnBpGmurVHmkW_FHCrxx6LyLfoOq18W4r5/s1600/mia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0TK8cTzDS4dSTKkDEx2aPlMSsMg7TWt5rEi4W0W2Uq7cRzlF71tCCzODOFU2CHMwNEPEdD-fWWNebZkEWDAn32ERafNo-dpqatNnBpGmurVHmkW_FHCrxx6LyLfoOq18W4r5/s320/mia.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Mia and I at the <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Créche</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvR-O2PiB3jmtpQRTKnijSLtYhGSmnN72gy1u-lAjQd0oaDPDfWgtEPsLz_v_fVDdWl0N-DOmc6J3jveQUMIQ0Yu-Q0RHIipf4kQy3WYiWTbqvobO7wGJNbQvRNKd411sA5Ab/s1600/avery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvR-O2PiB3jmtpQRTKnijSLtYhGSmnN72gy1u-lAjQd0oaDPDfWgtEPsLz_v_fVDdWl0N-DOmc6J3jveQUMIQ0Yu-Q0RHIipf4kQy3WYiWTbqvobO7wGJNbQvRNKd411sA5Ab/s320/avery.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Making Christmas Cookies!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLUDSRcljQhMtKrzz3aAd8yYMW_FD7qgkhCc-xdsNRbUO28u7zNf_tJuHzxl1YTRzEmwxv2i4YLviBRysluQIijKStDig8HHcUOqRZOS810bcFiFAYFGSNHDD63ExW5a-Wwwv/s1600/brazil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLUDSRcljQhMtKrzz3aAd8yYMW_FD7qgkhCc-xdsNRbUO28u7zNf_tJuHzxl1YTRzEmwxv2i4YLviBRysluQIijKStDig8HHcUOqRZOS810bcFiFAYFGSNHDD63ExW5a-Wwwv/s320/brazil.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Scenic boardwalk in Brasilia</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbgwHrt_fvajTPKkLIiuRJi2tSMl5VgPbuES2XLillCdCDi7YcrBKdMswRGayhpKgVistgVZvUoz43HIUMita6O9hZKQYspkZqPC71FfZf4wZWxaJKMpFlux8L4WevxjYYucP/s1600/brazil+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbgwHrt_fvajTPKkLIiuRJi2tSMl5VgPbuES2XLillCdCDi7YcrBKdMswRGayhpKgVistgVZvUoz43HIUMita6O9hZKQYspkZqPC71FfZf4wZWxaJKMpFlux8L4WevxjYYucP/s320/brazil+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little Christmas fun on the last day before break!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxEiYMiNfpdnH5YNNvbdbZE946f4mKDWd5OLhLQPq61U_y6tT0TsMfn1zTDs2oS2uZtw1TZ3y7qKws' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's it folks! Have a marvelous Christmas with your family and friends! Blessings to you!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Summerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04579049797423299788noreply@blogger.com0