tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63713388168693036662024-03-13T16:49:22.289-04:00Delighted MeditationsBut his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-39083212365395333882014-02-12T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-12T06:00:04.595-05:00Where My Treasure Is<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A9-11%3B+Matthew+6%3A19-20%2C+33&version=NLT">John 10:9-11; Matthew 6:19-20, 33</a></div>
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My pastor likes to remind us that the Devil’s purpose is to
steal, kill and destroy. </div>
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He steals our peace.</div>
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He kills our hope.</div>
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He destroys our faith.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When we are aware of Satan’s activities we are more equipped
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peace, when negative thoughts chase themselves around in my brain all night, it
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The answer, of course, is to pray. If I turn my concerns
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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My devotions recently have taken me to the Sermon on the
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is. If my treasures are stored in heaven, they won’t rust and can’t be stolen.
If my treasures are stored on earth, they’re vulnerable to rust and theft.</div>
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My treasures, of course, are the things I value most. The
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<br /></div>
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My home</div>
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Serving others</div>
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Family and friends</div>
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Being creative by writing and sewing</div>
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Activities like reading, swimming, gardening</div>
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<br /></div>
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While all these things are good, they can be destroyed. They
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in God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On the other hand, the thing I love in heaven is God. So if
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first – treasure Him above everything else – I will not only have a treasure
that can’t be stolen, but He’ll also give me everything else I need.</div>
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Protecting myself from Satan is simple. Just put God first.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s also the hardest thing to do.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-32503982938924370072014-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-11T06:00:05.434-05:00Chicken House Fire<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Today I'm happy to host Jennifer Hallmark, one of my fellow writers of the book <i>A Dozen Apologies</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from
trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah”</i> Psalm 32:7
NKJV</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The year was 2009. The week had been busy and I was amazed
by how much plain hard work was involved in a writing career. Websites, blogs,
articles, and research vied for my time, not to mention my regular life. Add in
the fact that I had begun to search for a literary agent to promote my novel, Journey
of Grace and had been asked to become a contributing writer for brandlady.com
women’s magazine. Can you imagine the week of work, decisions mingled with a
bit of fear and exhilaration?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Has anyone out there noticed that in the life of a Christian
if good things are happening, our adversary, the devil, isn’t happy about it? On
Thursday, problems surfaced, beginning with my son’s car not running right. Now
it was under warranty so we made plans to take it to the shop on Friday morning
to drop it off and get a free rental for our trouble.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided my son and I could do our work in the chicken
houses when we returned from the Ford place. At that time, we owned a farm with
two 500-foot broiler chicken houses which hold 30,000 chickens apiece. The
chickens were brought to us at one day old and we sold them to a processing
plant when they reached six weeks of age, each chicken weighing a little more
than four pounds. The work could wait until we returned so I stopped by to
adjust the fans and check things over.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I adjusted the fan time in the second house control room,
noticing an odd reading on the computer board. Upon walking in the door at the
middle of the chicken house, I could see something orange near the back wall
where the fans are placed. It looked like a small patch of flames surrounding
the fans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Jonathan!” I hollered at my son who was waiting outside in
his car. “Come quick!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He entered the chicken house and ran toward the back to see
how bad it was while I went back to check the computer panel again. In a
moment, he returned.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“It’s a fire on the back wall!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He called 911 while I drove back to our home to wake my husband
who had worked off night shift.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I shook him. “Danny, get up. The chicken house is on fire!” He
jumped up and dressed and we took off to help Jonathan.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile my son had grabbed the small fire extinguisher and
had exhausted it on the flames but it wasn’t enough. Danny grabbed a garden
hose near the computer control room and while I waited for the fire truck, they
were able to put out the fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon our farm was crawling with the local volunteer fire
department, curious neighbors, family and folks in the area that heard the news
on their scanners. The fire fighters checked the ceiling and walls in the surrounding
area making sure there were no hidden hot spots.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, the fire burned a twenty-five foot section of
wall and ceiling and 20 chickens died, not from fire or smoke but probably
shock. Some neighbors and a carpenter came and walled in the area so it would
be weather tight. We would rewire and replace the burnt area after we sold the
chickens in a few days. A faulty plug had shorted out, sending sparks that
caught the chipboard wall on fire.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The natural gas workers, and people with Pilgrim’s Pride
agreed it was a miracle the house had not burned to the ground. Most chicken
houses are made of wood, heated with natural gas, with pine shavings on the
floor and plenty of fans to drive a flame. Most houses that catch on fire burn
down in less than twenty minutes. This fire only smoldered and though it had been
burning for a while when we found it, the fans had no effect on the intensity
of the fire. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>As things were winding down that day,
I continually thanked God for his protective hand over our farm. One look at
the pictures our daughter snapped that day of the damage is enough to remind me
of how blessed we’d been and how God truly watches over us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is a proven rear
guard and I’m forever thankful.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***************</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8mjMAAI-XLyEO7C3fPdlWLuzzZ3xZtWkVmUxqhI3jYlGs450E5to8sSSEOhHYz5NVX0DLgV0D9c-sSNiqNYSudGGkBcXcIGd2RkZarVffREYk55OnLKrTEfqgNGTSmC0FHh2XuTWBSMN/s1600/jen.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/AVvXsEjz8mjMAAI-XLyEO7C3fPdlWLuzzZ3xZtWkVmUxqhI3jYlGs450E5to8sSSEOhHYz5NVX0DLgV0D9c-sSNiqNYSudGGkBcXcIGd2RkZarVffREYk55OnLKrTEfqgNGTSmC0FHh2XuTWBSMN/s1600/jen.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>Jennifer Hallmark: writer by nature, artist at heart, and
daughter of God by His grace. She loves to read detective fiction from the
Golden Age, watch movies like LOTR, and play with her two precious
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Fiction</a> and she shares a writer’s reference blog, <a href="http://writingpromptsthoughtsideas.wordpress.com/">Writing Prompts &
Thoughts & Ideas…Oh My!</a> with friends, Christina, John, Ginger, Dicky,
and Betty. She and Christina Rich share an encouraging blog for readers called <a href="http://jenniferhallmark.wordpress.com/">The Most Important Thing</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hw4pCP18oQo4RjPZMQO7Mf2SqElX_rKPtgwRn3elOf7scSP1bN2cB4iqMLZh-U6DXFxkpPoa4obvAUoukoP7yCu5gotc7NY2xrrNs4tScUnRp0jw9x1sNYzyDytonRhyphenhyphens2xIe20elVEb/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.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/AVvXsEj8Hw4pCP18oQo4RjPZMQO7Mf2SqElX_rKPtgwRn3elOf7scSP1bN2cB4iqMLZh-U6DXFxkpPoa4obvAUoukoP7yCu5gotc7NY2xrrNs4tScUnRp0jw9x1sNYzyDytonRhyphenhyphens2xIe20elVEb/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" height="320" width="210" /></a><a href="http://www.jenniferhallmark.com/index.htm">website</a> </div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/JenHwrites">Twitter</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jenlhallmark989/">Pinterest</a><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "inherit","serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "inherit","serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;">Join Jennifer and me in the adventures of Mara Adkins in <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/">A Dozen Apologies</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "inherit","serif"; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></div>
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-zq36mOHG8i4%2FUtmbam4w8bI%2FAAAAAAAAAtQ%2F1GRFbVcTn_E%2Fs1600%2Fjen.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8mjMAAI-XLyEO7C3fPdlWLuzzZ3xZtWkVmUxqhI3jYlGs450E5to8sSSEOhHYz5NVX0DLgV0D9c-sSNiqNYSudGGkBcXcIGd2RkZarVffREYk55OnLKrTEfqgNGTSmC0FHh2XuTWBSMN/s1600/jen.jpg" -->Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-28297316178704705422014-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-05T06:00:04.386-05:00GossipI'm not planning to turn my blog into a showcase for my short stories, but, today I'm sharing another one. In <i>A Dozen Apologies</i>, Mara is hoping that she'll be forgiven, but isn't sure she will be. My character in this story experiences some of the sorrow and grief that Mara feels.<br />
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*********<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny felt her face heat up until it was as red as her son’s
toy fire engine. She wanted to smack her hand over her mouth, but the ugly
words were out and she couldn’t take them back. Instead, she bent over her
Bible and waited for the silence to end.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why don’t we move on to the next question,” the leader
suggested.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally. Papers shuffled, pages turned and someone said
something. Jenny couldn’t concentrate. She couldn’t believe she had said
something so nasty about a friend. At least this was a small group and they had
all agreed that anything said here was confidential. Right after the final
prayer, she gathered her things and rushed out of the room. The sound of low
voices followed her down the hall and she glanced over her shoulder at the open
door.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They’re probably
talking about me.</i> “I hate gossip,” she muttered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Thumper says, ‘If you can’t say nuttin nice, don’t say
nuttin at all.’” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny jumped and looked down. Little Xander was standing in
the door of the children’s room, holding a toy rabbit. Jenny put on a smile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s right, honey. Always say nice things.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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In the car, she pushed away her guilt and made a mental list
of what she had to do before meeting the school bus at 3:00. The next morning,
after hurrying the kids out to the bus stop, she took her time walking back to
the house. She had a million things to do, but it was a beautiful day for a
walk. When she got to her driveway, she kept going, breathing in the fresh air
while she admired her neighbors’ landscaping. When her phone vibrated, she
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<br /></div>
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“Whatcha doing today?” Caitlin asked.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“You know. Clean the house, maybe make cookies. The usual
stuff.” Caitlin didn’t really want to hear about her plans to organize closets.
While she chattered about her own plans, Jenny waited for the question she knew
had been burning in her mind since the Bible study yesterday.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“You know, Jenny, Beth was really hurt by what you said.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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“Beth knows? Who told her? Bible study is supposed to be
confidential.” Jenny walked faster as her volume went up. “I hate gossip.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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“I don’t know who told her. I guess someone thought she
ought to know.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jenny turned and headed back to her house. “Well, I guess
that group’s not confidential after all. I won’t be saying anything important
anymore. Listen, I’ve got a bunch of things to do today. I’ll talk to you
later.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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She hung up and stuffed her phone into her pocket as she
opened the front door. She stomped toward the kitchen, but saw her Bible on the
table where she had left it yesterday. She paused and stared at it, still
fuming about the supposedly confidential group. Suddenly she remembered a
little voice saying “If you can’t say nuttin nice, don’t say nuttin at all.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She picked up the Bible and sank into a chair. They had
studied James last year and she knew exactly where to find the passage she
needed. As she read chapter three, she prayed about her tongue. She
acknowledged that it was out of control and asked God to forgive her. Then she
put down the Bible and pulled out her phone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beth didn’t answer, so Jenny left a message. “Beth, I’m so
sorry that I hurt you by what I said. Sometimes I just don’t think before I
open my big mouth. Please forgive me.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There. She had done what she could. She headed into the
kitchen to clean up before the breakfast leftovers turned to stone. But she
kept glancing at the phone on the counter, hoping Beth would call back.
Nothing. Not in the afternoon, not by supper, nothing. After the kids were in
bed, Jenny went on Facebook and sent Beth a personal message. An hour later she
checked to see if it had been read. It had, but still no response. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By morning, she was pretty sure Beth wasn’t going to forgive
her. Why had she been such an insensitive idiot? She thought about calling
again, but she didn’t want to look like she was stalking her. She sat down in
her favorite chair and prayed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Dear Lord, please, please, forgive me for the awful things
I said. And please heal the hurt I caused Beth. Even if she doesn’t ever speak
to me again, please help her forgive me. Don’t let her stay mad for her sake.
Don’t let me be the reason for her to carry a grudge.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday morning, Jenny hurried the kids so she could get to
church early enough to catch Beth before the service. Jesus had said to leave
your gift at the altar if your brother had anything against you. Jenny wasn’t
sure if she could worship with this rock in the pit of her stomach. She stood
watching by the door until the kids finally dragged her to their Sunday School
class. After handing them their Bibles and offerings, she walked toward the
worship center with her head down, feeling the rock get bigger. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sound of footsteps made her look up and there was Beth with
a big smile. She threw her arms around Jenny and held on for a long time.
Stepping back, she said, “Of course I forgive you. I know you didn’t mean it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tears filled Jenny’s eyes as Beth tucked her arm into
Jenny’s and walked into the worship center with her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*********</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkIFNs9ezC-VCy7ReC0YmEZ0LBOuGRGvUAYsHFv0TqWq9ONop50bym3_buYXvBkd5YDj4T_teBTzw96c_aH1-Erm9KDazbr03Lw89FdGrUnHiETeeJli-Dsoeu2xVgYZXLjV_eGFMkFCb/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkIFNs9ezC-VCy7ReC0YmEZ0LBOuGRGvUAYsHFv0TqWq9ONop50bym3_buYXvBkd5YDj4T_teBTzw96c_aH1-Erm9KDazbr03Lw89FdGrUnHiETeeJli-Dsoeu2xVgYZXLjV_eGFMkFCb/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" height="320" width="210" /></a>Today Mara gives her last apology. I don't think it's gotten easier and she's still not sure if she'll be forgiven. Read about it here. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you've been reading the book, you'll want to vote for your favorite hero. Which one will capture Mara's heart in the last chapter?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-6192277259569722642014-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-04T09:20:13.297-05:00Prayer MeetingIn today's chapter of <i>A Dozen Apologies</i>, the hero Mara apologies to is a pastor. My family is filled with ordained ministers and pastors, including my grandfather, father, two uncles and two brothers-in-law. I've also had the privilege of being shepherded by some faithful and godly men in the churches I've attended. So I'm posting something a little different today. This is a story I wrote recently when I was praying for my pastor.<br />
<br />
*******<br />
<br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler leaned against the wall beside the pastor’s door,
still as a statue. His hands were deep in his pockets and his head was down,
his eyes closed. When he heard the knob turn, he straightened up and walked
away toward the foyer. He could hear the pastor walking behind him, but he
didn’t turn. The ushers were starting to close the doors when he entered the sanctuary
and found his usual seat with the other teens in the front row. Jeff raised an
eyebrow at him, as the lights dimmed and they stood for the first song.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What were you doing?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The drum cadence made it impossible to talk, so Tyler
shrugged. Later, when Pastor invited the congregation to greet each other, Jeff
turned to Tyler.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Seriously, dude. What were you doing?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Praying.” Tyler shrugged again and turned to Mrs. Mable who
was waiting to give him a hug. He liked her, but she did complain a lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the service, Tyler followed Jeff and some of the
others out through the foyer toward the front doors of the church. His mother broke
away from a group gathered around the posters of the new building and grabbed
his arm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Could you pick up your sister from Sunday School and take
her home? I think I’ll be here a while.” She looked back over at the group,
whose voices were starting to rise. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Sure.” He grimaced at Jeff, who had waited for him by the
door. “See ya, man.” Then he turned toward the Sunday School wing, trying not
to hear the same arguments that had been going on since the architect designs
had been put up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Why can’t they add another bathroom? Pastor just doesn’t
understand how important that is.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Come on. There are five stalls. That’s plenty, even when we
get bigger. But I heard they’re going to put in purple carpet and chairs.
Purple! Do they really think men like my father would come to a purple church?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later that afternoon, Tyler picked up Jeff in his Jeep and
headed for McDonalds where some of the gang met before youth group. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What were you praying about outside the pastor’s office
this morning?” Jeff asked. “I thought you were in trouble.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler grinned. “I haven’t been sent to the principal’s
office since I was ten. No, seriously, I just think Pastor needs some support.
Everyone’s complaining all the time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I wish we weren’t building a new church. It’s all my parents
can talk about. It’s a bad design. Not enough Sunday School rooms. Not enough
parking. We shouldn’t have a mortgage. Who gets to pick the colors? Blah, blah,
blah.” Kendra punched the air with a french fry with each point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brittany leaned over from the next table. “I heard that the Taylors
are going to another church.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Yeah. Madison said her mom doesn’t feel welcome anymore. It’s
all just stupid. Who cares about colors and stuff?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tyler reached for one of Kendra’s fries. “That’s why I’m praying,”
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next Sunday, Tyler saw Jeff leaning against the wall by the
pastor’s office when he turned into the hallway from the foyer. Jeff nodded,
but didn’t say anything and Tyler stood on the other side of the door and bowed
his head. He heard some rustling while he prayed, but he didn’t look up until
the door opened. Some of the girls were standing along the wall opposite him
and Pastor was standing in the doorway staring at them. To Tyler’s disgust, the
girls giggled.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hi, Pastor. Bye Pastor.” They hurried down the hall,
leaving Tyler and Jeff to explain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Pastor just smiled at them. “Morning boys.” He followed
the girls without another look. Tyler walked after him with Jeff.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“If they’re going to do this, they have to be serious,” he
whispered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He wondered if Jeff had talked to them, because next Sunday
there were more kids, and they all stood silently with their heads bowed,
lining both walls of the hallway. They had left a spot for Tyler next to the
pastor’s door. No one moved when pastor came out and he didn’t say anything.
When he headed for the sanctuary, they followed him in silence.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That night he came to youth group. When they had settled
into their seats for the large group meeting, Pastor Tom frowned at them from
the stage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I don’t know what you’ve all been up to, but Pastor has
asked to speak to you tonight. I better not hear that you’ve been flocking his
house again.” He laughed and handed the microphone to Pastor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“No worries, Tom. We’ve got a godly group of young people in
this church. They wouldn’t dream of damaging my property unless it were for a
good cause.” They laughed with him because they had raised a lot of money for
the building fund when they put thirty two flamingoes on his lawn last summer.
He stopped laughing and stood looking at them for a long time. Tyler squirmed a
little. If the pastor thought they were doing something bad, it was his fault.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’ve noticed some of you have been standing outside my
office before service. I asked Tom and your parents about it and no one seems
to know what you’re doing there. So I asked the Lord about it and He laughed at
me.” One of the girls gasped, and another one giggled. “’Isn’t it obvious?’ He
said to me. ‘They’re praying for you.’”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He lowered the microphone, walked over to the wall and
leaned against it. He bowed his head and looked at his feet, unmoving for a few
seconds. Then he lifted the microphone and walked back to the front of the
stage.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I came to thank you. Sometimes we adults get so caught up
with what we want, we forget what’s really important. Sometimes we forget we
are God’s people and this is His house. Next week we’re going to have another
meeting about the building. But before we talk about it, we’re going to talk
about what God wants. I know we all love Him, but I think we may have forgotten
we want to please Him. So thank you for remembering. Thank you for praying for
me. And don’t stop.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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He handed the microphone to Pastor Tom and stepped down from
the platform, walking down the aisle toward the foyer doors. Even the girls
didn’t make a sound. Suddenly, Tyler jumped up and started clapping. Jeff and
the other kids around him did too and pretty soon the clapping filled the room.
Pastor Tom signaled the worship band to start playing. Pastor kept walking, but
Tyler saw him pause at the door when Tom spoke into the microphone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let’s pray.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
******</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4DDXVgQpTCtH4sAL9MI-x6lTKn5ctLw_aV1gYVcVInOCQ0efipg5HYVweMn7Mtaw15rB3DOJkvkSi0IGXpOdvYe0x1Pnz8TQi2oA6ABqPYNaNdhJNy3mHgJptIg4-X_oGGEGjthArBVz/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4DDXVgQpTCtH4sAL9MI-x6lTKn5ctLw_aV1gYVcVInOCQ0efipg5HYVweMn7Mtaw15rB3DOJkvkSi0IGXpOdvYe0x1Pnz8TQi2oA6ABqPYNaNdhJNy3mHgJptIg4-X_oGGEGjthArBVz/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" height="200" width="131" /></a>Read about Mara's encounter with Pastor Brent <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-dozen-apologies-chapter-ten.html">here</a>. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-21947714498700244872014-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-29T06:00:05.418-05:00Humility - In a Nutshell<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I'm thrilled that one of my fellow writers has written a thought provoking devotional for me to share. Please welcome Pat Dyer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In <i>A Dozen Apologies</i>, once Mara accepts Jesus Christ as Lord
of her life, she begins to learn about humility. It can be a hard pill to
swallow. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Macmillan Dictionary defines humility as a behavior that
shows you are not proud <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="and">and</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="not">not</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="thinking">thinking</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="that">that</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="you">you</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="are">are</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="better">better</a> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" title="than">than</a> other people. Synonyms for humility are modesty, unassuming,
undemanding, unpretentious, low-profile. Humility is the polar opposite of
pride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since I’ve never consciously considered myself “better than”
anyone else and tend to shun the limelight, it came as a bit of a shock when
God revealed my pride to me. So I said, “Okay, I need to know more.” I began to
study humility/pride. Wow— was I a proud puppy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here are a few of the things that I learned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Numero Uno: You don’t have to be overtly arrogant to be
prideful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Proud people</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>are often critical of what others do or say, whether
verbally or not. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>complain a lot.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>are self-sufficient (they think).</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>are often discontent and angry.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>don’t spend much time in God’s Word.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>don’t accept teaching from others.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>are wrapped up in their own needs and desires.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<ul>
<li>worry a lot—fear.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In addition to alleviating the issues listed above, why cultivate
a humble spirit?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>It’s an act of obedience to God.</b> “Therefore humble
yourselves under the mighty hand of God …” I Peter 5:6a. (NKJV)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>We are to follow Christ as our example.</b> “ Let this mind
be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God,
did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no
reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of
men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Philippians 2: 5-8
(NKJV)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Humility brings peace. </b>“A soft answer turns away wrath, but
a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1a</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Humility does not in any way lessen your worth.</b> It simply
acknowledges the fact that others are no more or less as important as you. I
like C. S. Lewis’ quote: “<a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/cslewis395865.html" title="view quote">Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of
yourself less.</a>”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let
each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests
of others.” Philippians 2:3-11 </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Humility gives us confidence, </b>knowing and acknowledging that
God is in control of everything, even when we want to think “No need to bother
God. I’ve got this.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, <b>humility must be real.</b> John Climacus, a seventh
century monk also known as St. John of the Ladder, wrote: “The image of utmost
pride is a man who, for the sake of glory, hypocritically exhibits virtues
which he does not possess.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is nothing more off-putting than a person whose
humility is false. Funny thing is—</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>that kind of humility
is transparent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About Pat:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCGVdfM7WiYh4I0aoCMEMhvlAXGprnFLZDGTbisopSLvR_OvPLA4mnzVH8VqEHEvaIj1_yJN54Ei43d2q5GpGwaLEm6c6qlETUtA3_xW4Wfr9CY_Z36dzhxz_GSdwDyQn7gpT1PShAaBt/s1600/Pat+Profile+Pic+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/AVvXsEixCGVdfM7WiYh4I0aoCMEMhvlAXGprnFLZDGTbisopSLvR_OvPLA4mnzVH8VqEHEvaIj1_yJN54Ei43d2q5GpGwaLEm6c6qlETUtA3_xW4Wfr9CY_Z36dzhxz_GSdwDyQn7gpT1PShAaBt/s1600/Pat+Profile+Pic+2.jpg" height="200" width="166" /></a></div>
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Pat was transplanted from upstate New York to Florida at the
tender age of five. Now married to a Georgia cracker for almost fifty
years and retired from a public service job, she enjoys writing and spending
time with her children, grandchildren, and<i> ten</i> great-grandchildren.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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A member of American Christian Fiction Writers and ACFW
Central Florida Chapter, Pat has served as past secretary and publicity
chairperson. Writing inspirational stories from the heart, she strives to
provide encouragement and light through Jesus to those who read them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*******<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Join us in enjoying and learning from Mara's adventures. <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/">A Dozen Apologies </a><br />
<br />
In today's chapter, Mara finds a messy job on a chicken farm and has to face some ugly consequences of her thoughtless game. It's quite humbling. If you aren't familiar with this story, here's the synopsis.<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
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<span class="uficommentbody">Mara Adkins, a promising fashion
designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">get up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an
ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered
geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. When Mara
begins work for a prestigious clothing designer in New York, she gets her
comeuppance. Her boyfriend steals her designs and wins a coveted position. He
fires her, and she returns in shame to her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina,
where life for others has changed for the better.</span></div>
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<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">Mara’s parents, always seemingly one step from a
divorce, have rediscovered their love for each other, but more importantly they
have placed Christ in the center of that love. The changes Mara sees in their
lives cause her to seek Christ. Mara’s heart is pierced by her actions toward
the twelve men she’d wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each
of them. A girl with that many amends to make, though, needs money for travel,
and Mara finds more ways to lose a job that she ever thought possible.</span></div>
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<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward
employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she
humiliated to find that God truly does look upon the heart, and that He has
chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.</span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-44945766959163486392014-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-28T08:02:54.489-05:00Prayer Closet<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A5-6&version=NLT">Matthew 6:5-6</a></div>
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I had a friend who used to tell me to say a
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church, most of my prayer life has happened wherever I happen to be. </div>
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<br /></div>
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In my living room, reading my Bible.</div>
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In my kitchen, doing dishes.</div>
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In my car, waiting at a stop light.</div>
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When I was a child, I actually knelt by the bed to say my
prayers at night. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But here, Jesus tells us to go away to somewhere private to
pray. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Over the years I’ve found some beautiful private places. One
of my favorites when I was a kid was the campfire circle at Mount Zion. I liked
sitting on one of the benches and looking over the lake and the mountains while
I talked to Him. </div>
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There were two small chapels at Forest Home, the camp where
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When I was in college, I did my best praying while I walked
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This year, I saw the most beautiful prayer chapel I’ve ever
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a small square with a tile pool in the middle. One end has a series of stone
walls rising to the ceiling, with water falling down them into the pool. Ferns
and other water plants grow in the crevices around the water. Wooden kneelers
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There are lots of places we can pray and lots of ways we
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have a messy bedroom available, I can still go away to pray in private. The
important thing is to spend time with my Father in private.</div>
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<br /></div>
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**********</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesejXGfsV1xz7zhtFIrI5w-REGC_ikl9N41Dvv1c-zN5BoA1W0WvSQ3uT9-ZopmtmfBLTmFeeZtvVC1r18XXLBs2ROAPQ6PA_aH1MILIsU84yCJFRv4HohIC3R4Amj6UmIxyarBKw6Ay2/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.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/AVvXsEiesejXGfsV1xz7zhtFIrI5w-REGC_ikl9N41Dvv1c-zN5BoA1W0WvSQ3uT9-ZopmtmfBLTmFeeZtvVC1r18XXLBs2ROAPQ6PA_aH1MILIsU84yCJFRv4HohIC3R4Amj6UmIxyarBKw6Ay2/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" height="320" width="210" /></a>In today’s chapter of <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/"><i>A Dozen Apologies</i></a>, Mara goes to Greenville
for her apology. I’m hoping that she found some time to go to the prayer chapel
on the campus, but even if she didn’t, she definitely needed to spend some time
in prayer. What she’s been doing is really hard.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-49894452689885685632014-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-24T15:11:17.305-05:00Selfish Sorry<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+38&version=NLT">Psalm 38</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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David was in great pain, presumably as a result of unconfessed sin. In the midst of his moaning about his pain, he confessed
the sin. Then he urged God to save him. This raises a question about
repentance.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Am I sorry for the bad things I’ve done or am I sorry for
the consequences of the sin?</div>
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Am I sorry I have offended God and hurt people or am I sorry
because I feel badly about it?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Repentance requires a recognition of my sin.</div>
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Recognition of sin makes me sorry that I did it.</div>
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Sorrow makes me feel badly that I’m a sinner.</div>
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Forgiveness makes me feel better.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So here’s the dilemma. When I repent, do I ask for
forgiveness so I’ll feel better?</div>
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<br /></div>
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While I was writing my chapter of <i>A Dozen Apologies</i>, I
wrestled with this problem. Mara, the main character asked a lot of men for
forgiveness. She did it in obedience to Jesus’ instruction that we should be
reconciled to anyone who has something against us before we offer our sacrifice
on the altar. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A23-24&version=NLT">Matthew 5:23-24</a>) It was a really hard thing for her to do. But
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When I sin, should I say “I’m sorry”or should I just say “Please
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<br /></div>
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Maybe this is a false dilemma. But I think it addresses the
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It makes me turn to God to ask for true repentance.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Mara’s journey of repentance is being published right now.
You can read her story <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/">here</a>. I hope you enjoy it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-83599964812272264562014-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-20T06:00:08.565-05:00Repentance<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/Luke%203:7-9"><span class="woj">Luke 3:7-9</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">Jesus started His ministry with the same
message as John the Baptist.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="text"><sup> </sup>“Repent of your sins and
turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.<sup>”</sup></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">I don’t usually think of Jesus calling
people to repent, except when He was haranguing the Pharisees. I see Him
teaching people about the Kingdom of God and healing them and training His
disciples. But the message of repentance preceded all the other things (except
the miracle He performed as a special favor to His mother).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj">So if the first message is to repent, I have
to understand what that means. Merriam Webster on-line says it is “</span>to
feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and
that you want to do what is right.” This is a start, but I think there must be more
to repentance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve often felt sorry after eating too many slices of pizza
because I feel really uncomfortable for a long time. When I’m stuffed and
feeling a little sick, I really want to eat less next time. But when next time
comes, the pizza looks so good, and I’m hungry, so I keep eating, even though I
told myself I’d only have one piece. I don’t think I ever really repented of
eating too much, even though I was sorry I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
According to Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, one of
the Greek words for repentance, metanoeo, means to change one’s mind and
purpose. So it’s not enough for me to be sorry I ate too much. I have to change
what I think about food and what I intend to do about it. In other words, if I
truly repent of eating too much, I have to change the reason I eat pizza.
Instead of doing it because I like to eat, I should eat to satisfy my hunger
and nourish my body.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
John the Baptist said it in a much simpler way than that. “Prove
by the way you live that you have <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">repent</span>ed
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">of</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">your</span> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">sins</span> and
turned to God.” (Luke 3:8)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main character in a new book I’ve contributed to did
that. Mara hurt a lot of people before she was saved. When she came to know the
Lord, she repented. She was not only sorry she hurt people, she proved it by
finding each of them to tell them so. She changed her mind and purpose. I
encourage you to read Mara’s story. You might find it encouraging.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/"><span class="uficommentbody">A Dozen Apologies</span></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-43egK7z9xS027ty7MYSKu6bOGAJK02DnzD4auS9cBQbuJmScDRek8S6_G9jerqtwlZVxseR7VdnbZ1HZNV7bTLfRH4bvJtQkNy9PGQYJJQLR4COFL6hMWTk49uiHJTv9gM5plYlqEpCj/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-43egK7z9xS027ty7MYSKu6bOGAJK02DnzD4auS9cBQbuJmScDRek8S6_G9jerqtwlZVxseR7VdnbZ1HZNV7bTLfRH4bvJtQkNy9PGQYJJQLR4COFL6hMWTk49uiHJTv9gM5plYlqEpCj/s1600/A+DOZEN+APOLOGIES+FINAL+FRONT+med.png" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<span class="uficommentbody">Mara Adkins, a promising fashion
designer, has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="uficommentbody">get up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">In college, Mara and her sorority sisters played an
ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she considered
geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. When Mara
begins work for a prestigious clothing designer in New York, she gets her
comeuppance. Her boyfriend steals her designs and wins a coveted position. He
fires her, and she returns in shame to her home in Spartanburg, South Carolina,
where life for others has changed for the better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">Mara’s parents, always seemingly one step from a
divorce, have rediscovered their love for each other, but more importantly they
have placed Christ in the center of that love. The changes Mara sees in their
lives cause her to seek Christ. Mara’s heart is pierced by her actions toward
the twelve men she’d wronged in college, and she sets out to apologize to each
of them. A girl with that many amends to make, though, needs money for travel,
and Mara finds more ways to lose a job that she ever thought possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span class="uficommentbody">Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward
employment and toward possible reconciliation with the twelve men she
humiliated to find that God truly does look upon the heart, and that He has
chosen the heart of one of the men for her to have and to hold.</span></div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-80039827528738888522014-01-13T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-14T13:34:03.703-05:00Don't Break God's Heart<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%206:5-6&version=NLT">Genesis 6:5-6</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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My daughter and her children came over for dinner a few days
ago. Six year old Zoey was not interested in what I made for dinner and made it
plain by whining and complaining. When her mother sent her out of the room, she
expressed her displeasure by crying loudly for the rest of our meal. It broke
my heart to hear her, but I was glad that my daughter loved her enough to
discipline her. Eryn’s response was more godly than mine. She cared about
Zoey’s bad behavior. I cared about Zoey’s crying.</div>
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<br /></div>
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God hates sin. But He loves the people who sin. That’s why it
breaks His heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I read the Old Testament, I see lots of evidence of God’s
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Jericho because everyone in them was wicked.</div>
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I could try (badly) to show His grace in the Old Testament
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This little verse in Genesis gave me a new perspective on
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that everything people thought or imagined was totally evil, His heart broke.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I sin, I break God’s heart.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s the most powerful reason I’ve ever had to resist
temptation. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-12689073456543216312014-01-08T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-08T06:00:08.736-05:00Ordinary Women<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%201:1-17&version=NLT">Matthew 1:1-17</a></div>
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I’m thankful for the examples of the women in the Bible.
When I’m particularly aware of my own sins (to my shame that isn’t often
enough), I’m encouraged to see how God used sinful women to accomplish His
plans.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There are four women mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus.
Two were prostitutes, one was an adulterer and one was pretty wonderful. All of
them lived in a world dominated by men and had to find a way through some ugly
circumstances.</div>
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Tamar was married to one of Jacob’s grandsons who was so
wicked God killed him. That left her a childless widow, which meant she had no
standing in her society. She was dependent on the men of her husband’s family
to support her. They did a really bad job of it and she ended up playing a
prostitute in order force her father-in-law- Judah - to support her. When she
was wronged and felt helpless, she did the wrong thing, but in the end Judah
said she was more righteous than he. God worked it all out to further His plan
for the kingdom and she is an ancestor of Jesus. You can read her story in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2038&version=NLT">Genesis38</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Rahab was an out and out prostitute. She not only wasn’t an
Israelite, she was one of the enemy that God intended to destroy. But she recognized
God’s servants when they came to Jericho and hid them when they came to spy.
Then she lied to the king about it so they could escape. In return she and her
family were the only ones spared when Jericho was conquered and the Israelites
took her in. In spite of not knowing God, lying to her king, and her sinful
profession, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2011:31&version=NLT">Hebrews 11:31</a> says she did it by faith and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%202:25&version=NLT">James 2:25</a> says she was
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kingdom. You can read her story in Joshua 2.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Ruth is a refreshing light among Jesus’ female ancestors. She
wasn’t an Israelite either, but she embraced their culture and acted like a
true child of God. She was a childless widow like Tamar, with the added
responsibility of her mother-in-law. She was also dependent on men to care for
her, but she didn’t resort to prostitution (although I’ve heard some
interesting speculation about what happened on the threshing floor one night).
She came to the attention of Boaz, her family redeemer, because of her faithful
actions. I think it’s fitting that there’s a whole book to tell her story. You
can read about her in the book of <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1&version=NLT">Ruth</a>.</div>
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Bathsheba was an adulteress. I never know what to think
about her. On the one hand, she was probably at the mercy of the men in her
life too. I can’t decide how guilty she was. After all, it was the king who
sent for her. But did she even try to say no? And what was she doing taking a
bath on the roof below the king’s palace? Either way, her story is tragic. Her
lover killed her husband; her baby died. But God redeemed her life too. Her
other baby grew up to be king and she’s also an ancestor of Jesus. You can read
about her in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20kings%201&version=NLT">1 Kings 1</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s a lot I could learn from these women and their
stories, but there’s one thing that stood out when I read the genealogy today.
God’s story is about ordinary women. All were sinful. Some responded better
than others. Only one was born an Israelite (or was she? Bathsheba’s husband
was a Hittite). The Bible tells us some had faith, but is silent about the
others. All of them struggled to make the best of their circumstances.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m an ordinary woman too. I’m not caught up in great events
with patriarchs and kings, but I’m part of Jesus’ genealogy too – on the other
side. I’m His sister. And as a child of God, I pray that He will use me to
further His kingdom too.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-16326480174589738752014-01-06T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T06:00:00.429-05:00Truth and Joy<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%201&version=NLT">Psalm 1</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is my life passage. It’s where I got the title of this
blog and you’ll recognize the quote at the top of the page. My name, Phyllis,
means green leaf in Greek, so I have naturally clung to verse 3. I want to be a
tree that never withers, that bears fruit. I want to prosper in all l do. To do
that, I have to follow verse 2. I have to delight in God’s law and meditate on
it all the time.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So it’s fitting that when a friend told me she picks one
word to focus on each year, I immediately knew that my word for this year is
truth. God’s law. God’s Word.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There’s only one problem. Even though the year is barely
begun, the truth of my sinfulness has become very apparent to me. I’m more like
the worthless chaff than I am like the fruitful tree.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Instead of relying on God’s Word for direction, I sometimes
look to secular sources. I take the advice of the wicked.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When it comes to hot cultural issues, too often my attitude
lines up people who aren’t concerned with what God thinks about things. I stand
around with sinners.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And here’s the worst. I often speak without thinking and end
up hurting people with my words. I join in with mockers.</div>
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<br /></div>
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These are truths about me that grieve me because they grieve
my Lord. They are not pleasing to Him and they rob me of the joy He wants to
give me. I’ve spent the last few days grieving over a specific circumstance in which
I acted like a sinner. I’ve repented and done what I could to make amends, but
the joy is still missing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So what can I do?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Delight in the law of the Lord. Spend more time reading it.
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<br /></div>
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I’m only godly because of Jesus, but I can rest in that
assurance. And because of that I know that He <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>watches over my path. So I can walk forward
this year with His eye on me. And I know that as I meditate on His Word, my
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<br /></div>
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And my joy will return.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-32901886405852209932013-12-12T06:00:00.001-05:002013-12-12T06:00:09.081-05:00A Ruby Christmas contest photoIf you've been reading <i>A Ruby Christmas</i>, you know the publisher is hosting a contest. Every day she's posted a picture to go with that day's chapter, with an altered photo on the author's page. Here's the altered version of today's photo. Go to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/tracyruckman/a-ruby-christmas-contest/">A Ruby Christmas contest</a> to see the original.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2laABL5MP0vMVVYWWZs52kDZWn5vAfq7DF1yXGkDPmX-PEpyN1xrTjiFRJl-qe1sIyWnnKFI_BDXm2k7cLYc31-J4KZ9HIsPQYZZHWof8Fd5xCc2lDqiP5zmIB_UDDJomWy4v-G_6DcJN/s1600/Guatemala+altered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2laABL5MP0vMVVYWWZs52kDZWn5vAfq7DF1yXGkDPmX-PEpyN1xrTjiFRJl-qe1sIyWnnKFI_BDXm2k7cLYc31-J4KZ9HIsPQYZZHWof8Fd5xCc2lDqiP5zmIB_UDDJomWy4v-G_6DcJN/s640/Guatemala+altered.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
(Shhh. If you know Guatemala, you know this isn't the lake that Ruby visited, but we won't tell.)Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-19656836069265268212013-12-12T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-12T06:00:02.120-05:00La PosadaToday is my day. My chapter of <i>A Ruby Christmas</i> is out on the publisher's page. (See the bottom of this post for the link.) Ruby is traveling around the world, so of course, I sent her to my favorite country - Guatemala! In honor of her trip, I've asked my father, John Shackelford, if I could post a story he wrote about a posada we all saw while we lived there. Enjoy it.<br />
<br />
********<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">We had spent the day shopping in the capital city,
and didn't start that long drive home until late in the afternoon. As we
descended from the high peaks of the cordillera about 9:00 P.M. we came into Totonicapán,
a Mayan Village with cobblestone streets. It was nice to get away from the
dusty dirt road for a little while, even though the stones were quite rough, but
it meant we were getting closer to home. The kids were asleep in the back seat,
but suddenly they were awakened by a large procession marching along the main
street filled with people. The people were all dressed in their Mayan costumes
and marching along very slowly carrying a statue of Mary and Joseph on their
shoulders. Even with the windows closed against the cold mountain night air, we
could hear their native drums made from hollow tree trunks and sheep skins. One
man played his homemade bamboo flute. They chanted weird tunes developed over
the centuries by their Mayan culture. A strange hollow sound, which is
characteristic of the posada, was the clicking sound from the striking of a
turtle shell.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Of course they didn't move over for a lonely car,
for this was a very important occasion, so we just followed along. The posada consists
of villagers carrying a statue of Joseph and Mary on their shoulders and chanting
that they are looking for a place for the baby Jesus to be born. This religious
custom is taken from the story of Jesus being born in a manger. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Joseph went up from Galilee, out of the
city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem
to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was,
that while they were there the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because there was no room for them in the inn</i>. Luke 2:4-7 (KJV, italics added)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">This is the setting for the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">posadas</i>. The men carried a platform with the life size statues of
the sacred couple, and called out at every home, "Does anyone have room
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Jesus can be born?" They stopped at several houses and asked, "Is
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">But that is when the whole event lost its sacred significance.
The statues were placed in a dark corner with one lighted candle, no longer
important and completely ignored. The table was set with tamales wrapped in
banana leaves, which is a great delicacy and eaten with bread and coffee and
replaces the regular menu of tortillas and black beans. Lots of festivities
followed with heavy drinking and partying. The poor holy couple and their son
Jesus were inconvenient and pushed off into a dark corner. It didn't take long
for our children to comment that it didn't seem to them that there was any room
for Jesus at that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Posada</i>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">Now the road had cleared and we were on our way. As
we drove home, the chorus that we used to sing in Christian Endeavor came to
our minds, and we sang it together as we drove off into the lonely night,
"Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in
today, come in to stay, come into my heart, Lord Jesus."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;">*********</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Shruti;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyiRt4Lg-fGhaSvYcSn-fgeCQxreCGzC9AJYXKmAFcLpT3ishg01SEIVp4PSHCG3Q_zncGvIhgXSPfU1c3edgge5a38DKp6_WP67TBYfTGO7Xz6QpHxJtYEuei5WQN20P2lAHMcSP5UdM/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyiRt4Lg-fGhaSvYcSn-fgeCQxreCGzC9AJYXKmAFcLpT3ishg01SEIVp4PSHCG3Q_zncGvIhgXSPfU1c3edgge5a38DKp6_WP67TBYfTGO7Xz6QpHxJtYEuei5WQN20P2lAHMcSP5UdM/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
You can read about Ruby's trip to Guatemala <a href="http://bit.ly/1egs2Oh">here</a>.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-21014308900270029942013-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-11T06:00:10.520-05:00Babies at Christmas<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When Zoey was two, her favorite of my Christmas ornaments
was a large snow globe with the nativity scene inside it. It stood on a musical
stand where camels rested after their long trip. The music box played “We Three
Kings” and the camels rotated slowly underneath the globe. I placed it in the
middle of the table where Zoey’s little hands couldn’t reach it, so she sat in
a chair that brought her eyes up level with the camels and watched and
listened. As soon as the music ran down she would laugh and say “again.” And
again. And again. I thought there would never be anyone as precious as two year
old Zoey.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, three year old Zoey was just as precious – and she
still is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s something really special about having a baby around
at Christmas. We often think that Christmas is for the children – the lights
and music and presents and cookies . . . Or that all those things bring out the
child in each of us. But Christmas is about a child too young to appreciate
those things.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you’re blessed, you’ve had an infant in your arms on
Christmas. For me, it was a two month old niece. I felt her tiny body snuggle
up to me, smelled her baby smell and saw her little mouth pucker. For a brief
moment, I could picture my Creator like this. Really.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Okay. I couldn’t. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But God uses real life situations as metaphors to make His
message clear. Holding a baby at Christmas was one for me. It was overwhelming
to hold a tiny, helpless baby and consider that the Sovereign God gave up His
glories in Heaven and was born like this baby into a helpless world.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I can’t grasp the enormity of it, but I am humbled by it.
And just a little bit afraid.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*******</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauHawVEli_UjBwvFcbGT32VAJwJnY9Osl9qnJRLJH6t_0vnRDORHp_qCsr8GT2N959H31WNVy_gPD9rmpmguIUOoNNyjdIbK9vErZ6idMbmGEEVPheoy1NFG-Bth2GMkBmtI63Id_vyss/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhauHawVEli_UjBwvFcbGT32VAJwJnY9Osl9qnJRLJH6t_0vnRDORHp_qCsr8GT2N959H31WNVy_gPD9rmpmguIUOoNNyjdIbK9vErZ6idMbmGEEVPheoy1NFG-Bth2GMkBmtI63Id_vyss/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today Ruby goes to South Africa, where I had the privilege of holding a different niece, although it was closer to Easter than it was to Christmas. You can read her adventure in chapter eight <a href="http://bit.ly/1cEQdUo">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meet the author, <a href="http://www.debbieroome.com/">Debbie Roome</a>. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-27473311432915686812013-12-10T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-10T06:00:08.205-05:00Light Overcomes the Darkness<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Today I welcome another of my fellow authors, Marji Laine:</div>
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</div>
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In my chapter of <a href="http://writeintegrity.com/">A Ruby
Christmas</a>, Ruby visits Paris, “The City of Light.” You know light isn't
seen very well unless it's surrounded by darkness. In fact, my favorite
satellite pictures are the ones taken at night that show the countries lit up
like a Christmas ornament. I think of them as a spiritual interpretation.
Imagine each little pinpoint of light as a heart for God holding the flame of
His Spirit. What would your “neighborhood” look like? Would your light shine
bright and inspire others to light up? Would it attract those already glowing
or does it barely flicker in the darkness surrounding it?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Spiritual Darkness can take many forms:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Self-Deception</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
takes the form of the lie that everyone’s going to heaven because God loves us.
Or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I’m a Christian because I go down to
the church on Sunday.” This is a particularly dangerous darkness because those
who suffer from it have heard the Word of God. They just haven’t listened to
what He says.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Apathy</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
another dangerous version of darkness. People who suffer from apathy might be
willing to believe in God, but they don’t want to put any effort into living
their lives for Him. Their likely response is, “Let me think about this for a
little while.” (That’s a seed waiting to be smuggled off by some conniving
bird!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Hostility</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can be
painful to the believer, but a person passionate about his opposition to God
can become an amazing proclaimer of truth after realizing Christ’s love.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ignorance</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We suffer
from more of this particular darkness in America than we realize. The people with
this blindness have no idea of their malady and just wait for someone to
enlighten them.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>Religiosity</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b> </span>This
darkness bears such bondage. Those chained in the shackles of this type of
lifestyle are begging for the freedom that Christ offers, and they don’t even
realize it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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What type of darkness do you see most often? What type did
you or do you most suffer from? What can you do to dissolve it?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*********</div>
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</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7EKBUHGkJockj7JbiPnLD_GGsdVbrqX1TxvSwQWobR41jwdWgUPXYhpeV_4CtGssdQEmzOydMS9ra7wjxgJcGxqfD9CHUsoiMnjP6sh56zgibZPKoBFj7NGCmcjnwM0vj5FqS3pK3o-/s1600/Marji+Laine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-7EKBUHGkJockj7JbiPnLD_GGsdVbrqX1TxvSwQWobR41jwdWgUPXYhpeV_4CtGssdQEmzOydMS9ra7wjxgJcGxqfD9CHUsoiMnjP6sh56zgibZPKoBFj7NGCmcjnwM0vj5FqS3pK3o-/s200/Marji+Laine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://marjilaine.com/">Marji</a> is a homeschooling mom of 4 with the oldest working in
the mission field in Africa. She spends her days transporting to and from
volleyball, teaching writing classes at a local coop, and directing the
children’s music program at her church. With decades of leading worship,
directing and performing in theatre productions, and script-writing, Marji took
the plunge to creating scintillating Christian romance and romantic suspense
novels with a side of Texas sassy. She invites readers to unravel their
inspiration, seeking a deeper knowledge of the Lord’s Great Mystery that
invites us all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9ZBDVOf3ZNnqsoCcuhDvlRJhkfo6s5UDxALxHe-UC1UsakkIuxT6CL_x3IfTWGax-vPClzUAnYHXp-xoQ_jYRNQrAHtTWJkKBJPtQL5Uw6qPzHJN6zoeBxVysJvOJkrMmsRi9mL8laEu/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9ZBDVOf3ZNnqsoCcuhDvlRJhkfo6s5UDxALxHe-UC1UsakkIuxT6CL_x3IfTWGax-vPClzUAnYHXp-xoQ_jYRNQrAHtTWJkKBJPtQL5Uw6qPzHJN6zoeBxVysJvOJkrMmsRi9mL8laEu/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can read her chapter <a href="http://bit.ly/1bLs14z">here</a>. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-12198590604785269732013-12-09T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-09T06:00:02.799-05:00Stupid Sheep<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%202:8-12&version=NLT">Luke 2:8-12</a></div>
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Every nativity scene has sheep in it, but, within the story,
the sheep aren’t very important. On the other hand, the Shepherd is the main
character, although no one knows Him as the Shepherd yet. But, if you’ll allow
me to mix metaphors a bit, if Jesus is the Shepherd, we’re the sheep. And we do
have a role in the story. We’re the recipients of the love and grace that sent
the Shepherd.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The reason the Shepherd came was because the sheep were lost
and needed a savior. When the Shepherd came, He searched for His lost sheep and
called them by name. </div>
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<br /></div>
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He found us. He saved us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So when you look at your nativity scene this year, after you
thank God for the Baby, remember that you’re in the story too. You’re that
little lamb off on the side. You’re the recipient of the good news that brings
great joy. </div>
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<br /></div>
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*******</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmFhXb543jY-xO9FoSuacrsFjw3d4SyAcJ2XxZFKgn6YN6Qby1gU_ae3qT1Ac0ddh6Lpiwp7q2bjDJb9VWZjBCvvXgu_vAi3Eab0SQwAr9aQZ00dWzLsdtjt8zm87_TY6uCUrENQ1HJ49/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmFhXb543jY-xO9FoSuacrsFjw3d4SyAcJ2XxZFKgn6YN6Qby1gU_ae3qT1Ac0ddh6Lpiwp7q2bjDJb9VWZjBCvvXgu_vAi3Eab0SQwAr9aQZ00dWzLsdtjt8zm87_TY6uCUrENQ1HJ49/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week, Ruby's search takes her outside of the United States. <a href="http://bit.ly/1efRVO0">Enjoy</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learn more about the author, <a href="http://jenniferfromke.com/">Jennifer Fromke</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you enjoy here writing (and of course you will), I recommend <i>A Familiar Shore</i>.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-48282907245658308582013-12-06T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-06T18:20:07.596-05:00The Angels Didn't Sing<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I know what you’re thinking. “Of course the angels sang. Everyone sings about it.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Hark the herald angels sing”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the
plain”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sorry to disillusion you, but the carols got it wrong.
Look at what the scripture actually says:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luke 2:13-14 “Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host
of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, Glory to God in highest
heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yup. They <i>said</i> it, not sang it. This quote is from the New
Living Translation, but all the others I checked also use <i>saying</i>, even the King
James.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay, so the angels didn’t sing to the shepherds, but Isaiah
and John saw them singing in heaven, didn’t they?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nope. Both men saw angels praising God with the words,
“holy, holy, holy.” But Isaiah heard them <i>calling out</i> to each other (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%206:3&version=NLT">Isaiah6:3</a>) and John heard them <i>say</i> it (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%204:8&version=NLT">Revelation 4:8</a>).</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe I’m right (and maybe I’m wrong – there must be a
reason everyone thinks angels sing), but so what? Did I just ruin your
Christmas with my pickiness about words?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Here’s what I think. There are lots and lots of occasions in
the Bible where people sing, from Moses and Miriam to David to Paul and Silas.
There are even people – not angels - singing in heaven (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5:8-10&version=NLT">Revelation 5:8-10</a>). So I think singing is
one of God’s special gifts to people. I think it’s a very particular way He has
given for us to praise Him. In fact, I think it’s one of the ways we’re made in
His image.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I found one place in the Bible where God sings. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For the Lord your God is living among you.<br />
He is a mighty savior.<br />
He will take delight in you with gladness.<br />
With his love, he will calm all your fears.</div>
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He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” </div>
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Zephaniah 3:17(NLT)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This passage is talking about Israel’s rebellion against God
and God’s redemption of His people. God celebrates His salvation by singing
over His beloved. He’s singing over us. We are the ones He came to save. We are
the ones He came to live among. We respond by singing with joy. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The angels aren’t singing, because they’re not the ones He
came to save. <i>We</i> should be the ones singing. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her
King.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
***********</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNNMBeaKcamEsK_XPKIhHH1jUjUJLIF7MC7kl3H5Cu1q3TBck1aNRJ7Pj8amnlSiiFCSMiPcuLU12C6HVBwEUqPrXkJ94XBAAaNlYbNH6mUuUImmhYfnuZyGi3cS1J3J082jhEc6iF0uD/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNNMBeaKcamEsK_XPKIhHH1jUjUJLIF7MC7kl3H5Cu1q3TBck1aNRJ7Pj8amnlSiiFCSMiPcuLU12C6HVBwEUqPrXkJ94XBAAaNlYbNH6mUuUImmhYfnuZyGi3cS1J3J082jhEc6iF0uD/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a>Guess what Ruby Joy (isn't that appropriate?) finds in <a href="http://bit.ly/1bAETa4">chapter five</a> of the book.<br />
<br />
You can meet the author, Jerusha Agen, <a href="http://www.sdgwords.com/">here</a>.</div>
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Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-8066197261488986542013-12-05T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-05T07:41:32.307-05:00Miracle of the Nativity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend and publisher, Tracy Ruckman, is letting me share an inspiring story she wrote about a time when someone showed her unexpected love. I want to find opportunities to love like this. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*********** </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
December that year appeared bleak. As a newly single parent
of two small boys, I worked two jobs to pay our bills. At times, it seemed I earned
just enough salary to pay the babysitter, with nothing left over for the
basics.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then it got worse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first week of December, the owners of the store where I
worked fulltime decided to focus their energies on their parent store in
another town, and planned to close ours within a few days. The same week I
received my notice, I had a disagreement with the editor of the paper where I
worked my second job. He wanted me to report a false story. When I refused, he
forced me to resign. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In one week's time, I lost two jobs—both just before
Christmas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spent most of my time seeking other jobs, and tried to
keep life as normal as possible for the children. The dreary weather matched my
mood, and I struggled to stay upbeat for my kids. The world—my world—depended
on me, and I seemed to be failing miserably.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On December 12, I came home from one of my final days at
work to find a black trash bag hanging on my front door. I shifted the baby to
one arm, and with the other, cautiously lifted the bag from the handle.
"Stay back," I yelled at my older son. I had no idea what was inside.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I put the baby down and carefully peeked inside. I laughed
at my silliness. Inside was a tiny, gaily-wrapped package. We pushed through
the door, and I settled the boys on the sofa. "Okay, just sit there and
we'll see what this is." I pulled out a package about the size of my hand.
A note taped to the box read: Open Now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I tore off the ribbon and paper and opened the box. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I revealed the gift hidden in layers of tissue paper,
Zach laughed, Jonathan said, "Mooooo," and I stared. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A cow? A ceramic cow? What did that mean?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no note explaining the ceramic cow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later that evening, I called some of my friends and asked if
they had given us the cow. No one confessed, but they thought the whole story
was rather amusing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We put the cow on the table and went to bed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, there was another trash bag hanging on our
door. This time, the note said "Day 2–Open Now." It was a donkey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
An excited Zach rushed to the door the third morning, ready
to add to the barnyard collection. Nothing was there, but later that evening,
his monitoring of the door paid off because we unwrapped a sheep.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, a shepherd boy arrived and that's when I
figured out what was going on. "Twelve days of Christmas," I said
aloud. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That was exactly right. Each day, for the twelve days before
Christmas, we received one piece of a beautiful nativity set and it even included
a stable. The anticipation of each day's arrival seemed to perk us up a bit,
and it caused my own focus on the season, and on our lives, to change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On Christmas Eve, baby Jesus arrived, and our crèche was
complete.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our special gift that year was a turning point for all of
us, and we knew God was with us. We enjoyed that nativity for many years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found work—one job that paid better than the two previous
positions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But that's not the end of the story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seven years later, the boys and I moved to another state to
get a fresh start. We faced other trials, too. My father and my grandmother had
both been diagnosed with cancer, and their deaths were imminent. "Only
months, possibly weeks away," the doctors told us. We moved into my
grandmother's house. She gave us her house and moved into my father's house
where my sister, who lived next door, could care for them both. Once again, we
began to rebuild our lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Thanksgiving arrived that year, I thought of the
hardships we had gone through. If we hadn't had my grandmother's house to move
into, we would have become homeless. I seemed to creep through the activities
of each day. Our circumstances brought to mind that other Christmas years
before. We no longer had our Nativity set. We couldn't afford to hire a trailer
to move everything, so that was one of the items we left. At Christmas I
realized how deeply I missed it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My godly grandmother died on December 2. I felt her loss to
the depth of my being. But I knew she was in heaven, and God carried us through
the pain and the tears, and comforted our hearts. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A week after her funeral, I climbed into the attic, looking
for possible Christmas decorations. I didn't really feel like putting out
anything, but the boys were still young, and it was important for us to honor
Jesus' birthday, regardless of our circumstances. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The attic was small, hardly big enough to stand in. It
looked as if no one had been up there for years. But there were several boxes,
so I explored each one.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I opened the last dusty one, tucked in a far corner and
saw what appeared to be Christmas things, I closed it and hauled it back down
the steps. I set the box on the sofa in front of me and re-opened it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I unpacked the first piece, tears filled my eyes. I
pulled out the objects one by one. By the time the box was empty, I sobbed
uncontrollably.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my hands were all the pieces of a nativity set—identical
to the one I'd left behind. I pulled out the familiar cow, the donkey, the
sheep and shepherd boy, and the precious baby Jesus. Even the stable was the
same.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God was with us. That may sound strange, but the comfort of
that crèche made me aware of the love of God for me and my family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two days after Christmas, my dad died. That was even harder than
the death of my grandmother. Friends and family have asked us how we got
through that difficult time. I have only one answer; God was with us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, twelve years since that Christmas, and nineteen since
we first received the nativity, I still don't know the identity of the giver.
But God used that gift to give us something more—He made His presence known to
us, both with the first Nativity set, and then again with my grandmother's. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That simple crèche made Christmas a reality—twice. Both
times I was able to turn my focus away from my life and remember the message of
Christmas. Jesus had come into the world and had nothing, not even a bed on
which to sleep. By comparison, I had so much. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My treasured Nativity scene is an annual Christmas reminder
of the meaning of the season. God is with us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
********</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM3NNABLcV8BIf_E07Zr_85silN13Rxm2aNUTvKeaZDjaM1uPGg8lZFTPFfsHvXW7b3r0cBl_tKvxaF2w6ZW0neumHHVuDQ1AiTA7HqPam6lNG3NypQcQToSPlw-L8L5piAk1xvgEX8SH/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRM3NNABLcV8BIf_E07Zr_85silN13Rxm2aNUTvKeaZDjaM1uPGg8lZFTPFfsHvXW7b3r0cBl_tKvxaF2w6ZW0neumHHVuDQ1AiTA7HqPam6lNG3NypQcQToSPlw-L8L5piAk1xvgEX8SH/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a>I hope you're enjoying Ruby's search for the perfect nativity scene. See what she finds in the fourth chapter <a href="http://writeintegrity.blogspot.com/2013/12/a-ruby-christmas-chapter-four.html">here</a>.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There's also a contest on the publisher's site, with a prize of books! Look for the details when you go to read the chapter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-74988900157045713272013-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-04T06:00:14.637-05:00PCTSS<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Today I welcome Fay
Lamb, author of the third chapter of A Ruby Christmas. I plan to follow Fay’s
lead and focus on the most important tradition – reflecting on Jesus.</div>
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<br /></div>
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******** </div>
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<br /></div>
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“And suddenly there
was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it
came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds
said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing
which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.”</div>
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Luke 2:13-15</div>
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<br /></div>
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Every year I suffer
with what I call PCTSS (Pre-Christmas Traumatic Stress Syndrome).</div>
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</div>
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Christmas is
a very taxing for me. We’re all expected to smile while picking out the perfect
Christmas tree, shopping for the perfect gifts, ensuring no one is left off the
list, putting up the decorations, untangling the Christmas lights, baking
cookies and making crafts, preparing for Christmas parties and church
fellowships, caroling, and cooking that big Christmas dinner. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Whew, I’m tired
just writing it out.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Just when you think
you can relax and enjoy the holiday, the chairs are pushed away from the table,
the gifts are loaded into the cars, and everyone goes home.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Christmas is over.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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And you wonder what
made you anxious after all.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Yearly, I tell
myself that I’m going to relax and enjoy this special time. I plan on watching
every Hallmark Movie Channel Christmas movie. I’m going to decorate the house
in such a way that Southern Living will beg to take photos. The store can’t
stock enough baking powder, brown sugar, chocolate chips, and baking soda for
the cookies I plan to make—and remake when I ruin a few dozen batches.</div>
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<br /></div>
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That’s my thinking
on the day before Thanksgiving.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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I’m revved up to
start everything on Black Friday—everything but the shopping. I leave that day
to expert shoppers. I prefer the desperation of the retailers about two days
before Christmas.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
Then I wake up on
Black Friday, and I find the name appropriate. I cover my head, and I don’t
want to get out of bed—until January 2.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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I put so much
emphasis on the traditions of men that I forget the true Reason for this
special season. I fail to stop and to listen to the distant echo of those
angels who declared to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest, and on
earth peace, good will toward men.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
In those times when
I’m tempted to hide my face away, I do as the shepherds had done. I pull out my
Bible, and I read Luke’s account of Jesus’s birth<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>. In
essence, I follow the path of the shepherds, and I journey to Bethlehem to
remember what the Lord has made know to us in His word: that there was a gift
to mankind—the Babe in the manger—very God of Whom the Scriptures say: “For God
so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believed
in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then I’m able to
face the holiday realizing that the traditions of men are fine, and I’ll do
what I can do and forget about the rest, but the most important tradition is
that of reflecting upon Christ and realizing that without His birth, there
would be no life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.faylamb.com/">More about Fay here</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/1bXTAG6">Chapter Three </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokDlncdIb3Y1ivCowoM_GPeBJ7AKwBRK9Nz06Gnt5bOy9TaTbd_uc_l39S3vRi4stTbbVZ-Vpe9csa1hF4dGx28iOxaMLsLAz92LdYmQelYi0ak7a_dUjUmCJILy6K4cprlC2D_digC1Y/s1600/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokDlncdIb3Y1ivCowoM_GPeBJ7AKwBRK9Nz06Gnt5bOy9TaTbd_uc_l39S3vRi4stTbbVZ-Vpe9csa1hF4dGx28iOxaMLsLAz92LdYmQelYi0ak7a_dUjUmCJILy6K4cprlC2D_digC1Y/s320/A+Ruby+Christmas+FRONT+COVER.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-31952023313230552122013-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-03T06:00:00.921-05:00The Other Side of the Fire<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’m happy to welcome Dianne E. Butts, the author of the second chapter
of <i>A Ruby Christmas</i>. Dianne introduced Ruby to an interesting character who
taught her how to trust God and begin to heal from her grief.</div>
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<br /></div>
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********** </div>
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In <i>A Ruby Christmas</i>, my chapter takes place in Colorado and
includes bikers. My brother, Fred, rode a Harley Davidson. He bought it just
before he went into the Marine Corp in 1974 and left it with a friend of his
while he was gone. When he’d come home on leave, he would go get it and ride.</div>
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He gave me my first motorcycle ride (on an old Honda, before
he got the Harley. I never got a ride on the Harley). When I was old enough to
get a driver’s license, I got a motorcycle too and I’ve been riding ever since.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Fred’s birthday was December 14th. Mom would never allow us
to set up the Christmas tree or decorate the house until after his birthday
because she did not want him to get cheated out of his birthday celebration.</div>
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<br /></div>
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On June 23, 1977, Fred was home on leave and was riding his
Harley when a drunk driver pulled out in front of him. He died at the scene. He
was 22 years old. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This connects with me with the Ruby story because Ruby and
her dad are grieving her mom’s death—even eight years later. This year will be
36 Christmases without my brother, but my Mom still doesn’t set up her
Christmas tree until after December 14th. We still miss him.</div>
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<br /></div>
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This year I also had a motorcycle accident – on June 9th. I
survived my crash, although my motorcycle was totaled. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I remember after Fred died my mom wrote a poem to God about
how God’s son, Jesus, had died too. She was grateful God gave her a son for a
little while. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m glad Jesus came so that we can have life beyond death
when we trust Jesus as our Savior and that we can look forward to seeing our
saved loved ones again. For those grieving the loss of a loved one this Christmas,
as our Ruby is, I hope this brings them hope and comfort, and restores joy to
their Christmas.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The theme of my chapter in Ruby is that there is life on the
other side of the fire, life that would not exist if we didn’t go through the
fire.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My favorite Scripture verse after I came to know Jesus as
Savior has been 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a
new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (NIV 1984).</div>
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More about Dianne</div>
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<a href="http://www.delivermebook.com/">www.DeliverMeBook.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1cEZbRA">Chapter 2</a> </div>
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Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-74997273168323409482013-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:002013-12-02T06:00:10.939-05:00An Advent Attitude<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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This isn’t a traditional Christmas passage, but it contains
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Christmas is about the birth of a baby. The birth of The
Baby. The birth of God who took the humble position of a slave and died a
criminal’s death.</div>
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There’s a lot to ponder here, but Paul’s primary message is
that we should have the same attitude that Jesus did. The attitude that brought
Him to the manger. So what is the Christmas attitude? He gave up His privileges
and became humble.</div>
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My mother always made Christmas special for her children. It
was a magical time with smells, tastes and sights that only appeared during
that season. We strung popcorn on the tree, baked cookies and sang carols. And
of course, we couldn’t wait to open presents on Christmas morning. The way we
celebrated Christmas was one way I knew I was loved. I also learned to think I
was special. </div>
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I am special. Not just because my parents thought so, but
because God has chosen to save me. Because Jesus humbled Himself to die on the cross
for me. He did it in obedience to God. </div>
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So I must be willing to give up my privileges in obedience
to God. Don’t expect everything to go my way. Decorate the tree and house to
please my son. Let my daughter choose the menu. Open my house to people who
need to see the love of Christ, even if they’re not my favorites.</div>
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These are small ways to imitate Jesus this season. I’m sure
there are much more important ways that He wants me to obey Him and ways He
wants to change my attitude. So this season, I will be asking God how He wants
to change my attitude to be like His. By His grace, God is already working in
me, giving me the power and desire to please Him.</div>
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*************</div>
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In the next two weeks, I’m going to be sharing with you one
of the privileges God has given me recently. I’ve participated with some
talented writers to author a book about a girl named Ruby whose father sends
her on a quest to find pieces for a nativity scene. During her travels she
learns a lot about herself and the God who loves her. Our publisher, <a href="http://www.writeintegrity.com/">WriteIntegrity Press</a>, will be publishing one chapter of the book each day. I’ll post
a link to the chapter each day here, along with a devotional by me or by one of
the other authors. Look for my chapter next week and in the meantime, guess where I sent Ruby. I
hope you enjoy the book.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ruby Joy Buckner, cowgirl, has never
left the Lone Star State, but at her father’s request, she takes her faithful
canine companion and travels the world in search of Nativity pieces. As Ruby
collects the pieces, she also collects a few unexpected surprises, including an
awareness of the beauty in other cultures, and quite a menagerie of new
friends, thanks in part to Yippee Ti Yi Yo who charms everyone they meet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://bit.ly/1bBlA3Q">Chapter One</a> </span></div>
<br />
Meet the author <a href="http://bit.ly/1chv7LT">J.A. Marx</a>.Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-52948863700107300972013-07-15T14:42:00.000-04:002013-07-15T14:42:56.396-04:00My Solid Rock<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20samuel%2022:2-3&version=NLT">2 Sam 22:2-3</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend Jan has a stone named Ebenezer. She picked up the
rock during a hard trial as a reminder that God is her help. You can read about
it on her blog <a href="http://www.jewelsofencouragement.com/2013/07/not-scrooge.html">Jewels of Encouragement</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jan challenges her readers to get their own Ebenezers. She
suggests we each find a rock and put it in a place where we’ll run across it
occasionally to remind us that God is our help. I might do that, but I already
have an Ebenezer. Mine’s not a physical stone; it’s an emotional one.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I go through trials, I feel like I’m swimming in rough
waters. I can swim, but fighting the storm wears me out. I get tired and need
help to keep from sinking. That’s when I put my feet down and feel the Rock
beneath me. When I stand on the Rock, the waters don’t necessarily calm down, but
I’m on a solid surface that keeps me from being swept away.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I first pictured this Rock under my feet when
Neal was diagnosed with leukemia and the doctors offered no hope. Through the days
of waiting in the hospital while he was in a coma, I was overwhelmed, but I frequently
put my feet down to stand on the Rock. Afterward, some people told me I was so
strong because I survived the trial with my faith intact. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I wasn’t strong, the Rock was.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I thank God that I haven’t experienced any more trials that
overwhelming. But there have still been many times when I’ve needed to put my
feet down and stand on the Rock.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s always there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s always there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus is always there.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Like Jan, I love a hymn that reminds me of this precious
truth.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Solid Rock (by Edward Mote)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>My hope is built on nothing less<br />
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;<br />
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,<br />
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Refrain:<br />
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;<br />
All other ground is sinking sand,<br />
All other ground is sinking sand.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>When darkness veils His lovely face,<br />
I rest on His unchanging grace;<br />
In every high and stormy gale,<br />
My anchor holds within the veil. </i></div>
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<br /></div>
<i>
</i><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>His oath, His covenant, His blood<br />
Support me in the whelming flood;<br />
When all around my soul gives way,<br />
He then is all my hope and stay.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My Ebenezer is named Jesus and He is indeed my help. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-54532198128310434532013-07-11T21:56:00.000-04:002013-07-11T21:56:09.330-04:00Praying the Scripture<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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My mother taught me to say my prayers when I was just old enough to talk. I learned to say:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now I lay me down to sleep</div>
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I pray Thee Lord my soul to keep</div>
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If I should die before I wake</div>
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I pray Thee Lord my soul to take.</div>
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<br /></div>
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When I was a little older the big kids taught me this one
(which we never used in the presence of adults):</div>
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<br /></div>
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Good food, good meat, good God, let’s eat.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I also learned to pray by repeating the words my mother said
at bedtime, words which were usually the same basic, “Thank you for the day and for
my blessings” prayers. And of course I learned the Lord’s Prayer. So my early prayers were repetitions of other people's words. As I grew
older, learning to “make up” prayers using my own words was a challenge, but by
the time I was a teenager, I was having long conversations with God. I used to
go for walks and tell Him all about my life – out loud.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, in some ways, I've returned to repeating other's prayers. As I read the prayers that people in the scriptures
prayed, I wonder why I bother using my own words. They say it so much better.</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Miriam’s song of deliverance: Exodus 15:1-18</div>
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The Lord is my strength and my song;<br />
he has given me victory.</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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David’s prayer of confession: Psalm 51</div>
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Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;<br />
I have done what is evil in your sight.</div>
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<br /></div>
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David’s prayer of praise: I Chronicles 29:10-13</div>
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Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the victory, and the majesty. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Of course there are so many more. I could spend days praying
the Psalms. And what about the non-stop praises in Revelation? But I am particularly drawn to prayers for others. When God puts people on
my heart, I am finding that He also leads me to the right prayer for them. I
can and do ask God to bless, comfort and heal, and to give them peace and
patience, as needed. But the scripture is so much deeper.</div>
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We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to
give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Colossians 1:9-14<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
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I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that
you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you
to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless
lives until the day of Christ’s return. May you always be filled with
the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by
Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
Philippians 1:9-11</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now, when I run across a prayer in the scripture, I stop and
pray it. It’s such a blessing to be given the words by the Author and Recipient
of my prayers.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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**All the scriptures are from the NLT. </div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-46054065602623607142013-07-02T20:16:00.000-04:002013-07-02T20:29:35.952-04:00A Beggar, A Miracle, and Gold Nuggets<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%203:1-11&version=NLT">Acts 3:1-11</a> </div>
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<br /></div>
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This story was inspired by the first Marketplace VBS I was involved with. My daughter, Eryn, who produced this year's Marketplace, thoughtfully pointed out that the first one was 20 years ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A Beggar, a Miracle, and Gold Nuggets</div>
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<br /></div>
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The beggar put down the stick he used for a crutch and
walked through the marketplace to the bucket of gold nuggets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He untied the burlap pouch from his rope belt
and emptied it into the full bucket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
children had been very generous tonight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He wondered how he would fare tomorrow after Peter and John healed
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turning to a table behind him, he
started folding the chairs that lined it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nearby, merchants packed up supplies to take into the church as excited
children ran to parents who waited by their cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb smiled, remembering how much he had
loved Vacation Bible School as a child. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He couldn’t wait for tomorrow.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next night, after eating a bowl of ramen, he rode his
bicycle to the church, grateful that it wasn’t raining.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since he had been laid off, he had been
riding as much as he could, to avoid using gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Calling “Hello” to the merchants setting up under the big tent, he went
inside to don his rags and find his crutch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He carefully rubbed dirt on his face and arms and smiled at the effect
in the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a pretty good
beggar; the nightly gifts of gold nuggets proved that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the kids started arriving he limped out
to the marketplace and took up his favorite post near the baker’s stall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not all the kids were inclined to share one
of their three nuggets with the beggar, but he would have more than enough for
honey cakes and hamantashen to supplement his meager supper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spotted a group of little girls watching
him from a distance and he limped over to them, his hand out, pleading pathetically
for alms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They giggled and reached into
their pouches while a ten year old boy yelled, “Get a job.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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While he settled back down on his small patch of grass, a
commotion started under the tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
men dressed in striped robes walked past the merchant tables, inviting the
children to come with them to the temple to pray.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Look, it’s Peter and John.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The children had seen them in the marketplace before and
eagerly followed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last night Peter
had been thrown in prison and an angel had opened the doors and led him out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now they walked toward the beggar and he
reached out his hand, getting ready for his big moment.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“Alms, alms for the poor,” he whined.</div>
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<br /></div>
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They stopped and he looked up at them hopefully. But instead
of reaching for a money pouch, Peter touched the beggar’s hand.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“We don’t have any silver or gold,” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“But we’ll give you what we do have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and
walk.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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He grasped both of the beggar’s hands so that he had to drop
his crutch, and pulled him to his feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then Peter let go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stood still
for a moment, then jumped in the air and laughed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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“I’m cured,” he shouted, running through the
marketplace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Look, I’m cured.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He ran back to the disciples and thanked them,
still laughing.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“It was Jesus who healed you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be sure to follow him from now on,” John
warned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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After that he couldn’t beg anymore, so he apprenticed
himself to the sandal maker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told the
children that Jesus had healed him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
pouch was no longer full, but he had a respectable robe to wear instead of rags.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The last night, during closing exercises, an offering was
taken for the church’s food pantry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Caleb
sat in the back row watching the children put coins and bills, not gold painted
rocks, into the offering plate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He took
out his wallet and looked at the single twenty dollar bill in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had managed to keep it there in spite of his
empty gas tank, but his unemployment check wasn’t due until Monday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Slowly he took it out and placed it on top of
the children’s offering, then shoved the empty wallet back in his pocket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe someone else needed it more than he
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, since Jesus had healed
this beggar, he had to believe he’d take care of his finances.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371338816869303666.post-90057464314532843472013-06-29T12:37:00.000-04:002013-06-29T12:37:48.423-04:00Immanuel<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel%207:13-14&version=NLT">Daniel 7:13-14</a>; <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%204:9-11&version=NLT">Revelation 4:9-11</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The theme of our VBS this year is to introduce the kids to
some of the names of God. It’s a difficult topic and has led to some deep
discussions about the nature of God. I have a group of kids who want to know
more about Him so they can understand Him better. So far we’ve learned about
Elohim – the Creator, El Elyon – the Lord Most High, and Immanuel – God with us
(whom we know as Jesus).</div>
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<br /></div>
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The kids asked some hard questions while they were trying to
put all these concepts together. One question we struggled with was how God can
be everywhere. They looked around the field where we were gathered in groups
under tents and tried to picture God standing in each tent. They clearly see
Jesus with us, but how can He be with the kids in the other tents at the same
time? God, of course, has revealed Himself in His creation and I was able to
use air as an example of one thing being everywhere to help them understand.
(Yes, one of the boys brought up molecules, but he got the concept.)</div>
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<br /></div>
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Then we went on to talk about God being in Heaven. God is in
Heaven sitting on a throne, so is Jesus sitting on the same throne or does He
have a different one? How can Jesus be the same as God when God was present as
a dove at Jesus’ baptism?</div>
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<br /></div>
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Hard questions with no easy answers, but we all agreed that
we can’t expect to completely understand God. After all, He’s God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The throne question made me curious, so I looked up the
verses I could find about the throne of God. Setting aside the imagery ones
about the heavens and His people being his throne, I focused on the visions of
Isaiah, Daniel and John. I didn’t really find any clarity (did I really expect
to?) but one thing has emerged for me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus is the Son of Man who approaches the Ancient One. He
has authority, honor and sovereignty and His rule is eternal. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Only God is sovereign and only God is eternal.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I may not be able to explain this very well to my kids
because I don’t understand it very well myself. But I know that Jesus is God.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus made me. He’s Elohim – the Creator.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus is my Lord. He’s El Elyon – the Lord Most High.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And Jesus is with me. He’s Immanuel – God with us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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It makes me want to worship with the ones who lay their
crowns before the throne. Jesus is worthy to receive glory and honor and power.</div>
Phee Paradisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07898632707717197249noreply@blogger.com0