tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38496533432873559192024-03-05T09:11:58.238-05:00Helen's CornerHelenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-7853172431613828452018-07-31T12:58:00.001-04:002018-07-31T12:58:32.568-04:00How to Get Your Kids to Read... and 3 Amazing Books I Read This Month.<div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm wrapping up this month of July with a full heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a family, we juggled between lots of activities, lots of late nights, and lots of tired faces in the morning. However, I was pleased to see that in the midst of camp, soccer, 4-H, county fair, swimming lessons, and playdates, WE managed to take some time to read some awesome books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My kids are now 4, 7 and 9. And there isn't a week that we don't visit the local public library. Sure, a habit I made sure to instill in my children, but now it's also something they look forward to. They plan, make lists, and even re-read their checked out books before they return them. Now that they're a little older, I'm also encouraging them to try different genres, different authors, different formats. And lately, the library bag isn't as full and heavy... it's just filled with carefully selected books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On any given day, I could find Noah (4) going through dinosaur books. Any dinosaur book. Big, small, colorful, fact-filled. Elsie (7) got into "comics" and graphic novels lately. And Joshua (9)... well, this boy reads anything! As I type, he is sitting on the couch reading a Geronimo Stilton book for the second time since yesterday. It keeps him busy for hours!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But getting my kids to read hasn't always been easy. So I want to encourage you, mama of younger readers, that reading doesn't have to come easy for our kids. Reading can be frustrating and hard for a lot of children. Mine included. My advice? Besides checking out Sarah Mackenzie's <a href="https://readaloudrevival.com/" target="_blank">Read Aloud Revival's website</a> and <a href="https://readaloudrevival.com/podcasts/" target="_blank">podcast</a>, I would encourage you to CHILL OUT! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kids will read the books that speak to their each individual personality. Some kids look for funny books, others look for pretty illustrations, some will read only what they're interested in. Dinosaurs, princesses, super heroes, cheetahs, cars and tractors, or paper airplanes. Know your child, and start with what they're most interested in. Maybe when they're young, it's not the best time to introduce them to YOUR favorite classics. There will be a time for that. Just help them fall in love with holding a book and the discipline of reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went on a HUGE tangent right there. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This post was supposed to be about the last 3 books I read in the month of July. So, here we go. These 3 books were SO good, I almost want to own them all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2AosAGE" target="_blank">"Girl, Wash Your Face" by Rachel Hollis</a> </span>(on audio, read by the author)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had seen this book everywhere! And I first resisted it because I thought it would be just another book about getting our acts together. So I passed. But one day, my friend Jennifer posted on her Instagram that she had gotten a good deal on this book and for some reason, I felt inspired to try it on audio. I wanted to see what the hype was all about. As Rachel Hollis, the author, started reading the introduction, then the first chapter, I couldn't stop listening! She was so strong, so encouraging, and so truthful, I almost felt like she was speaking to ME, in my own living room or across the table from me at a coffee shop. I needed some TRUTH IN LOVE this month. And I am pretty sure I need to own this in print! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2OykIFV" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">"A Place For Us" by Fatima Farheen Mirza</span></a> (hardcover copy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This book came highly recommended by both <a href="https://modernmrsdarcy.com/" target="_blank">Anne Bogel</a> and <a href="https://www.fromthefrontporchpodcast.com/" target="_blank">Annie Jones</a>, so I HAD to pick it up! It was a beautifully crafted story of an Indian Muslin family about belonging, identify, humanity, faith and eternity. I sat with this one for a while, and I'm glad I did. The characters were so well developed that I wanted all of them to do well at the end. There were cultural and religious language that I was not familiar with, told in multiple voices and timelines, but it didn't deter me from fully engrossing myself in the story. It left me thinking about issues of family ties, the role of faith in decisions we make, the strong pull towards true love and family loyalty. The writing was also so strong and felt like it was written by a veteran novelist... even though it was written by a novice 26 year-old! So good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2vkKyEo" target="_blank">"Real Friends" by Shannon Hale</a> </span>(a graphic memoir)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Another middle grade graphic novel! A story of what true friendship looks like, the pressures that older elementary school girls go through, how mental illness affect their emotions, broken family relationships, and the realities of growing up as a young girl in our schools today. There were lots of themes being highlighted on here! I reluctantly let my 7 and 9 year old read this one, and they both devoured it in one single sitting. We had a lot to talk about, too. Shannon Hale is a master story teller and knowing that this was HER own story, it fascinated me. The illustrations by LeYuen Pham were some of the BEST! Vivid, colorful, emotion-driven! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm already working on a few titles for this coming month. Can't wait to share them with you. But now is YOUR TURN!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What did YOU read this month? Anything I should pick up? Thank you for your recommendations. You can always get immediate quick reviews on what I'm reading on my Instagram (<a href="http://www.instagram.com/helengentz" target="_blank">@helengentz</a>). </span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-27914039653757009162018-07-07T10:59:00.001-04:002018-07-07T10:59:23.475-04:00I'm Addicted to Books<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a problem. <br />
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And I'm willing to admit my weakness.<a name='more'></a></div>
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BOOKS!</div>
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So, instead of hiding my deep affection for them, I am turning this space into my healthy outlet. </div>
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I'll be dumping... I mean, sharing, with you all the books I'm reading, listening to, and experiencing, AS I READ THEM.</div>
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In the past, I've done monthly reviews, or even a recap of the year. But I realized that I'm missing out on sharing those small moments I've had with each book, even if I didn't truly and thoroughly enjoyed the entire thing! Y'know? </div>
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So consider yourself warned! </div>
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In that vein, let me share the 2 I read since July 1st. If you're curious to see what I read since January 1st, hop over to my Instagram account (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/helengentz/" target="_blank"><b>@helengentz</b></a>) and follow my 2018 book hashtag (#helenreads2018). </div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2J2Urez" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>There Are No Grown-Ups - A Midlife Coming-of-Age Story by Pamela Druckerman</b></span></a></div>
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I'm 40. And with that number comes a series of questions, liberties, and milestones. I am fully aware of the benefits of aging. But I am also painfully aware that this season brings transitions I didn't see myself facing "this early". One of the most sobering statements in that book was that there is only one more generation waiting to die. The one of our parents. And all of the sudden, life is put into perspective. Don't get me wrong, turning 40 was liberating for me. I felt free. Wise. And even a bit more confident. No need to explain. To compare. And now that parenting is coming a bit easier (ooookay... who am I kidding? It's still SUPER hard!), I am consciously minding less, comparing less, and listening more. </div>
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I'm recommending this to anyone who's in their 40s. Period. </div>
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Warning: there IS a chapter that is risky. And I was uncomfortable reading. Let's just say it has to do with a 3--some. Not my cup of tea. Never will be. No matter what age I am. Okay. Warning done. </div>
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Then I read my very first graphic novel.</div>
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2KOs7BD" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui</b></span></a></div>
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I couldn't put this down. I read it in 2 sittings and only because I was interrupted half-way through. What a striking portrait of the realities that displacement can have on an immigrant family. It's an illustrated memoir by Thi Bui, who was a young girl when her family immigrated to America after the fall of South Vietnam in the 70s. She begins and ends this book by reflecting on how her family and her past history may be affecting her recent transition to motherhood. I, ironically, found myself in her shoes. And it made me reflect in my own journey as someone who immigrated to this country and is strongly influenced by her upbringing. </div>
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Recommending this to those who enjoy reading a good human story, historical memoirs, and (like me) who might not have experienced a graphic novel before. The illustrations show so much emotion... it added to my experience. </div>
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What are YOU reading now? </div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-3129529093625515112018-01-01T21:30:00.001-05:002018-01-03T11:27:33.869-05:007 Favorite Books I Read in 2017... And A Few Honorable Mentions. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I made a goal at the beginning of 2017 to return to reading. But not just reading, I made a goal to fall in love with books AGAIN. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since finishing graduate school in 2007, I gave my brain permission to rest and reset. But what I didn't realize is that by not picking up a good book consistently through the years, I was decreasing my ability to critically think about important issues, be expose to rich stories, experiences, and different cultures. I was starting to inundate myself with noise... voices on the screen, social media, podcasts, and neglecting my forgotten passion for the written word. The touch of crisp or crinkled pages. The very act of holding a book. A collection of stories. A door and window to someone's world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, this past year was good, as I awakened my love for books. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I read some INCREDIBLE books! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But when it came down to choosing my top picks for the year, I not only had a hard time, but I also found myself wanting to talk about each and every one... because in each of the books I read this year, I heard myself saying "thank you" to the author, for speaking their art through those pages. I have deep appreciation for them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, by picking up a multitude of books, I gave myself permission to stop and move on from an unfinished read. That's right, friends. If the book didn't capture my attention within the first 1/3 of the book, I "freed" it. I let it go. Because there are too many good books out there waiting for us! Am I right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ok, so here are the top 7 books I read in 2017. (Plus 3 honorable mentions...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2DKHK68" target="_blank"><b>1. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was a beautiful story of a young blind girl on the streets of France and and a young orphan boy in Germany during WWII. There's so much to this book! It's not a book about the war, or the historical facts of the German occupation in France. But it is a beautifully written story about longing, family, country, neighbors, the gift of life and hope. After over 500 pages, I wanted to hug this book! It has a soft spot on my list. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is one of those books I couldn't wait to get to in the evenings. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The MOST BEAUTIFUL book I read in 2017. Hands down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2lDC1rn" target="_blank"><b>2. Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson.</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A YA book that was inspiring and uplifting. It redefined how we see "opportunities" in our context today, and challenged me to look at my own story. Jade is a young black girl who is given the chance to attend a private school and receive scholarships and a spot at a mentoring program. I enjoyed getting to know her and her desire and passion to create, to make a difference, and to be seen for what she is able to offer the world, not for what she looks like on the outside. This is an inspiring book for anyone working with young people... and for those who want to SEE others for their talents and gifts. Period.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2CC9cUn" target="_blank">3. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh... where do I even start with this one? This book blew my mind! I experienced this one on Audio, and I'm so glad I did it that way! The audio version allowed me to hear a voice I wasn't prepared to create in my own head. I needed to hear it and experience it the way it was intended to speak. The language is strong. And the language is honest. Not an "issues" book. It's a human story. It's the reality I only get to experience vicariously through past clients, old neighbors, and lost friends. It was described as the "black lives matter" book of the year, since it tells the story of a 16-year-old girl who lives in a poor neighborhood but attends a rich prep school, and who witnesses the death of her unarmed childhood friend by a police officer. The book doesn't get political. It doesn't show an agenda. But it does portray the lives of these characters on a human level. They are able to feel pain, anger, love, fear, responsibility, and even forgiveness. I loved this one, unapologetically.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2lCpe8E" target="_blank"><b>1. You Can Do This by Tricia Lott Williford</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I probably don't need to say much about this one since I posted about it <a href="http://helenscornerblog.blogspot.com/2017/06/reading-reading-reading-and-surprise.html#more" target="_blank">here</a>. But I kept coming back to this one every time I found other personal memoirs that kept falling short of the hype. This one was not on my radar. I didn't even know who Tricia was. And yet, it became a shelf-worthy book in my collection. Relatable, funny, emotionally captivating, story-driven, and one I will go back to this year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2lCq1Xa" target="_blank"><b>2. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The BEST memoir of the year for me. This book was published in 2016, but I didn't read it till this past year. I was hesitant to give this "end of life" book a try. It tells of a brilliant brain surgeon who took the time to tell his story and leave this book as a legacy to his family, child, and to us, his readers. The dense story of how Paul turned from physician to patient. The questions he posed about life and meaning. Priceless and beautiful. I cried. I cringed. I smiled and ended on a hopeful note. Pick this one up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2q8E109" target="_blank"><b>3. Nourished by Lia Huber</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, yes, yes! Nourished was about finding true contentment and nourishment through hearing God's voice and following His lead. Walking in faith and experiencing His story for us. It was about self-discovery, pursuing your passions, divine interventions and relationships, experiencing food with all your different senses, and being in awe of His story for us. It it this book that made me realize that "food memoirs" might be my favorite genre. The last food memoir I read was Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequiest, and I didn't think I'd enjoy another one of these... but I truly did! And can't wait to find some other ones in 2018. Any suggestions?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>An Unexpected Book:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2lCNtU8" target="_blank"><b>Dark Matter by Blake Crouch </b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay... I'm not one to read science thrillers. Heck, I'm not one to read thrillers, period. But this one got me. It's a weird one that anyone would enjoy... men and women. Young and old. You don't need to know about metaphysics, or quantum physics. You don't need to understand how multiple dimensions would even exist. But this book kept coming back to my mind because of its premise. The consequences of my choices. The roads not taken. The importance of living life to the fullest because... we're given one chance to live this life. This life. I'm recommending this book to those who aren't usually avid readers. Because this book will make you one. I have a copy if you want to borrow it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could've added a dozen books on here. But decided to list these 3 for very distinct reasons...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2EuDQiL" target="_blank"><b>1. This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I also "read" this one on Audio. I'm glad I went into this one not knowing anything about it. Really. I won't give away too much of the plot. Go into it bindly. It's not an ordinary dysfunctional family story. I like those kinds of stories. (Celeste Ng has two brilliant ones... Everything I Never Told You and her latest Little Fires Everywhere). But this was a story that I needed to experience. This one captivated me slowly... but it compelled me to think about issues and dynamics and secrets and the power of choices. This one stayed with me for a while... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2CstqSF" target="_blank"><b>2. Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is totally understandable WHY this book won the 2017 National Book Award. It is SO well deserving! So well written! It is described as a gothic southern story. And with strong themes of race, poverty, grief, fear and hope, this one was a hard read, but well worth it. I thought about stopping and moving on from this book a few times. And I confess I still would've stopped, had I not listened to a few podcasts that spoke so highly of this book. I'm glad I struggled through it. One of the best! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2qcdEqb" target="_blank"><b>3. Wonder by R.J. Palacio</b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What an amazing story! Inspiring! Touching! The perfect coming-of-age story for anyone wanting to engage with someone who's different than yourself. It is funny. Human. Whimsical. I read this one at the strong recommendation of my 14 year-old niece, and after reading it, we went to see the movie. So happy I got to experience it with her. One of those books/movies you just have to discuss with another human being. And if they're under the age of 15, even better! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And these 2 non-fiction books are worthy of a quick mention, too....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2CtVmp6" target="_blank">Hillbilly Elegy by J.D Vance</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2EyeikL" target="_blank">Evicted by Matthew Desmond</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now it's YOUR turn!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What were the favorite books you read in 2017? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anything I should add to my TBR in 2018?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me know! </span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-37929487182353651302017-12-14T16:24:00.000-05:002018-01-03T11:26:57.175-05:00A Quick Read... and Recommendation.<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you wondering what I've been reading lately? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I need to confess that I've been going through a LOT of good books. Some amazing books, actually. And I really want to share some of the best ones I've had the time to read this past year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In the meantime, I've been meaning to make you a quick recommendation. </span><br />
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I can't remember the last time I had an entire weekend to just sit... and rest... and enjoy a quick read. I had been meaning to pick up an epistolary book - y'know... those books written in letter form, or, those using diverse sources of written notes, letters, emails, and creative forms of writing formats to tell a flowing story. I was in one of those moods... to read something simple and light, but touching enough to keep me engaged and reading. I wanted to care about the characters enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I found what I needed that weekend.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU60FuSZfdiTkwCnNt0xus9xa-f_Q-NVcichPeP1eJx-iTvtXK4geMxTCxDhlb0IEbWnVY2arofXJQiyUxmjBo8kuZGDQ66CcfcDrqcIbmAqfDG-PGEYx7kbDzon4hyphenhyphenaNN_cV9LZLhQzrF/s1600/IMG_8944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU60FuSZfdiTkwCnNt0xus9xa-f_Q-NVcichPeP1eJx-iTvtXK4geMxTCxDhlb0IEbWnVY2arofXJQiyUxmjBo8kuZGDQ66CcfcDrqcIbmAqfDG-PGEYx7kbDzon4hyphenhyphenaNN_cV9LZLhQzrF/s320/IMG_8944.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Just Sayin'" By Dandi Daley Mackall, is a bright yellow book! THIS... friends... is a quick, but absolutely delightful story about friendship, family, finding God in strange places, and a quirky coming-of-age little book.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And did I mention it's bright yellow??!!! LOVE.IT!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Each of the characters had a different "font", a different voice, and it was so fun to experience what it would've been like to receive their letters, emails, and personal notes, AS the characters were receiving them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would recommend "Just Sayin'" to anyone who enjoys reading letters and personal notes. To those who used to write letters and notes to their best friends. To those who enjoy receiving snail mail... what is that? Yes, snail mail. I love me some pretty envelopes and stationary with my name and address on it. Don't you? I'd recommend to readers, young and old. And to those who enjoy a good family and friendship story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway, just a quick recommendation. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pick this one up... might be just what you're needing on a Saturday afternoon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And come back soon... I WILL be compiling a "Best of 2017" reads from my list. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tyndale House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book. My review has not been influenced by their generosity. </span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-60640169754350861242017-10-06T08:30:00.000-04:002017-10-16T14:41:40.587-04:00A Prayer: An Invitation<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy Spirit...</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You are welcome here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm ready to receive everything you have for me today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I RECEIVE everything you have for me today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The good you have for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everything.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May I see it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Experience it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take time for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May I hear it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sense it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And may I recognize that it is from You.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Guide my lips, eyes, mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be my peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Holy Spirit... come and stay a while!</span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-65513911932652644242017-08-23T14:31:00.000-04:002017-08-23T14:33:47.405-04:00Letting The Words Flow... Inhaling & ExhalingI recently heard that if you're a writer, a poet, a baker, a runner, or anything that requires consistent action and practice, you're also meant to do those things regardless of your audience. Do it quietly. Do it without accolade. And more importantly, do it for yourself. For the simple act of exercising your gift.<br />
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So today I'm letting the fingers tap on the keys of my laptop without the pressure of actually hitting "publish". Which, in all reality, isn't it why I started blogging in the first place? To write without the intention of showing off some sort of ability? </div>
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For the past week I've been getting up a bit earlier than everyone in the house. It's quiet and I get some uninterrupted time to read my Bible and journal my early thoughts on paper. Believe it or not, I'm enjoying the roll of my Pilot Precise V5 RT black pen on paper! Haha... seriously, my newfound FAVORITE pen in the whole world! Writing is an outlet for me. And writing isn't for recognition or affirmation. It's like breathing for me. I write because the words flow and I love watching it flow. </div>
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But I also read because just as I love to exhale my words out into paper, I also love to inhale the words from a printed page into my soul. </div>
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Are you a word lover, too?</div>
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Maybe that's why I connect with God through God's Word so much. He speaks my language. His very word penetrates my soul the way any other instrument does. Maybe music... Maybe.</div>
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So today I'm letting these words flow... again... here... </div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-24986134997302669802017-07-29T11:45:00.001-04:002017-07-29T11:54:25.206-04:00Learning To Listen and Praying with Eyes Wide Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCAGE6l3FmdBAo-SJ9LbVmFDU0PEUbKSnSvWPIQ0QSbqjTMFMPcOLtoe3nffzJALNY1BW-S4O8IzAxsDijhfNriJI3shLzVIkwopOtOkH6D_0ktqFruKEpKyRVb8HP981FDRsUuzm140D/s1600/It%25E2%2580%2599s+not+faithin+technology.It%25E2%2580%2599s+faithin+people.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBCAGE6l3FmdBAo-SJ9LbVmFDU0PEUbKSnSvWPIQ0QSbqjTMFMPcOLtoe3nffzJALNY1BW-S4O8IzAxsDijhfNriJI3shLzVIkwopOtOkH6D_0ktqFruKEpKyRVb8HP981FDRsUuzm140D/s1600/It%25E2%2580%2599s+not+faithin+technology.It%25E2%2580%2599s+faithin+people.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's been a good Summer... and I have been unapologetically taking time "off" social media and writing for the sake of staying present with my family. As the kids get older, I'm realizing their independence can easily turn into my excuse for independent parenting... meaning... I can let them play outside without close supervision, they can feed themselves and play with each other (rather than have Mama over here "entertaining" them). Right? So, as I set out to live a life of being present, in the moment, with my kids, I realized I had less and less time to listen to the Lord in the quietness of my days. Seriously, though... Quiet? What is quiet?</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> And that's exactly the problem I faced! I didn't know what it was like to filter everything out in order to clearly hear from the Lord.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tried and tried and tried. And I failed. And the cycle of feeling defeated because I wasn't listening to God became numbing. I began to feel indifferent and somewhat "ok" with it all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RED FLAG! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After many years of walking with Christ, I know that indifference and feeling "just ok" with the Lord can be HUGE red flags for me. I KNOW in my head and heart that my relationship with Jesus comes before all others. Including my relationship with Joel and the kids. And that's why I started to MISS His voice. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, what have I been learning? 3 things: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. I'm distracted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Busy schedules. Appointments. Chores. To Do lists. If I don't invite His presence throughout my daily activities, I am simply and plainly ignoring God. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. He's pursuing me daily.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">His Word, the Bible, sits on my living room table and if I don't make the effort to open it, His Words cannot penetrate my soul. The Lord pursues me through His creation, His people, and even through my circumstances. But His Word is alive and can speak directly to me. So why wouldn't I take time for His Word? It's available. It's there. And it's not hard! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conversing. Talking and listening through the Holy Spirit. It's direct access to the Father. It doesn't have formulas, rights or wrongs. I can speak it, whisper it, and even keep my eyes wide open! It's not hard. But it takes a conscious choice to come to Him. It's saying, "Lord, thank you!", "Lord, what is it you want for me to do, right now?", "Lord, what do I do?", "Lord, help!". It's acknowledging His presence in every aspect of every moment of every hour of every day. No, it's not hard. And I thought it would be. But acknowledging His presence enhances my awareness of God-moments. Those moments you just KNOW it's only through His power and grace that things are happening the way they are. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OV8VBwjBo9g2MJlGjkADrkYgAuBgBxNaX7nvsDqatfxNTxqq2cOeVCvptQbX7eTDsrhze2wtZ-fG6fLYzhiE7kKPhe-_V-UTKJcNGhLO4Ck7i8UA_3MFL8Ur8J4N_zwzwcbnPxsKSM-N/s1600/9780801014703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4OV8VBwjBo9g2MJlGjkADrkYgAuBgBxNaX7nvsDqatfxNTxqq2cOeVCvptQbX7eTDsrhze2wtZ-fG6fLYzhiE7kKPhe-_V-UTKJcNGhLO4Ck7i8UA_3MFL8Ur8J4N_zwzwcbnPxsKSM-N/s320/9780801014703.jpg" width="207" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently finished reading a book called "<a href="http://amzn.to/2v6MUZl" target="_blank">Praying With Eyes Wide Open - A Life-Changing Way to Talk with God</a>" by Sherry Harney. It was NOT just another book about prayer. It was an eye-opening, literally, way of experiencing God's presence through prayer. The apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 with these words, "Pray without ceasing." High calling? Yes? Impossible? Not anymore! I'm learning to understand this concept a bit better after reading this book. Harney says, "Praying with eyes closed is certainly not wrong, but never praying with eyes open may keep you from living out the scriptural exhortation - and resulting blessings - of praying continually." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"...I was reminded that he is consistently speaking to me. He is directing, inspiring, convicting, blessing, guiding, and talking... he really is. The problem is not that God fails to communicate with his children; the real issue is that we are distracted, busy, cluttered, loaded down with the cares of life." And I enjoyed the ways that this book challenged me to become more aware of the times I tend to go to God in prayer more. Learning to pray with my EYES, EARS, HEART, and LIFE wide open can be challenging, but can potentially change my relationship with Christ, completely! If you need an encouraging and challenging book, this could be the one! Sherry Harney also provides praying and journaling prompts at the end of each chapter, which was super helpful! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this whole thing about lacking QUIET in my life... God's voice rises ABOVE the noise of life. Quiet can happen. But it's an illusive concept. Who said that God can't speak and that I can't hear from Him unless I'm sitting in the quietness of my day (or night)? He speaks to me ALL THE TIME! He speaks to me through every movement, every color, every ticking of time. He is ever near, ever speaking, and ever present! He is here, there, and everywhere. So why couldn't He RISE above the noise in my eyes, ears, and beating of my heart? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I GET TO CHOOSE HIM! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." James 4:8a</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I recently found out that my good childhood friend Claudia, whom I shared life and have many memories from 2nd to 8th grade, lost her husband to a vehicle accident. Tragic. She was left with a 3 year old son. My heart is breaking for her. Words cannot express how this news shook me. And I haven't even seen her in over two decades or met her beautiful family. But the Lord has given her such extraordinary peace, that when she takes one day at a time, even when things don't make sense, she can walk forward with hope. That's the kind of power I want to experience. The power of His presence. The power of daily walking with the Lord. I remember grief. And one cannot go through it with hope without Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, this post, today, is dedicated to Claudia. A friend from yesterday and always... my heart breaks for you, friend. But know that He is NEAR you. Choose Him today... and each day after that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;"><i style="text-align: justify;">Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of "Praying With Eyes Wide Open" for review purposes from BakerBooks. My reviews are honest and in no way influenced by their generosity! </i><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-40551788476137385612017-06-20T20:51:00.002-04:002017-06-20T21:12:31.350-04:00Reading, Reading, Reading... And a Surprise Find! <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can you believe it's already the END of Spring? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unbelievable!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's amazing what a little "break" does to you, though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since the kids have been out of school, I've been consistently trying to stay present. In the moments of every day. Emily Ley's <a href="http://amzn.to/2rB8lwT" target="_blank">"Grace Not Perfection"</a> was a beautiful book I read at the beginning of this year, and Shauna Niequiest's <a href="http://amzn.to/2tLPdN0" target="_blank">"Present Over Perfection"</a> keeps coming back to me after so many months. After reading and hearing about so many books about the reality that we, as mamas, NEED to purposefully enjoy our days, I KNOW it must be a theme for me, for this season in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All that to say... Yes, I've been enjoying a little break from the usual. And I'm liking it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And because of the change in pace in my routine, I've been able to READ a ton! As you know, I love books and I've been really trying to pursue a more active and diverse reading life. So, in my quest to balance reading non-fiction AND fiction books, I've come across some really good ones! Some expected finds, and some really surprising finds. It's apparent that I really DO need to get out of my literary comfort zone. If plainly to experience a place and culture I wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to do so. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vu3MVJNKR6Pmqz5tJEkJspTSiBeXQhD3cERvb7rGStpS2qxNxTaZxVp76ZoUauIdKBT_RddAqKQD8CCfeO5xeL8C6KA4Wuhp1kL825jWyHMWKBBmc7YLdNYixr07pTQcmsc1-isqOCmc/s1600/Reading%252C+Reading%252C+Reading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vu3MVJNKR6Pmqz5tJEkJspTSiBeXQhD3cERvb7rGStpS2qxNxTaZxVp76ZoUauIdKBT_RddAqKQD8CCfeO5xeL8C6KA4Wuhp1kL825jWyHMWKBBmc7YLdNYixr07pTQcmsc1-isqOCmc/s1600/Reading%252C+Reading%252C+Reading.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's just some of the titles I finished these last couple of months and highly recommend:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sR8Erp" target="_blank">"Hillbilly Elegy"</a> by J. D. Vance</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sQZ3kx" target="_blank">"Piecing Me Together"</a> by Renee Watson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sTUk0Q" target="_blank">"Dark Matter"</a> by Blake Crouch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sTCVWo" target="_blank">"When Breath Becomes Air" </a>by Paul Kalanithi</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sU08Yz" target="_blank">"The Hate U Give"</a> by Angie Thomas (which I got on audio!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2sQPTEB" target="_blank">"The Leavers"</a> by Lisa Ko</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And honestly, I could go on and on about each one. And I should... since some of you will probably ask me why I'm recommending these titles. But I'm choosing to share about my one surprising find today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The book is called <a href="http://amzn.to/2sReWaA" target="_blank">"You Can Do This - Seizing the Confidence God Offers"</a> by Tricia Lott Williford. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At first I wasn't sure how I was gonna feel about this one. Not that every book that lands on my hands has to be "liked", but despite the lack of knowledge about this book and who Tricia even was, I dove right in. And OH. MY. WORD! It made me cry. It made me laugh. It made me want to be her friend! This wasn't just a book about how to become confident. It wasn't a book about how I needed to do more to achieve something different. And it wasn't even a book about learning to love myself. It was a book about experiencing God's grace, following Him regardless of your circumstances, and trusting Him through the journey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through this beautiful "memoir", Tricia shares some of the most intimate chapters of her life, through deep grief, renewed joy, new beginnings, and emotional starts. Yes. Those are the exact themes in my own life. I found that even though our circumstances and situations were quite different, I could identify with her journey. I could identify with how she had to navigate through the changes in her life, relationships, motherhood, and marriage. And I loved how she approached and challenged me. At the end of each chapter, I was given a "Stepping Forward" action prompt. And I appreciated that this wasn't just a memoir. Tricia really wanted her readers to join her in this journey. To experience Jesus in a different way. In a refreshing and new way. To experience community to the fullest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh... and did I mention how refreshing her writing felt? She is so witty, funny, and often just plain truthful! You're gonna love her writing style!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And now, besides having a ton of other books in my nightstand (and really, all over the house), I've been resting under God's own Holy Word, and reading the Proverbs this month. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Proverbs 16:21 says, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Anyone with a wise heart is called discerning, and pleasant speech increases learning."</i> CSB</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness."</i> ESV</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction."</i> NIV</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This morning I saw the Word come to LIFE in my own household. With my 3 year old. YES, it was a morning of all mornings when he was the first to wake up, and the first to complain, whine and cry because my choice of breakfast for him was obviously NOT HIS CHOICE of breakfast. I made oatmeal on the stovetop... and he wanted instant oatmeal! WAIT, I KNOW it's not the same! Don't we all? Apparently not! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But, oh how I needed to be reminded that the sweetness in my speech could truly persuade Noah to stop the madness... to increase his learning that stovetop oatmeal was, INDEED, better than instant oatmeal. At least for this morning's breakfast. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let's keep on reading, friends! It's THAT GOOD for our soul, heart, and... sanity! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of You Can Do This for review purposes from Tyndale House Publishers. My reviews are honest and in no way influenced by their generosity! </i> </span>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-18451215827273369252017-05-30T10:10:00.001-04:002017-05-30T16:46:04.320-04:00Whispers of Rest - Not Your Typical Devotional Book<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">“Quiet isn’t the absence of movement. Quiet is a </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><b>movement to trust</b></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"> you were meant for more than striving. You were meant to be fully alive. </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;">When you give yourself permission to just breathe, you can just be</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">.” </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">- Bonnie Gray</span></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/AVvXsEhnMMzayQk95wcNndQMrblYYjAWF7lWJnuzePqdRsl3vEwaoe9g1lG-DsVUXMQlOqnGjWOhPSmkM9HrNbz7nt3x2V6A1LNj-Q4i1UHo0cbgcOihN4jd-zg5qJ9wuk8YKL8uvi36r0OFoxsv/s1600/Not+Your+Typical+Devotional+Book-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnMMzayQk95wcNndQMrblYYjAWF7lWJnuzePqdRsl3vEwaoe9g1lG-DsVUXMQlOqnGjWOhPSmkM9HrNbz7nt3x2V6A1LNj-Q4i1UHo0cbgcOihN4jd-zg5qJ9wuk8YKL8uvi36r0OFoxsv/s640/Not+Your+Typical+Devotional+Book-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can’t remember the last time I chose to bring my laptop
outside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sounds are different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The breeze is refreshing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The birds sing, fly, and observe their surroundings… all
trying to figure out why there’s a girl in a lawn chair... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Even the chickens are out today… unusually calming, since on
most days they’re locked inside their coop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the few things I know with certainty about myself is
that God speaks through me through His Word and through His creation. But more often than not, I forget to get
outside and experience His creation, even after making time with Scripture on a
daily. I still need to see Him through
nature, a walk outside, His breath between the leaves and branches of our
trees. The chirping of birds. The Creator interacting with the created. I am sure of this… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soul rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the reality that without rest, my soul cannot breathe or
give. Or love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyday during the past 3 weeks, I’ve been on a daily
journey with my friend Bonnie Gray. Her newest book <a href="http://www.whispersofrest.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Whispers Of Rest</span></a> has been guiding me through a 40-day journey of revitalizing my soul. A soul detox.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bonnie knows how to speak my language. I can’t think of anyone else who knows
exactly how to guide people into a lifestyle of rhythmic rest. She inspires me to take every opportunity to
connect with God. Through Scripture
reading. Journaling. Reflecting.
Taking walks outside. Having
coffee with a good friend. Or buying
flowers for myself! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A little over three years ago, my faith journey was shaken
and transformed after reading Bonnie’s debut book <a href="http://helenscornerblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/whitespace-to-rest.html#.WSx88VKZNhA" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Finding Spiritual Whitespace</span></a>. If you’re a close friend,
you KNOW how much I raved about that book!!!
I have learned that taking moments in my everyday to connect with Jesus
doesn’t need to look the same everyday.
Actually, He yearns to spend time with me during those small moments…
when I acknowledge his presence and experience true joy. Driving to my favorite bakery for my very
favorite scone. Treating myself to a
coffee date with a friend. Sitting in
front of my favorite piece of art, or at a park with my children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I’m choosing to intentionally detox my soul again. Being creative and finding those <b>free flowing
spaces</b> where the Lord can whisper His truth into my soul. That <b>I’m His beloved</b>. That I am loved and accepted and free to
breathe. That <b>no task, no list, no
chore, and no to-do list can own my soul or an ounce of my attention without my
consent and choosing. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And it’s only when my soul craves the peace, the quiet, and
the rest that God offers, that I can FULLY experience communion with Him. Intimacy.
Forgiveness. Comfort. Joy unending.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj0FxQCI1uI1HcxFF1SUUKJ0OFGgw6hKQ5pg7ztWla5Df5JhkyUkqeNIDhGHkUUkPk-ogNGWiZBy1xSzMUnx8Ymy3lGNlipssoVsxrVJVdqCXxqV0AJZGkZBbBu4KHnWLt8DFqqg3H5uj/s1600/b5436392b6787e47ee17bceace1ae1dc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="564" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj0FxQCI1uI1HcxFF1SUUKJ0OFGgw6hKQ5pg7ztWla5Df5JhkyUkqeNIDhGHkUUkPk-ogNGWiZBy1xSzMUnx8Ymy3lGNlipssoVsxrVJVdqCXxqV0AJZGkZBbBu4KHnWLt8DFqqg3H5uj/s1600/b5436392b6787e47ee17bceace1ae1dc.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I wrestle with the Lord about this busy season of life,
about different ministry opportunities, friendships and demands of motherhood,
I read this: <i>“Am I moving by God’s invitation or by my striving?...If we turned
back to only what we know, we would miss out on the beautiful journey God has
for us now. It’s easier to get pulled
away by busyness and stress. But
busyness takes a toll on us. We rush
from one thing to the next. Yet, with
every checklist we complete, there is a cost.
Checklists never end… What if God’s plan for us is not to be more busy,
but to be more loved?" </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, rather you’re exhausted and sleepless, or restless and
yearning for something different. <b>I’m
here to invite you</b> to give Whsipers of Rest a GO! <b>It’s more than a devotional book</b>. I don’t even usually use devotional books
because I believe in letting God speak to me directly through His Word. But you know I’m an avid reader and this book
has once again challenged and transformed the way I’m pursuing Jesus
daily. So, do your soul a favor and
<b>choose to make time for rest</b>. Bonnie has
a special way of inspiring her readers to practice rest, in small and creative
steps. She prompts us to reflect. She prays with and for us. She teaches us how to pray. And she challenges us to take some fun and
practical steps to experience soul renewal, like taking a 10-minute walk
outside, writing a self-affirmation sticky note, buying flowers to ourselves,
scheduling coffee with a friend, and on and on… small challenges that make a HUGE
difference! And for every challenge, she
shares about studies that show how these small steps make a difference in our
overall soul health. Isn’t that so
refreshing? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last night was a tough one.
I was short-tempered, impatient, and very tired. I could’ve blamed my health but to be honest,
I had no reason to complain. But I
did. And my attitude stunk! Bad!
So, at bedtime, as I was steaming with frustration, we gathered the kids
out in the living room, as we always do before bed, and I remembered to “Pray the
Psalms”. I opened to Psalm 103 and
wouldn’t you know? God spoke loudly to
my soul. Hmmm… I wonder how that happens…
how He knows what I needed to read and hear.
And I kid you not! My soul was
revitalized. My ridiculous anger left
me, and I was able to hug and kiss my children without resentments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And THAT, my friends, is how the Lord uses a book prompt to
direct me back to His Word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Psalm 103</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Let all that I am praise the LORD;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>With my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Let all that I am praise the LORD;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>May I never forget the good things he does for me.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender
mercies.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He fills my life with good things.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are
treated unfairly.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the
people of Israel.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry
and filled with unfailing love.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He does not punish us for all our sins; <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great
as the height of the heavens above the earth.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from
the west.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and
compassionate to those who fear him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>For he knows how weak we are; <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>He remembers we are only dust.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Our days on earth are like grass;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Like wildflowers, we bloom and die.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never
been here.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>But the Love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear
him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>His salvation extends to the children’s children<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey
his commandments!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The LORD has made the heavens his throne;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>From there he rules over everything.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out
his plans, listening for each of his commands.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve him and
do his will!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in
all his kingdom.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Let all that I am praise the LORD!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">*************************************************************</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As part of Bonnie Gray's Whispers of Rest Launch Team, I was sent this book for review. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can find her book at <a href="http://www.whispersofrest.com/">www.whispersofrest.com</a> or anywhere where books are sold!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-22475570492650546962017-05-18T14:15:00.000-04:002017-05-18T20:57:08.259-04:00Garden Watering <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVgyqj-jgjFT_Jnqdf2qlSEcef36mSlxO8_ij8xWbFLPpJ2k5DBtcGZ7LlDGculSbEe7XUBHdy2xYnOwUVM8HZBwgN_4UTgnwog5A6l8gYiRBQU8WpClmBHIrjv8SH_DneBnumEa-ywop/s1600/Anita+SanchezBarry+Simmons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVgyqj-jgjFT_Jnqdf2qlSEcef36mSlxO8_ij8xWbFLPpJ2k5DBtcGZ7LlDGculSbEe7XUBHdy2xYnOwUVM8HZBwgN_4UTgnwog5A6l8gYiRBQU8WpClmBHIrjv8SH_DneBnumEa-ywop/s1600/Anita+SanchezBarry+Simmons.png" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I was watering our garden this morning, the mist and
fresh breeze reminded me of God’s grace.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fresh.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Daily.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soothing and awakening.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was His provision for me.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For anything to grow and flourish, the initial nurturing is
essential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our garden received the fresh watering with a smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It didn’t take long for me to sense God’s presence, right
there, in the midst of the ordinary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two of my children are home from school today, with that
nasty flu bug. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a mother, it pains me
to see them uncomfortable, unable to keep anything down and yet, wanting to get
better. In my nurturing them, I’m
realizing that there are many things that are out of my earthly and physical
control. I can’t heal them. I can’t make their bodies react positively to
food. I can’t make them sleep through
the night or get “all better” overnight.
And I can’t promise that they’ll feel completely better by tomorrow…
their school Field Trip day! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I trust in the One who can.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He is ABLE to heal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He HEARS our prayers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And He COMFORTS when we most need Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I continue to faithfully plant seeds… and water them to
nurture them. But the Lord is the one
who provides growth. Fresh. Daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>“So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but
ONLY GOD who gives the growth.” 1
Corinthians 3:7</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’m thankful today.
And that has to be a choice, despite my circumstances. When the ones around me are suffering at the
hospital, or uncertain of life changes and house sales and health
diagnosis. I am choosing to look to the
One who holds us ALL in the palm of His hands.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What are YOU thankful for today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is reminding you of His faithfulness today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I pray you’ll sense God’s presence, right here, in the midst
of the ordinary today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies
never come to an end; they are NEW EVERY MORNING; great is your
faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-1980672467707380062017-05-16T11:24:00.000-04:002017-05-18T20:57:22.793-04:00Mother's Day at the ER - A Letter to My Firstborn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My dearest firstborn son,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year's Mother's Day was unlike any other... and yet, it was exactly what the Lord had planned for you. I think you know what I mean...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This past Sunday I saw true fear in your eyes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You were shaking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You were unconsolable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You asked me if you were going to die. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I cannot imagine the pain you felt when that barn door crushed your finger and caused your entire nailbed to detach from your finger. That little finger. The terror you felt when you saw all that blood... Oh, my son, if you only knew the terror and pain I felt, too. I wanted to take away your pain. I wanted to stop those tears from flowing down your scared face. I wanted everything to go back to "normal", just like you asked. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I am forever grateful for your strength and courage! While we prayed for you by that ER bed, I saw you closing your eyes, tears flowing, and I could tell that Jesus was the source of your comfort. I believe that. Strongly. And your faith carried you through those hours. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Your dad and I do not take for granted that you've been so healthy. And you've been so helpful to those around you. Remember how hard you worked at Prairie Camp just last Saturday, cleaning, scrubbing walls, sweeping floors and moving tables and chairs? I'm so proud of you, son!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So... for now, let's keep trusting that God will continue to heal your finger. And whether that nail grows back or not, keep focusing on Jesus. I'm thankful that you're ok. Rest up. Sit out those gym classes and recesses. And be patient. Daddy is right. At least we don't have to worry about clipping that nail for a while... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh... and by the way! Your sister and brother are glad you're ok, too. Did you know they stayed in that ER waiting room for all those hours, WAITING patiently for us to come out of those doors. I'm so thankful for them, too... and for grandma for keeping an eye on them! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mommy loves you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"...but whoever listens to me will <u>dwell secure</u> and <u>will be at ease</u>, without dread of disaster." </i> Proverbs 1:33</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">**************************************************************</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ps: I am fully aware that some of you have experienced unthinkable times at the ER yourselves... worse accidents, chronic illnesses, sad diagnosis, and even loss. I hope you know how much God cares for you and your child. Whether it's a small finger injury or a heart diagnosis... I believe with all my heart that God cares and hurts with us. </span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-45966408289746045312017-05-03T18:57:00.001-04:002017-05-18T20:58:04.716-04:00Biblical Hospitality: A QUICK Book Review... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZkJJ5tWogFwd7MfLiZ18Boti3v8_y_WAYJG9ZbcNpPHPPUvRk6-Y6yVMID330CAOzMcHGIqZ9PNd4lBy0RZvlfZdtZR-q0mma93WNQYpvJhyHFzFMpxLrYS2_cUH3iZTPqBWbq3px04z/s1600/A+quick+review....png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZkJJ5tWogFwd7MfLiZ18Boti3v8_y_WAYJG9ZbcNpPHPPUvRk6-Y6yVMID330CAOzMcHGIqZ9PNd4lBy0RZvlfZdtZR-q0mma93WNQYpvJhyHFzFMpxLrYS2_cUH3iZTPqBWbq3px04z/s640/A+quick+review....png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ll be honest… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whenever the word “hospitality” is said, I cringe. Not because I don’t like the sound of it, but
because I feel guilty for not having scored high on hospitality in my Spiritual
Gifts Inventory test. It’s one of those expectations
placed on women, on Christians, and especially on pastors’ wives. Am I right? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So… when I was given the opportunity to review this book
published by Moody Publishers, I hesitantly decided to say YES and dive into a
topic that is so appealing, and yet, so challenging for me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2pJ3OtY" target="_blank">“The Simplest Way to Change the World”</a> by Dustin Willis and
Brandon Clements was one of those books that will either refresh your soul or bring you to your knees. These guys - church planters and pastors - wrote this book while LIVING this challenge. Biblical hospitality is just that. It’s Biblical. But it doesn't need to be hard. And while I struggle with the topic, I am
ever so desiring to grow into making hospitality a part of my life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve read a few other books on hospitality in the last few
years. <a href="http://amzn.to/2p767Dh" target="_blank"> Bread & Wine</a> by Shauna
Niequiest was one of them. And I was
truly changed from the inside out after reading her words of opening your home
and your life to those around us, even over a frozen pizza and paper
plates. It’s not about having it all
together. It’s not about a perfectly clean
home. It’s not about the nicest dishes
and the most gourmet home-cooked meal.
It’s about sharing your life with another human being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this book worked as the REMINDER I needed to put those
truths into practice. Filled with
Scripture truths, Willis and Clements challenged us to begin seeing our homes,
our backyards, our neighborhoods, and our circles as the very places where God
wants us to share His good news! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“The secret weapon for
gospel advancement is HOSPITALITY, and you can practice it whether you live in
a house, an apartment, a dorm, or a high-rise.
It takes only your willingness to open your home and life to others.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few years ago I decided to let go of the idea of perfect
hospitality. I learned that by opening
my doors to others and allowing them to see my home “as is”, without
compulsively cleaning and bleaching my bathroom counters, floors, and vacuuming
every corner of my living room before their feet entered the spaces within my
walls, I was giving them a GIFT. The
gift of grace. The gift that says, “here’s
the real me. Feel free to be yourself
WITH me, too”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“… the world could use
more ordinary Christians opening their ordinary lives so others can see what
life in light of the gospel looks like.
And what better place to watch Christians than in their homes?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Isn’t it sobering to think that the ways we inhabit our
homes show our true selves? When we’re
at HOME we are free to be ourselves. We
walk around in sweatpants and yoga pants all day, we have dirty dishes, dirty
laundry, shoes EVERYWHERE, children’s toys and books and stuff… the groceries
aren’t always put away, right away, and the bills and receipts pile up on the
corner of the counter or desk, where the kids’ school papers, assignments,
schedules and flyers are also found. Bear with me here, though… I’m not saying that
a disorganized, messy, and unkept home can be a gift to someone. But I AM saying that perfection is NOT a gift
you can give someone. Instead of
spending hours preparing our homes to receive someone in, why not spend MORE
time WITH people. Let’s be people that
engage WITH people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I loved the section in the book that encourages us to “talk
less and eat more”. Sharing a meal with
our neighbors or those we’ve been praying for can mean more to them than the
exchange of emails and text messages. Or
sharing a meal with those who are needing encouragement instead of sending
cards (which, believe me, I love doing, too!), to let them know we love them. Or, more intentional, yet, speaking truth in
love with someone who doesn’t share the same values at the dinner table or
around our living room can be more loving and grace filled than over
emotionally driven mental conversations (the ones we only have in our minds…
not in person). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“In our increasingly
hostile culture, the importance of hospitality cannot be overstated. And we are not suggesting that you go silent
on all your beliefs and values. We’ve
found that those conversations tend to be more effective when they happen in a
clear context of grace and love over meals than in shouting matches from
afar. Let’s do a little less talking and
a little more eating, and who knows what Jesus might do.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And what about our excuses?
Our weaknesses? I enjoyed reading
this section of the book, especially since I’ve heard myself using several of
these:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“What if they don’t
like me?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But my house is a
wreck!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“I don’t like to
entertain.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But I’ll have to
cook!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But we have kids!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“But my home is small.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was pleased to read their responses to these excuses. They didn’t just give the expected answer to
these statements, but addressed them in a way that empowers me to have
perspective. To look at hospitality as a
way of loving people, not entertaining them.
And to focus on the gift of sharing our lives, whether in our homes or
in a shared space like a coffee shop or a park.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And the final thing I enjoyed about this book is that it was formatted to be a discussion book.
It has “Questions to Consider” at the end of each chapter, and at the
end of the book, it includes a 6-week group study, with suggested questions and
ideas on how to lead a group study. What
a perfect way to begin practicing Biblical hospitality, right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My prayer is that we would be people who invite Biblical
hospitality as a lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me hear from you, now!
How do you see yourself practicing hospitality? What are the areas in hospitality that you
struggle the most? What are your
weakness & excuses? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: dotted windowtext 3.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>I’m thankful to Moody Publishers who provided this
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-8850088694651764572017-04-20T09:00:00.000-04:002017-04-20T15:32:31.520-04:00Meet My Friends: The Inspire Shop & A Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Today you're in for a special treat!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have been anticipated this post for a LONG time, as I've been parading around my house and secretly enjoying my "Write Your Heart Out" mug for the past few weeks. (Hint... keep reading for an exclusive giveaway!)</span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9nSyHJeTJeO3P4iRcYe6iNPIBofVWLWlVKl2s3mmx1jCI0HVhM_EahxFBuv7fIbO9wmItP7DRvz027kiissAGIgAPvKdF8BEa1C9_cjWGgF3UlL_amBWeuei8XjTY04u_EAbApduqTm3/s1600/IMG_7786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9nSyHJeTJeO3P4iRcYe6iNPIBofVWLWlVKl2s3mmx1jCI0HVhM_EahxFBuv7fIbO9wmItP7DRvz027kiissAGIgAPvKdF8BEa1C9_cjWGgF3UlL_amBWeuei8XjTY04u_EAbApduqTm3/s320/IMG_7786.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I met Tiffany about 6 years ago. We both had Etsy stores and somehow, through the beauty of Etsy networking groups, Tiffany found me. What began as a </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">friendly exchange of emails became one of those distant friendship relationships which you trusted that, if you didn't hear from them for a while, they were still okay... y'know what I mean? Tiffany and I went through quite a few transitions and in the last year, we were able to regain communication and check in with other in our "spare" mommy schedules! OHHHH... and check this out!!! When we first met, I was the new mom! Joshua wasn't a year old, yet! And Tiffany (along with her husband Ricardo), still had no children! Oh, how time changes EVERYTHING! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fast forward a few years, and now Tiffany and Ricardo are following God's amazing plan for this season in their lives. It's SO exciting! </span></span><span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I can't wait for you to hear the rest of her story, and to get to know her a little bit better! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And stay tuned TIL THE END!!!! Tiffany has a special treat for one of my friends here at Helen's Corner!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here we go...</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsrn8C8v-sBzfJlMoe226Dx8SCRT5FVDPE2iBV-h-ZciYH8l9hyphenhyphenvKtcpcV5QhdtbznE7n2c3WMaV-G3YuGxbsjQ8J6Rca72FeQGkKMUDCa3yyoL2z8LbaaenlAukZeGes0aBrXN0mcw1D/s1600/garza+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsrn8C8v-sBzfJlMoe226Dx8SCRT5FVDPE2iBV-h-ZciYH8l9hyphenhyphenvKtcpcV5QhdtbznE7n2c3WMaV-G3YuGxbsjQ8J6Rca72FeQGkKMUDCa3yyoL2z8LbaaenlAukZeGes0aBrXN0mcw1D/s640/garza+family.jpg" width="384" /></span></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;">1. Tiffany, tell us a little bit about you and your family.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love pretty much all things creative and Jesus. I am
married to my high school boyfriend, Ricardo and we are parents to four
littles, five years and under: Penny, Jude, Ryland and Skyler. We have
doubled our family through foster to adopt and are passionate about foster care
and adoption, as we wait on the finalization of Skyler’s adoption in the next
few months (thus, the cropped picture... foster care legalities). We currently live in West Sacramento, CA where we are in the process of
starting a church extension. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #191919;">2. </span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;">What is the biggest challenge you face as a Mother? What is the greatest joy?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At this season, being a mama is exhausting. We are currently in a full week of hardly any sleep with a teething baby. We have appointments with social workers and extra paperwork and in a new community all the while starting a new business, so juggling all that can be crazy at times but it is in those moments that God always reminds me of grace and slowing down. Becoming a mama has greatly changed the way I see the relationship of God as the father. As I parent, God reminds me of my own disobedience while I am giving a time out to my three year old and things like that, which keeps me grounded and able to give the grace he gives me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The greatest joy is seeing the little people God has created them to be and allowing me to be a part of it, as their personalities are forming and their strengths are growing. When they pray for each other or for a friend who is sick or ask questions like "can God forgive Satan?" or tell the truth even when they disobeyed or remind me how big God is or give hugs, my heart is full.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #191919;">3. </span></b></span><span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;">How do you connect with Jesus?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prayer and bible study. When Jesus found me in college, I dove in to Bible studies and reading the bible and listening to sermons but it was not until I started to scratch the surface at prayer when I became a mama that I began to understand what it means to be in a relationship with Jesus and abiding in him. Listening prayer, taking time to listen for a response rather than leaving all my praise and petitions and thanksgiving at his feet, has been a game changer, as well. When we know the voice of the Holy Spirit, like that of our spouse or friend, and can tune out our own thoughts or otherwise, we can truly be vessels to be used by God in even the smallest of tasks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #191919;">4. I'm so excited about your new endeavor! Can you tell us about<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.theinspireshop.com/" target="_blank">The Inspire Shop</a> </span>and what is the story behind it?</span></b><span style="color: #191919;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Inspire Shop is a place to find encouragement throughout the
day and for the purchases to keep on giving that encouragement. Each month we
will be meeting with women coming out of hard places to do an event in the
Sacramento area with art therapy of sorts and share the gospel as we get to
know them, hear their stories and craft life alongside them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The birth of the shop started nearly two years ago, as God
started drawing me to start a creative business. With three small kiddos at the
time, I did not think much about it. At the time I was also running a craft
night ministry, Pocket Blessings, where we would get together and share a small
message and craft. All the crafts made were given to various places in our
community - nursing homes, halfway homes, schools, women coming out of
trafficking, NICU, etc. - as a way to encourage them and share the love of Jesus.
Depending on the delivery method and the organization, we would pray for them
and hear some of their stories.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we moved along with Pocket Blessings, God kept nudging <i>to
get out of the church to BE the church</i>. To take the gospel message and the
craft supplies to the people we were giving them to and allow them to make it
instead and get to know them as we crafted.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Last year, God led us on a family road trip and as we drove
when the kiddos were asleep in their car seats and the trees of Flagstaff, Arizona
faded to the cactuses of Phoenix to the beaches of San Diego, Bob Goff read us <i>Love
Does </i>over the speakers. In the final chapters, he spoke of how he worked
with lawyers in Uganda to help children get back to their homes after being in
prison for petty crimes. As Ricardo and I commented on parts of the book,
conversations of helping women coming out of hard places and starting a
business resurfaced, all the while the presence of God was near and
overwhelming. We continued to pray and seek God about what that would look like
exactly in the following months. Last May was the final Pocket Blessings and we
have been in the works of The Inspire Shop ever since, slowly watching God move
and connect in ways only He can.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #191919;">5. How can we partner with you and pray for you?</span></b><span style="color: #191919;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I would love prayer for the women we will be meeting, that they
would be open for healing and for love and joy to abound in their life despite
their circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prayers for the volunteers who will be helping orchestrating the
events, that will have open hearts and love for the women.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Prayers for open doors at the homes and organizations we will be
partnering with and navigating what things will look like, as each location is
different.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #191919;">6. And finally, since I love to read, I'm curious... what have YOU been reading lately? Any recommendations?</span></b><span style="color: #191919;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With
limited time, reading has been mainly focused on the Bible and an awesome
prayer devotional: <i>Magnificent Prayer</i> by Nick Harrison. I have been in
to memoirs as of late and itching to read <i>He Speaks in the Silence</i> by
Diane Comer. <i>Mercy Moves Mountains</i> by Nancy Alcorn and <i>Secrets of the
Secret Place</i> by Bob Sorge have been on my night stand for months, as I find
a moment or two here and there to read. Both of which are amazing. </span></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">***************************************************************</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, STOP RIGHT NOW! Go to <a href="http://www.theinspireshop.com/" target="_blank">THE INSPIRE SHOP</a> and browse around. Yes, NOW!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAanbBWLO7H-5vteRX4CC_hHxLkrZRbKhBhD38FnX3WbmmvJ3ACZANfEy1InmEY_d1Z2cSy9K3yfEBi7j8ZCIe8oX5VuMBhaYFbDkdvY_8aY4I4x7a_PDBFQH14tCp2uPVc_5ZVE0a6V00/s1600/identity%252Bstock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAanbBWLO7H-5vteRX4CC_hHxLkrZRbKhBhD38FnX3WbmmvJ3ACZANfEy1InmEY_d1Z2cSy9K3yfEBi7j8ZCIe8oX5VuMBhaYFbDkdvY_8aY4I4x7a_PDBFQH14tCp2uPVc_5ZVE0a6V00/s320/identity%252Bstock.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOiCr6xFet2NmSZtRSXI4nq8Mr0VqQUBT0PZR1jgza6K8EFflD4ghXOi_dRF5kVkeZxzV9v6GNWyM3XuOgXStJ9a7svZF_ColMNTJ2cayF7Vt4u8kSDvnQgdd7-fEHP1AzHxR_ioiicPY/s1600/just%252Bkeep%252Bwriting%252B%252Bpdf%252Bsample%252Bphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOiCr6xFet2NmSZtRSXI4nq8Mr0VqQUBT0PZR1jgza6K8EFflD4ghXOi_dRF5kVkeZxzV9v6GNWyM3XuOgXStJ9a7svZF_ColMNTJ2cayF7Vt4u8kSDvnQgdd7-fEHP1AzHxR_ioiicPY/s320/just%252Bkeep%252Bwriting%252B%252Bpdf%252Bsample%252Bphoto.jpg" width="270" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And while there, take a look at all of her items for sale. A portion of every sale will go towards funding Tiffany's ministry, and I'm thrilled </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to be sharing her story with you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also, check out her <a href="http://www.theinspireshop.com/freebies/" target="_blank">FREEBIES</a> tab! She has a TON of amazing and beautiful resources for everyone! I love her heart and generosity.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz87BDT-uTyML60Hhc-9sykEtt8lE1SGZknoWy5eWZoBFS5zlFT0n9bRVA5d3gid10dc-OjPRLoUjqDXnFjaD1fDTSvg9PyymmKd5DUaoIBD1w9qIS1EaHnMkbrHqFAupu10YruUsxD9Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-04-18+at+4.27.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuz87BDT-uTyML60Hhc-9sykEtt8lE1SGZknoWy5eWZoBFS5zlFT0n9bRVA5d3gid10dc-OjPRLoUjqDXnFjaD1fDTSvg9PyymmKd5DUaoIBD1w9qIS1EaHnMkbrHqFAupu10YruUsxD9Q/s640/Screen+Shot+2017-04-18+at+4.27.50+PM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you already guessed...</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of you will have a chance to WIN one of her beautiful mugs!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKc5VAo7tKJ3-pyPfJCNSr-0ystXjVG51jbDtfkv6mf2jZaNscdLGzK1dtQLVgR8D6VRPVaBGIHDGAFWOtxgiMFygeaGVXxU0ozecmy5XprKXRiAEjbR3C04uo39viefxPhyVCy1TvFp5/s1600/mugswithamission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKc5VAo7tKJ3-pyPfJCNSr-0ystXjVG51jbDtfkv6mf2jZaNscdLGzK1dtQLVgR8D6VRPVaBGIHDGAFWOtxgiMFygeaGVXxU0ozecmy5XprKXRiAEjbR3C04uo39viefxPhyVCy1TvFp5/s640/mugswithamission.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just fill out the rafflecopter below. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="03c5ce512" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/03c5ce512/" id="rcwidget_xwuj0dtx" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></span>
<span style="color: #191919;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This little giveaway will be open until Sunday April 23rd, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. I'll be picking a winner and announcing on my FB and Instagram accounts. So, if you're not following me there, this is your chance!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #191919; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Aren't you glad you stopped by today? Tell me... what mug would you choose if you win?</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-4626774748538196392017-04-18T22:26:00.001-04:002017-04-18T22:26:09.578-04:00Can I pray for you today?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuPSI-S43iM8gDnuMGUBjtT0F6ovMH1dKA9hKS6nLgd0bV83OQX-RnEly7KznlWZT7-H5o7wSZq4ZGFIlvNS3ZbujM7g-7zn2-w0_GYaFF6JtWf6zzyX-T7y81dxEjN0kLMBgS4sjfMQi/s1600/show+me.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuPSI-S43iM8gDnuMGUBjtT0F6ovMH1dKA9hKS6nLgd0bV83OQX-RnEly7KznlWZT7-H5o7wSZq4ZGFIlvNS3ZbujM7g-7zn2-w0_GYaFF6JtWf6zzyX-T7y81dxEjN0kLMBgS4sjfMQi/s640/show+me.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am fully aware that you might be going through some tough times right now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I'm also fully aware that we have a real enemy whose sole purpose for existing is to steal our joy, to kill, devour and destroy us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."</i> John 10:10</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This verse has been coming up A LOT lately. In multiple talks, multiple gatherings, and even multiple sermons (near and far). So when this awareness gets heightened and my ability to sense temptation is greater, I open my Bible and ask God, through prayer, to fight these battles for me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, let me remind you today. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have a real enemy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And his strategies aren't always "loud". Actually, they can often seem subtle and harmless. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you let me, I'd love to PRAY FOR YOU. Seriously. I want to intercede for you, friend. Feel free to send me a quick note through email (Contact Me tab), on FB, or even in the comments below. Tell me how I can pray for you, and I will. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also, let me share with you a very powerful tool. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I randomly met Sue Carroll at the Abundance conference in Fort Wayne, IN last Fall and have been completely in love with her work. You NEED to check out her <a href="https://1arthouse.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">1Arthouse website</a> and ALL that she does! One of the most beautiful pieces of art that she created has been WITH me since I saw it a few weeks ago. It was inspired by Priscilla Shirer's book The Armor of God, and I wanted YOU to have it, too.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhoUa4qWU1cX5-WiXd9RqY4l80s9zyohUlMPQ3chTmQkwTI89DD8ESaTvMTkyl26L1G0jWptPddLFKXgh9nxeeKs4vTPjPrlf821wD4V0QQk8_7L4sy_PT2Sehnf9pFef2v9gn5TXo5fJ/s1600/theenemysstrategiespriscillashirer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhoUa4qWU1cX5-WiXd9RqY4l80s9zyohUlMPQ3chTmQkwTI89DD8ESaTvMTkyl26L1G0jWptPddLFKXgh9nxeeKs4vTPjPrlf821wD4V0QQk8_7L4sy_PT2Sehnf9pFef2v9gn5TXo5fJ/s640/theenemysstrategiespriscillashirer.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, seriously... there are a ton of other FREE printable files on Sue's <a href="https://1arthouse.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a> and I'm sure you will love her work! (She has no idea I'm sharing this with you all! But if you happen to browse around her site, tell her I sent you... hehe... It'll be our little secret...)</span>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-77534208066627653792017-04-11T22:24:00.000-04:002017-04-17T09:29:59.403-04:00A Few Things I Learned While On Spring Break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTPBiVJG3uNKwptg9nP4gnmiOfhEmDW4l_7O-p_tNPI0wDp1gaOhlKOUnrIkr2wsz8QQPAwQmpoV2VDvnSL_5FQsrv2wqUxHsvAG_auKVaSHBDFLCagiOoUg9ebgpRZru5j6yJ-Qsvuz/s1600/FROM+LUMBERJACKBLOG-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfLTPBiVJG3uNKwptg9nP4gnmiOfhEmDW4l_7O-p_tNPI0wDp1gaOhlKOUnrIkr2wsz8QQPAwQmpoV2VDvnSL_5FQsrv2wqUxHsvAG_auKVaSHBDFLCagiOoUg9ebgpRZru5j6yJ-Qsvuz/s640/FROM+LUMBERJACKBLOG-2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh... how I loved being on Spring Break this year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the kids get older and as I'm learning what it means to "rest" and to enjoy the small (but important) things in life, I can honestly say that taking a week to UNPLUG was GOOD.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65rQfIW-nZySph1V9kZiccwj78TgqGbSvlg39bRGcCYXLwAoDNWfPrwK0GLNzFj3pY5HaQhS_10Slmgqudl9vzet3zWfO_KsMrq0I5giPAHP4IFl3GL9cSIIngwyItfY8cvk_HFfZzd0w/s1600/IMG_7569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65rQfIW-nZySph1V9kZiccwj78TgqGbSvlg39bRGcCYXLwAoDNWfPrwK0GLNzFj3pY5HaQhS_10Slmgqudl9vzet3zWfO_KsMrq0I5giPAHP4IFl3GL9cSIIngwyItfY8cvk_HFfZzd0w/s640/IMG_7569.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotqiIHm4eFyn737whMXkWsEepGseI2Sec0u4NwqLHJyHq_KcO2vDGyzXdUjdZz0KGEAk62ohaW4Sid0StGgZMs86buKiZYS6XMKDpnATWrr_VcXzYWRaHbaREOInynD-YKc2YF0o9JQBj/s1600/IMG_7597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotqiIHm4eFyn737whMXkWsEepGseI2Sec0u4NwqLHJyHq_KcO2vDGyzXdUjdZz0KGEAk62ohaW4Sid0StGgZMs86buKiZYS6XMKDpnATWrr_VcXzYWRaHbaREOInynD-YKc2YF0o9JQBj/s640/IMG_7597.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our family spent 4 days in the mountains of Kentucky and an overnight stay in Ohio. Joel's brother, his wife and 4 daughters came along and I can't imagine how differently this trip would've been! I loved having them with us! We didn't have a set schedule. We weren't held hostage by an itinerary. And we even decided to change routes at the last minute. Everyone was flexible and open to change. And the kids all did great! All of them!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdWj3Wb8MpBxEFz-7S3mN_f7cjrwHUjVQ64wmblj9rlrZ0_LvtKLoNaUt7QgZCjfU_WIncnE-KPUS8Nud2Qt4aFcduTduEQs0llYESQDNFzn7r4U9fvyCzL0LKdUo_I5Jk-C_qqitoVbI/s1600/IMG_7562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdWj3Wb8MpBxEFz-7S3mN_f7cjrwHUjVQ64wmblj9rlrZ0_LvtKLoNaUt7QgZCjfU_WIncnE-KPUS8Nud2Qt4aFcduTduEQs0llYESQDNFzn7r4U9fvyCzL0LKdUo_I5Jk-C_qqitoVbI/s640/IMG_7562.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hiked. We skipped rocks. We slept. We ate. We hiked some more.</span></div>
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Checked out the local coffee shop (of course!), and even visited with friends while hearing tornado sirens going off at the local town. Thank you, Lord, for watching over us! On our way back, we decided to do a quick stop in Cincinnati. </span></div>
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Since that's a city where we usually drive straight through and never stop to check the sites, we decided to check in at a nice hotel, do some swimming, more eating, and spend a few hours at the local Aquarium. Super fun! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, after a full week of unplugging, visiting with friends and spending time with family, I realized a few things about myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First... I missed spending time in God's Word. I missed my daily routine of meeting with God with my Bible open, even for a few minutes in the morning. Even though we didn't have a schedule during our break, I got out of the routine and the habit of listening to God through His Word. Sure, I sensed His presence during our hikes and my time in nature. Of course! But after returning home, I knew immediately what I was missing the most. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Second... I missed reading. I missed holding a book. And in attempts to unplug, I chose to engage in conversation with others rather than block them out by sitting with a book somewhere. That's probably a strange thing for some of you. But I'm owning the fact that I am a lover of books. Ah... and I was so glad we went into a B&N in Newport (by the Aquarium) to browse! Definitely a treat for me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Third... I learned that creating memories with family is truly priceless. It isn't cheap to do anything nowadays anymore. I am aware of the high cost of going places... vacationing... entertainment... food! And yet, it was so important for our family to spend some time away. And I know we're already looking forward to our next "break". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And finally... I learned that coming back to a full schedule is easier when we're in community. There's GRACE. Friendship. And a warm cup of coffee with a friend waiting for me... so good!</span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-89014488792640358782017-04-01T22:00:00.001-04:002017-04-17T09:28:21.481-04:00My March Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How is it already April!!??</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">March tends to be a long month, but I cannot believe how fast it came and went! Am I the only one who feels like that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anyway... before I dive into all things April... Easter... Exciting giveaways (coming up soon, I promise!)... I am here to share the THREE THINGS I've been loving from the month of March!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Favorite #1</b>: Going to my local public library.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been going to our local library for years, ever since we moved to the area, 6 years ago. I'd take my children to pick up books, go to their weekly Story Hour, and even check out books for their classrooms once in a while. And I had been checking out books for myself occasionally... here and there, nothing too consistent. BUT... y'all... I've been really enjoying checking out books for MYSELF there lately! I wanted to put reading into my favorite list once again... but I realized that the actual browsing of my local library needs a special mention this month. And a big shout out to the <a href="http://www.wakarusa.lib.in.us/" target="_blank">Wakarusa Public Library</a> staff (Shondra, Matt, Kristen, Marcia, Jane and everyone else who puts up with my comments, requests, and suggestions)!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Favorite #2</b>: The Weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you live around me in Goshen, Indiana, you're probably wondering WHY the weather made into my favorites list. It's been raining a lot. It's been cloudy at lot. And we have the occasional few hours of sunshine. It's Spring and it reminds me of my Seattle days. This month's weather brought such nostalgia to my days. I found myself with a warm cup of coffee or tea, a soft blanket and a book in hand. I met up with friends over coffee while the rain fell outside, and I absolutely felt "at home". I understand I might be the only person on this side of the country who would yearn and miss this kind of weather. Cloudy and rainy. And to be honest, I'm okay being an outcast on this one. It's comforting to me, despite being so far away from a place I truly love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Favorite #3</b>: Receiving random packages in the mail from friends (new and old).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was so spoiled this month! I received some unexpected goodies in the mail from a few friends from around the country! It made me feel special and inspired! If you're reading this post, consider yourself tagged. Send me a little note with your mailing address and you "just might" receive something in the mail this month from me... **wink, wink**</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, there it is, friends! My THREE favorites from March!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me hear from YOU, now! What were some of your favorite things from last month?</span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-46730668977806621442017-03-27T20:28:00.000-04:002017-04-17T09:25:23.369-04:00A Different Kind of Grief<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Grief is so thick.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While everyone grieves differently, and for different reasons, grief has a way of creeping in at different seasons in our lives.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not an expert on grief. Or on how people can and should grieve. Goodness, I can't even claim to know and understand the levels of pain, suffering, and hurt that grief brings to someone's soul. I recently wrote about how to enter into someone else's grief <a href="http://helenscornerblog.blogspot.com/2017/01/jesus-in-grief-of-others.html#.WNU3lBiZMgo" target="_blank">here</a>, but I'm still aware of my limitations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loss is inevitable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People lose people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People lose jobs and careers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People lose status.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People lose comfort & routines.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Loss is part of our lives. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But it wasn't a part of God's plan in the original blueprint of His creation. He created all things and all things were good. He GAVE Adam & Eve the ultimate gift. Life. And a garden where everything was good. Everything! Did you know that God was the ORIGINAL GARDENER? Genesis 2:8-9 (NIV) says, <i>"Then the LORD God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. The LORD God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground - trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."</i> And in verses 16-17 (NLT), God speaks to Adam saying, <i>"You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden - except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die."</i> Both Eve AND Adam eat from the "forbidden" tree, disobeying God's only command to them in that awesome garden! The rest of chapters 2-3 in Genesis is fascinating and critical for our understanding of grief in our lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Through their disobedience, sin came into this world. Pain, suffering, toil, broken relationships, hardship. Loss. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been learning a crazy lesson during the past decade or two. Grace. Grieving cannot happen apart from grace. God's grace, that is. Without His promise of hope and grace, there is nothing that comforts a grieving soul. Apart from the gift of salvation and a living relationship Jesus Christ, I would be trying to find solace in all the wrong places, things, and people. Food. Relationships. Hobbies. Filling the void of the loss with stuff. I've been there. And to be completely honest, sometimes I find myself falling into those things again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've grieved the loss of a father through cancer, of friends (through death and distance), and of seasons of life. But recently I'm finding myself experiencing a different kind of grief. The loss of an ideal. A dream. A plan. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since becoming a mom, Joel and I had decided that staying home with our children would be the best arrangement for our family. So I left a career that I absolutely loved, clients with whom I had developed good relationships, a reputation for being one of the most effective chemical dependency adolescent counselors with that certain population, and co-workers I truly cared for. I was good at it! In my selfishness, I knew my job brought me joy, fulfillment and status. My plan was to return to that career "once the kids were grown"... and I would pick it up whenever my full-time attention at home wasn't needed anymore. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here I am... a year away from having all my children at school, and the Lord is redefining my idea of joy and fulfillment. He started to ask me, "What if I want you somewhere else? What if a counseling job isn't in MY plans for you, Helen?" Oh... Lord! Please!!! Don't ask me to give up my plans! My dream! Really??? What else would I do? So, grief began to enter my world... again. We all know the 5 stages of grief, right? Denial. Anger. Bargaining. Depression. And Acceptance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And believe me, I went through all 5 stages in a matter of days! And if I can add a new stage to this mix, I'd call it CONFUSION. What else would I really do, God? And seriously... that master's degree was all for nothing? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But God, in His great mercy, has started a healing work in my heart. I'm learning to holding on to very few things in life, including the "ideal" job, the "ideal" ministry, the "ideal" anything. I'm still in process. He's still dealing with my selfishness. There are days He instills in me a contentment that surpasses understanding. Sometimes it's a glimpse of joy and accomplishment within my own home and people. Sometimes He reminds me of the ridiculous amount of paperwork I used to deal with in the office (and hated!). Those sets of skills, talents and gifts I acquired through past jobs were NOT in vain! The potential of something different is so much greater BECAUSE of them! And he also started to spark a new set of interests in my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reading.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bible study.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Networking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Creative talks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(ok, that last one is a huge stretch... but I DO love listening to a bunch of them now...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, you see what God's been doing in me lately? He's birthing new interests in me! He's creating, yet, another garden in my being. He's reminding me that BECAUSE of who I am today, He can use me in DIFFERENT ways. I'm a woman with a different set of experiences, a different set of skills, and definitely a different outlook on what it means to be a wife and a mother. I've grown up!!! And isn't that how He wants to move us along on this side of heaven? If we were to always do the same things, practice the same skills, and continue to experience life without changes and growth, how would He mature us to wisdom? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can I encourage you today? Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, the one who initiates and perfects our faith. Let's remember that when our focus is on Jesus, everything else is put into perspective. We can breathe. We're free to make mistakes and grow from it. We're free to cry, to grieve, and to hope, because it's by His mercy and grace that we find joy and healing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. <b>We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus</b>, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."</i> Hebrews 12:1-2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I don't know what you're grieving today...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe you just lost a loved one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe your health isn't the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Maybe you're missing a past </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">season</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">... and maybe you're still missing who you were or what you used to have.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Friend, let God's perfect GRACE bring you the peace and healing you need.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Keep your eyes on Jesus, the initiator and perfector of your faith!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He created you for good things.</span>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-7916867895879543902017-03-23T22:11:00.001-04:002017-03-23T22:11:50.133-04:00What Does It Mean To Have Peace?<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm pretty sure of a few things in life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coffee makes me happy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White IS a color.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And how I feel is actually a CHOICE...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What about coffee that is so comforting to me? </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Taken at my beloved <a href="https://mainstreetroasters.com/" target="_blank">Main Street Coffee House</a> in Nappanee, IN)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It makes my heart smile. It brings me closer to a friend. It distracts me from pain. But to be honest, it DOES NOT provide any peace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">White IS a color... my favorite, actually. But when you live in a house with well water, it's hard to keep any of your whites WHITE. You know what I mean? (If you have any tips on how to do that, PLEASE help a sister out!!!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And yes. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I truly believe that you and I can, indeed, control how we feel. Feelings are a product of our choices. Of what we choose to fill our minds and schedules with. It's how we respond to natural consequences of what's in front of us. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hyYZYQlWSuLWW-cSGTO3wIlAdullo3p862AcQOI5SjOWgAE7gKQDivqmCIOdAKa8P99_vi2beBHWemCcUnZNmQUEmaRDF_uqsEnTF3xfWU_Pw5-WHTnHpoqsCcJffWeRHnglb3pZ_ZZh/s1600/Life+is+what+happens+when+you%2527re+busy+making+other+plans.-+John+Lennon+-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hyYZYQlWSuLWW-cSGTO3wIlAdullo3p862AcQOI5SjOWgAE7gKQDivqmCIOdAKa8P99_vi2beBHWemCcUnZNmQUEmaRDF_uqsEnTF3xfWU_Pw5-WHTnHpoqsCcJffWeRHnglb3pZ_ZZh/s1600/Life+is+what+happens+when+you%2527re+busy+making+other+plans.-+John+Lennon+-.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Can I be completely frank here? I've had some really awesome times in God's Word lately. Like. Really! And I've had some really awesome conversations with friends, my husband, and even with my children. The irony of it all is that I haven't STOPPED to record any of it! Not on my journal. Not on any FB status. Not on here. NADA. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And you know what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm choosing to be OKAY with that. Do you ever have those seasons in your life where life is happening so fast and you don't want to miss it? Or, do you ever feel like you're so DISTRACTED and the thought of stopping for the important things brings you guilt? And what about those moments you KNOW you need to stop, PAY ATTENTION, and really soak in the seconds... but your mind is completely off somewhere else?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeqyaAH2fFe8oKd513P01fR-BT2rWOgzCJoB4JpLy1o3amlUL29TxBRUZtVSSRYTRdB8jvADYg_DDpR18QS6YFOZkRwNVz_CYbWM7nTqcf3mdW1GF6_vpXcrzQA6des0P9jgtzHEfmVJH/s1600/IMG_7433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeeqyaAH2fFe8oKd513P01fR-BT2rWOgzCJoB4JpLy1o3amlUL29TxBRUZtVSSRYTRdB8jvADYg_DDpR18QS6YFOZkRwNVz_CYbWM7nTqcf3mdW1GF6_vpXcrzQA6des0P9jgtzHEfmVJH/s320/IMG_7433.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What has been filling your mind and your schedule lately? What's taking the biggest chunk of your "free" time? Where are you using your energy? What's consuming your thoughts and even causing the occasional loss of sleep and rest? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's my current list of mindlessness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My phone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Browsing Amazon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Podcast searches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Book searches.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Instagram.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let me tell you how the Bible has challenged me this last week. It teaches and challenges me to think about and practice a few things. Go with me to Philippians 4:8-9, which says, <i>"Finally, [sisters], whatever is TRUE, whatever is HONORABLE, whatever is JUST, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is COMMENDABLE, if there is any EXCELLENCE, if there is anything WORTHY OF PRAISE, <u>think about these things</u>. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - <u>practice these things</u>, and the God of PEACE will be with you."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I should've called this post "A complete guide on how to have peace". Because that's what these 2 verses just did for me and you! Right from the pages of Scripture! If we want God's peace to be with us, let us think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, of excellence and worthy of praise! And if I measure all of those things are are consuming my mind, my schedule and my time against this compass, could I deny that there is a direct correlation between my lack of peace and the mindless choices I make? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's not easy, I know. I get it. And definitely NOT easy when you carry responsibilities at work, at church, in your marriage and with your young children. I might be talking to myself here... So, I'm gonna let the previous 4 verses speak to me, AGAIN, as a prayer...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the PEACE of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."</i> Philippians 4:4-7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Amen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let that be your prayer.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And regardless of what's on your list of mindlessness, be encouraged that we're all a work in progress. He's not done with us, yet. <i>"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you, will bring it to completion af the day of Jesus Christ."</i> Philippians 1:6 And Romans 5:1 says, <i>"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." </i></span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-57045899371467145802017-03-13T21:37:00.000-04:002017-03-13T21:37:09.838-04:00The Song Lyrics That Have Been Breaking Me Down<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is that ONE SONG that you've listened to lately that completely broke you down? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not just the "breaking down" that brings a tear or two, or even those watered eyes you fight to keep sealed behind your eyeballs? I'm talking about that ONE SONG that grabs your heart and the insides of your soul, and has a ridiculous way of making your joints and muscles turn to jello!<a name='more'></a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord has been doing some hard work in my life lately. He's teaching me about my selfishness, my lack of steadfastness, my lack of devotion, and my pride. He has been pulling me back to the CROSS. The ALTAR. The TORN VEIL. I can't even describe what His GRACE and MERCY have felt these last few weeks. When I mess up and fall... He's still loves me, y'all! And when you mess up and fall... He's still loves you, too, friend! What loves is this? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you and I even begin to earn His grace?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can you and I begin to understand what He's provided through His son Jesus on the cross?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Freedom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eternity with HIM!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And to think that I doubt His plans for me. That my plans are better than His. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To think that rest is deserved, not given. That abundant life is earned, not offered.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh... what little faith!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, as I listen to these lyrics, over and over and over again... I'm humbly reminded that Jesus Christ was thinking of me when He rose from the grave... and that He torn the veil so I could approach Him, personally! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May I never settle for the temporary things of this world. May I never get comfortable pursuing the perfect home, the perfect family, the perfect church or the perfect community. May I pursue Him and Him alone. May I thirst for eternal freedom. For home. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lyric excerpts from <a href="http://amzn.to/2mllHtw" target="_blank">"Out of Hiding (Father's Song)" by Steffany Gretzinger</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Cause I loved you before you knew what was love</span></i></div>
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I saw it all, still I chose the cross</div>
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<b>You were the one that I was thinking of</b></div>
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<b>When I rose from the grave</b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now rid of the shackles, My victory is yours</span></i></div>
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<b>I tore the veil for you to come close</b></div>
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There’s no reason to stand at a distance anymore</div>
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You’re not far from home</div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What about you? What have you been listening to lately? I want to hear what's been bringing you to your knees and breaking you down! It's ok... I've done the ugly car in the car recently, too! </span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-71992603477904210862017-03-07T22:07:00.003-05:002018-01-08T09:48:56.725-05:00Nourishing and Nurturing... One Feeding At a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love my children. And if you're a Mama, I know you do, too. I have no doubt of that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We may doubt our ability to meet certain self-set standards on a daily basis, and we may, more than often, beg God for forgiveness and HELP. But as a Mama of three strong-will children, my ability to see through their behavior gets cloudy when I choose to only focus on what's on the surface. The tantrums, the whining, the endless fights or the mean words. When I want to speak into their character, I fail to take the time. To look into their eyes. To hold them and speak into their soul. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Am I taking the time to nurture them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Joshua was born almost 8 years ago, my heart exploded! </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After 36+ hours of induced labor, he laid on my bare chest and all I could do was cry. I loved him from the moment his skin touched mine. Then, seeing Joel hold Joshua for the first time made me LOVE him all over again. He wasn't just my husband. He was now the father of our son. We stayed at the hospital in Cleveland for all 3 days. We soaked in all the help and assistance we needed. I felt such joy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was that mom who took all the feeding and caring for your infant classes that the hospital offered. Joel took the "how to bathe your newborn" class without me, since I was healing in the delivery & recovery room. We took LOTS of pictures! I ate lots of hospital food... which I really didn't mind since I was no longer a "gestational diabetic" patient. I could eat carbs? I could eat "normal" again? And while nourishing my postpartum body, I entered the world of feeding and nursing my newborn baby boy! Oh, baby... no breastfeeding class prepared me for such a journey!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And what a journey! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breastfeeding was hard. Very hard. No. It was painful. Very painful. And all of my nurses and lactation consultants told me, "if it hurts, he isn't latching properly." "He's learning, too, Helen. Be patient" is what they would say. At every feeding, Joshua struggled to latch. He was so hungry. And he had such a strong sucking reflex. But it hurt, so I was convinced he wasn't latching properly. When we returned home from those 3 days at the hospital, I continued to breastfeed Joshua. Constantly. And more often than not, he would sleep through the feeding, so I had to constantly "fight" to keep him awake. To eat. To latch and eat. Did I say I was hurting? Yes! I was hurting. A lot! Even after lactation consultant after lactation consultant came to our home to check and see how things were going, I kept getting discouraged that Joshua couldn't nurse without causing me pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At his very first appointment with our newly found Pediatrician, Joshua hadn't gained much weight, and I felt discouraged. Again. The doctor said it would be ok to try to pump and see how much he was really eating. And he also reassured me that it was okay to supplement my breastmilk with a good formula. The important thing was to make sure Joshua was getting the nutrients he needed. My breastmilk was essential, so he encouraged me to patiently persist. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joel sat right by me at the doctor's office. And he continued to sit BY ME at every single feeding after that. Even the night feedings. He would hold my hand and talk to Joshua (to keep him awake). He would encourage me, pray with me, and assure me that breastfeeding Joshua was the best thing for him and for me. He would repeatedly refill my water bottle and remind me to stay hydrated. And even when I tried to quit, through tears and frustration, Joel would support me by saying, "one more feeding... ". It was just the push I needed to get through each and every painful feeding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Eventually, feeding Joshua became less painful. I was learning to connect with him, to speak to him, to sing to him. I began to use that time to reflect, to pray, and to dream (that's how my Etsy store <a href="http://www.helenscorner.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Helen's Corner</a> came to be, by the way). In the middle of the night. Did you know that when you focus on your baby while breastfeeding, your milk supply flows more freely? It's the exact opposite of what happens when you tense up and fear the feeding process. It's incredible! Anyway... Also, supplementing my breastmilk with formula gave me the freedom to nourish Joshua without the guilt. It was okay. And Joel, along others, was able to feed this growing baby boy during days and nights when I needed rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well... fast forward 8 years. Joshua wasn't the only one I had chosen to breastfeed. I nursed Elsie and Noah, too. "Like a pro!" said my family doctor. In total, I breastfed Joshua for 14 months, Elsie for 11 months, and Noah for 10 months. I'm so thankful for a husband who sat by me and supported me through the painful beginnings of breastfeeding. I learned to breastfeed in public, at restaurants, at church nurseries, in the car, at the county fair and local festivals in designated "family" areas, at the mall, inside bathrooms, and parks! I also learned to use my handy pump... Oh, I still remember having to bring my pump to Cedar Point when Noah was born. I was one of the chaperones with our church Youth Group and because Noah did not come with me, I had to pump in the Family Zone area and discard the milk. Yup! I discarded almost 6 oz of breastmilk because I just needed the relief but couldn't carry it around with me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reminiscing on this important season of my nourishing my children brings me a sense of pride and accomplishment. And the more I choose to park those memories inside my soul, the more mindful I become of the importance of continuing to nurture my children now. The more I realize that nurturing their hearts and souls is my responsibility. They might not depend on me for physical nourishment (even though I may pack their lunches, cook, and feed them during meal times), but they depend on their Mama to nurture their sense of self, their calling in life, and their ability to think, create, and serve others. To teach them kindness, respect, and courage. To nurture their relationship with their family. Jesus. And to point them to their numerous talents. Their ability to compose a melody. To craft a joke. To mix colors. To read books, menus, and street signs. It is my responsibility to make sure they know how much they are LOVED. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And that is why motherhood is not easy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Because it is hard. And because we don't get a manual when we leave the hospital. It is hard because every child is different. And every Mama is different. You and I have different experiences. We learn differently. We choose different doctors, different books, different sources of entertainment. We live in different parts of the country and the world. And we might even take our coffee differently in the mornings. BUT ONE THING WE HAVE IN COMMON, FOR SURE! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We love our people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And no matter how hard my day was... and believe me, today was ONE OF THOSE days, I choose to believe that how we choose to love, nourish, and nurture our people can bring purpose and pride to my stride. And my hope is that you'll choose to take "one more feeding... one feeding at time" on this journey of motherhood with pride and responsibility. It's worth it. I know it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am not an expert on finding the perfect formula for your growing baby. But one of the companies that I wish was around when I first became a Mama is <a href="https://www.honest.com/" target="_blank">The Honest Company</a>. You may know them for <a href="http://people.com/babies/jessica-alba-honest-company-winter-diapers/" target="_blank">those cute printed diapers</a>... But, i</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">f you're expecting a baby or are looking to learn more about feeding your baby, check out </span><a href="https://www.honest.com/feeding/organic-premium-formula" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The Honest Company Feeding Page</a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. They take a best-for-baby approach and has developed a line of premium feeding solutions with organic, non-GMO and other high quality ingredients for both breast and formula feeding situations. </span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-77234685895577198412017-03-03T09:56:00.001-05:002017-03-03T10:07:42.570-05:00My February Favorites<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I am sitting down to catch up and put into words a few of my favorite things from the month of February. Some other media sources call this their "monthly favorites", "February favorites", or "monthly loves (& hates)". I love watching, reading, and listening to those posts, videos and podcasts. And I've been absolutely mesmerized by what people choose to do with their time and resources.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here on this platform, I'm choosing to name THREE THINGS I'VE BEEN LOVING from the month of February. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have a list from January, too, but since we're well into March, I thought I'd mention my favorites from February! If you're curious about my January list, just comment below... How about that? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Favorite #1: READING</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you know me, you know I love to read. I've been a consistent reader of mostly non-fiction books for the past several years, and I tend to always appreciate sitting down with a book. But this past month (and actually, since the beginning of 2017), I've been committing myself to reading more books from different genres. Thus, one of my favorite things lately has been READING. This past month I got recommendations from different bloggers, book clubs, and especially podcasts (more on that later...). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Books I read in February:</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Whered-You-Go-Bernadette-Novel/dp/0316204269/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488550859&sr=8-1&keywords=where'd+you+go+bernadette&linkCode=li2&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=46bf40295f59d27b2e8634afe6fb463d" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0316204269&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0316204269" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Made-Matthew-Paul-Turner/dp/1601429185/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488551024&sr=8-1&keywords=when+god+made+you&linkCode=li2&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=2c1362a34730fcae006c29b5f803068c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1601429185&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1601429185" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Divided-Kingdom-Rupert-Thomson/dp/1400076595/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488550967&sr=8-1&keywords=divided+kingdom+rupert+thomson&linkCode=li2&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=76cfedf5d5bcea417c77a63b0dd94e64" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1400076595&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1400076595" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> </div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/NEED-Joelle-Charbonneau/dp/0544416694/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488551058&sr=8-1&keywords=need+joelle+charbonneau&linkCode=li2&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=8e5122dc0023ce10f79fb1d31827cc39" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0544416694&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li2&o=1&a=0544416694" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <span style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Second-Mrs-Hockaday-Novel/dp/1616205814/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488551107&sr=8-1&keywords=second+mrs+hockaday&linkCode=li2&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=4f4bcc13202d2f90eea12df77f8f5d4b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1616205814&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li2&o=1&a=1616205814" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am currently in the process of writing short reviews on each of the books that I read on a separate tab page here on the blog. So stay tuned! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All I have to say is that from the books mentioned above, I read and truly enjoyed all of them, with the exception of Divided Kingdom, which I "abandoned" 82 pages into it. Might revisit it, but no current plans to do so at the moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Favorite #2: WSIRN (What Should I Read Next?) Podcast with Anne Bogel. </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, how I enjoyed discovering <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/what-should-i-read-next/" target="_blank">this podcast</a> a few months ago! Every week, Anne interviews someone who shares 3 books they love, 1 book they hate, what they're reading now, and then Anne does a little literary matchmaking to recommend what they should read next! It's a fascinating way to hear about books! I've been adding books to my list like crazy! But what I'm loving about her podcast is that I'm discovering how much reading and our personal preferences can shape our worldview, our temperaments, and the way we grow as human beings. Anne is also the one behind the <a href="http://modernmrsdarcy.com/" target="_blank">Modern Mrs. Darcy</a> website where geeking out about books and fashion lifestyles come together! If you haven't yet subscribed to her podcast or checked out her blog, book clubs or Modern Mrs. Darcy, don't delay! She's truly a delight!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Favorite #3: Sleepy Time Tea</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Celestial-Seasonings-Sleepytime-Herbal-Count/dp/B00W6YT2EI/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1488551500&sr=8-6&keywords=sleepytime+tea&linkCode=li3&tag=helscoblo-20&linkId=e71a87e943cc304cb309ca37bcfc247b" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00W6YT2EI&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=helscoblo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=helscoblo-20&l=li3&o=1&a=B00W6YT2EI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm drinking this nightly. Yes, friends... Every. Single. Night. Usually with a book at hand as well... Haha. Enough said. It's calming. It's warm. It's soothing in a way that makes my evenings at home the perfect way to end a crazy day with the kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay! So... what are YOU loving lately? What were your favorite things from the month of February? What did you read? What are you reading? Have you tried anything new lately? I'm curious to hear from you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh... and stay tuned for the Book Reviews tab... coming soon! </span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-40078823623127731372017-02-21T21:06:00.000-05:002017-02-22T14:40:16.774-05:00Shattering The Illusion of Perfection - Part 1: Devotional Life<div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a post that's been a long time coming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I've been meaning to write about the topic of "perfection", or, better yet... the "illusion of perfection" for quite a while. I've noticed an increased awareness among my peers, especially all you Mamas and married Ladies out there, that perfection is an illusion. You can't reach it. You can't define it. You might think you see it on other people's Instagram profile and stories. Beautiful Pinterest Boards. Amazing Facebook posts! </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But in reality, perfection is just the illusion behind filters, lots of deleted photos, and trashed videos. You can't touch it or smell it or even talk about it for too long. I start sweating and becoming anxious just thinking about it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For almost 11 years I've been a wife. For the past 10+ years, I've been given the title of Pastor's Wife by those at Trinity Church and now at Bethel Missionary Church. That's who I am. I am Joel's wife. And Joel is a pastor. And for almost 8 years I've been a mother. But the role I've been playing the longest is that of a daughter, a sister, and of a friend. I've been wearing a lot of hats. Plenty of titles. Plenty of roles... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So when it comes to achieving perfection on any given environment, setting, or group of people, I've learned to accept that perfection is an illusion. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So... for the next couple of weeks, I'll be reflecting WITH YOU about this reality that I've had to face. Shattering the illusion of perfection in different areas of my life. Managing a home & Hospitality. Marriage. Motherhood. Church life. But today I'm starting with my relationship with Jesus Christ. My most important relationship. The most important role I'll ever play... that of God's child. Unconditionally loved. Redeemed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There isn't a formula that I learned when I became a Christian. Do I go to church? Do I pray 3 times a day (especially before meals and at bedtime)? Do I wake up early to read my Bible? And do I choose to stay away from lust, fatty foods, or any kind of entertainment sources? Well... Yes, yes, and yes! BUT, regardless of how many items on my "Christian To Do List" I may check, if my heart and attitude are still focused on myself, I am doing all of that in vain. I could read my Bible before the sun goes up, but if my attitude doesn't reflect His character by the Noon hour, what was that time in the Bible for? After decades of "trying" to keep a devotional life, "quiet times", or scheduled times with Him, I'm learning that the most refreshing, freeing, and fulfilling way to develop a growing relationship with Jesus is by EXPERIENCING JESUS. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But... what do you mean by EXPERIENCING JESUS, Helen?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Glad you asked!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">EXPERIENCING JESUS means to use all of the different senses He has given me to experience life with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tasting a good meal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smelling good flowers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hugging my children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Watching the sunrise.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Listening to good music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reading His Word.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being in community with others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of the things that He created me to enjoy... Christ is in that! He created all GOOD things (James 1:17)! He wants to show Himself in those things. To show His love for me. His provision. His protection and faithfulness through such experiences. I can experience Him when I'm doing chores and cleaning the house. I can talk to Him when I'm driving and start singing a worshipFUL song. I can see His goodness through a kind gesture. I can experience His love for me and for His people at a Mottts (Mothers of Tots To Teens) meeting, or at our Life Group! When I hear stories of God at work in the lives of the ones around me! And I can most definitely HEAR from Him through times in Scripture (morning, noon, or night). It does not need to be scheduled. Or even "quiet". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sure. God calls us to "be still" (Psalm 46:10). He tells us to go to a quiet place to pray (Matthew 6:6). And He calls us to rest (Matthew 11:28). But I'm finding true freedom in living life WITH Jesus. Experiencing Jesus' presence WHILE driving. Reading to my children. Interacting with friends. Coffee dates with my husband. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I can TESTIFY that when I experience Jesus throughout my day, I can go to His Word because I desire to KNOW Him. My hunger and thirst for His voice are heightened. I begin to want to know His character. To study Him. And THAT's when reading my Bible is a joy, not a chore. It happens as a RESPONSE to His presence in my life. Out of devotion. Not obligation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, if your Devotional Life doesn't look like the traditional "quiet time" you were taught and expected to have, don't fret. Breathe In. Breathe Out. NOTICE Him. Pay attention to His prompts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How have you experienced Jesus lately? Are you excited to see, hear, and touch His goodness and presence today? I am.</span></div>
Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-29379640681278731722017-02-08T21:00:00.001-05:002017-02-08T21:01:53.856-05:00"For Whatever Overcomes A Person, To That She Is Enslaved"<div>
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I have a confession to make. I may not look like one, but I'm a complete rebel. I am!<br />
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I grew up with an older sister, two younger brothers, and parents who were always very involved at church. My dad was a pastor. Not just "a" pastor. He was "the" reverend that everyone knew in our denomination's district. My mom was a women's ministry leader and Sunday school leader. And to be honest, my childhood cannot be described as turbulent or broken. </div>
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I'm older now. And with age comes great responsibility... right? Or maybe wisdom is calling me out! </div>
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Things that once didn't phase me, now overwhelm me. Feelings that once didn't bother me, now control me. And those feelings that once were completely non-existent to me, now have a way of mastering my mood, my mindset, and my overall attitude. </div>
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Have you ever tried to read the same Bible verse in several different versions? There was a verse this week that really caught my attention. </div>
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2 Peter 2:19b. </div>
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<i>"For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved." </i>(ESV)</div>
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<i>"For you are a slave to whatever controls you." </i>(NLT)</div>
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<i>"For people are slaves to whatever has mastered them." </i>(NIV)</div>
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<i>"Because people are slaves of whatever controls them."</i> (CEV)</div>
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I tell you what... No matter what version of the Bible I read, I felt convicted, fearful, and admittedly stuck. Yes, stuck. If my anger, selfishness, and pride can be be summarized and enveloped by a big, HUGE label, I thought it would say "sin"... but in reality, I've heard God saying... "no, Helen, it's called rebellion." Surely, God sees any and all rebellion as flat-out sin. And He hates it. </div>
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Do I let anger master me?</div>
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Do I let selfishness control me?</div>
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Do I let pride overcome me?<br />
Do I crave coffee or sugar MORE THAN God?</div>
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Yes. And therefore, I'm letting myself be enslaved by them. I'm letting these 'rebellions' control me. Right? </div>
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What is YOUR REBELLION? What distracts you? </div>
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Indifference toward His voice?</div>
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Unkindness?</div>
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Compromising Truth with popular opinion?</div>
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Lack of discipline?</div>
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Lack of self-control?</div>
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Short temper outbursts?</div>
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I get you. I do! I'm there, too!</div>
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But FRIENDS, let's TAKE HEART! </div>
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<i>"If we confess our sins (rebellions), he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (rebellions) and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."</i> 1 John 1:9 And let 1 John 2:5 also speak... <i>"but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected."</i> His love for me is PERFECTED when I choose to keep His word! That's GOOD NEWS, friends! </div>
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So, next time I find myself letting those "rebellions" control my actions, I pray that God reminds me that I am His child. That I am loved. That He has set me free. And that I am FORGIVEN. </div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-72017600814115971842017-02-03T15:54:00.000-05:002017-02-03T16:13:18.042-05:00What Happens When I Get On The Treadmill In Tears...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDsRWH-qzEhWSS6FOpTNvMfiuwfMdEznfDIzKrut0Kcwl7mYbqLior0S_qq3GJsRb1V7NwMb6YVPVMHKXbDMPnsx4lXmtWPTxAz93EwvsA58YUGf8vT1gLczOqOAm0fdXc-dfrz9P6A5z/s1600/FROM+LUMBERJACKBLOG.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDsRWH-qzEhWSS6FOpTNvMfiuwfMdEznfDIzKrut0Kcwl7mYbqLior0S_qq3GJsRb1V7NwMb6YVPVMHKXbDMPnsx4lXmtWPTxAz93EwvsA58YUGf8vT1gLczOqOAm0fdXc-dfrz9P6A5z/s1600/FROM+LUMBERJACKBLOG.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was one of those mornings...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The day before was a rough one, too. And despite my consistent attempts to start my mornings with Jesus, my Bible and a colorful pen, I don't always succeed in listening to His "good morning" voice. On the contrary, my week had been a silent culmination of moody days that led to the massive emotional (and hormonal) exchange I had with my children and my husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I felt like the victim. A clown. The chauffeur who drives around and runs everyone else's errands... unappreciated. I felt like I was "doing ALL THE WORK" around here. And that my voice was "never heard". Misunderstood. Unloved. Put down. Etc, etc, etc... WOW, Helen! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All before 8:05am. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The thing is... it was ALL in my head. My perception of what was said and done had nothing to do with reality. NOTHING! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, I stormed downstairs to our basement and got on the treadmill... IN TEARS! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I put my headphones on and hit the mat running... literally. Well, more like speed walking. I was furious and sad and angry and all over the place. I had tears flowing down my face. I was a mess! At minute 2:14, I was wishing I had brought down some very needed Kleenexes... oh well... wiped on my shirt and kept going! Remember, I was full of energy and needed to burn it... FAST!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But instead of tapping on my Podcast app, I decided to let MUSIC minister to me. I know I'm not the only person on this planet who has been deeply touched by music. The lyrics, the melody, the Holy Spirit moving through every note and word. And yesterday morning, that is exactly what I experienced. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These were the 6 songs that completely changed my mood, my attitude, and my demeanor. Every single one of them ORDAINED to flow through my ears and touch my mind, soul and hurting heart. Broken heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <a href="https://youtu.be/RbWQV3OiRqA" target="_blank">"First"</a> by Lauren Dangle</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. <a href="https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA" target="_blank">"Lord, I Need You"</a> by Matt Maher</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <a href="https://youtu.be/f8TkUMJtK5k" target="_blank">"No Longer Slaves"</a> by Bethel Music</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. <a href="https://youtu.be/ohLfJDKSv0U" target="_blank">"Praise You In This Storm"</a> by Casting Crowns</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. <a href="https://youtu.be/rYQ5yXCc_CA?list=RDrYQ5yXCc_CA" target="_blank">"O Come To the Altar"</a> Elevation Worship</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. <a href="https://youtu.be/8-Gxjtd6Wp4" target="_blank">"Revelation Song"</a> Kari Jobe</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;">(Links to YouTube videos are NOT affiliate)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If God can control the order of my Amazon Music app, how much more is He able to lead me to a place of complete peace. A peace that surpassed my understanding. The opposite of chaos. He breathed in me the assurance that He is God, that He is Good, and that He loves me. I needed to focus on Him first. And to enter into a place of surrender and humility. I needed Him. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, 30 minutes later, I returned to my living room feeling renewed and refreshed. The cloud had lifted and I felt like I had just seen God. He had spoken to me through music. Sure, my shirt was a mess! And I had visual remnants of yucky tears. And yes, it took me a little longer to get ready for the day. But I was no longer alone or feeling forgotten. I walked taller. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Have you experienced God through the power of music? Have you heard directly from Him? What did you hear? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So today, let me encourage you. If you're feeling alone. If you're feeling rejected or unseen. If you're grieving. Abandoned. Restless. Unsure of the unknown. Worried and anxious about decisions you need to make. If you're waiting for God's answer to a prayer unanswered. Let God wipe your yucky tears. Let Him speak... Let Him breathe... and let Him use the music in your car, radio, music app, to speak when you no longer have words to say. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">"Have you not known? Have you not heard? </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">The LORD is the everlasting God, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">the Creator of the ends of the earth. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">He does not faint or grow weary;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">his understanding is unsearchable.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">He gives power to the faint,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">and to him who has no might he increases strength.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Even youths shall faint and be weary,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">and young men shall fall exhausted;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">they shall mount up with wings like eagles;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">they shall run and not be weary;</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">they shall walk and not faint."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)</span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3849653343287355919.post-60549937746225377112017-01-27T23:24:00.000-05:002017-01-28T12:12:10.912-05:004 Secrets About Motherhood & The Truth That Set Me Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hey you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mama of a single child. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mama of twins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mama of boys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The mama of girls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The new mama.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The seasoned mama. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And every mama in between.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Motherhood is tiring. Rewarding, but tiring. And despite my hesitations, I'm here to tell you four secrets about motherhood. It's not something I was ever taught. Or told. Or "warned". These are a few things I've been learning along the way. I wish someone had given me this list when I first became a mother, almost 8 years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, here we go...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SECRET #1:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Motherhood can be very lonely. I miss having a regular social life. And I'm not talking about the occasional "night out" you've scheduled with your other mama friends once a year. Or the coffee date with that friend whom you've been trying to catch up for months! Or the "special occasion" date you manage to schedule with your hubby. Afterall, it IS his birthday! Or your anniversary! Or YOUR birthday! Have you tried to have a "real" conversation with your spouse at home, or even with a friend at the grocery store, just to be interrupted by your little one? The one wanting to get his butt wiped, belly fed, and fingernails clipped? Your relationships become secondary and while you deeply love your baby and spend long days (and nights) caring for your little ones, you begin to feel isolated.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRUTH #1:</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> True and deep friendships are born during this highly stressful season of our lives. What a GIFT we can give other mamas when we choose to share life together. Sharing life as we nurse, clean bottoms, and wipe sticky hands. When we admit that we're not perfect, we can open up our imperfect lives to those who might be feeling the same isolation as you do. Ecclesiastes 4 talks about the importance of friendship and partnership. </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I truly believe that! Not only do I heavily rely on my husband to parent my kids, but I also need friendships to carry me through messy days. We cannot do this mommyhood alone!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SECRET #2:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I'm not an expert or perfect. And you aren't, either. But why do we try so hard? Have you ever wanted to invite a girlfriend over for a playdate, just to realize that your house is an absolute disaster? Toys everywhere! Dust! Stained toilets! Dirty dishes! PILES of laundry... everywhere! Then there's the random and giant amount of papers, school worksheets, crayons, pens and pencils... on the table, under the table, hiding behind cabinets, chairs, and kitchen counters? And that's not even looking at the stuffed animals and shoes found in every room and corner of the house! Really? Really!!! REALLY? We can't possible keep up! And forget about those Pinterest-perfect birthday parties, Valentines, and Christmas gifts. I. Can't. Even.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRUTH #2:</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> His GRACE is sufficient. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, <i>"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."</i> And Philippians 4:13 says, <i>"I can do ALL things through him who strengthens me."</i> So, because of God's GRACE, you and I don't need to be "experts" or "perfect" mamas. We are only to depend on His strength. Whether or weakness is cleaning, or organizing, or crafting. Take heart, friend! We don't need to seek perfection. How else would we hunger for Jesus?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SECRET #3:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Regardless of how long you spend on meal planning, someone, anyone, everyone will most likely say these words... "I don't like ____". Fill in the blank. Carrots. Beans. Green beans. Potatoes. Chicken. Rice. WHAT? Since when? Any one of those wasn't a problem yesterday... or the day before!!!! For crying out loud!!! Really?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>TRUTH #3:</b> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I keep serving my family. Cooking isn't my favorite thing to do. But Colossians 3:23 encourages me, <i>"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the LORD and not for men."</i> Or kids. Or spouse. Or even your mother. I am encouraged to do everything as for the LORD. So I keep trying, and cooking, and serving those around my table... even when they don't like what's on the menu tonight.</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>SECRET #4:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Anger is my sin. And sin creeps in when I'm tired, sleepless, or hungry. Yes, I said HUNGRY. I mean, I can seriously start to raise my voice at my 3 year-old if it's lunchtime and we're not even close to the checkout at the store. Okay... maybe I shouldn't have gone to the store so close to lunchtime in the first place! WHO DOES THAT? Especially when you forget to bring a snack, a piece of candy, or an apple sauce pouch in your purse... for such a time as that! But let me share a quote that rocked my world from Priscilla Shirer's book Fervent (If you haven't picked that up, yet, you NEED TO!); It says, <i>"Your enemy wants you long-term angry. And he can use even the lightest offense to do it."</i> The offense here is directed at myself. I get angry when I "think" I'm a failure. I get angry when I "feel" rejected or disrespected or ignored. The "ugly" mama comes out louder and louder when I "feel" that no one is hearing me. Afterall, am I the only one who thinks that kids don't listen to their mama until they YELL??? Am I?</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TRUTH #4:</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">God's Word, God's Word, God's Word!!!! The Bible cannot be forgotten, ESPECIALLY when I'm angry! I get wisdom, encouragement, and the very words of God in my mind, heart and soul! It's SHARP! And it's AVAILABLE! So despite my failures, I know I need to be in the Word! ALSO... Baking is a true form of therapy. Okay, okay... before I go on about how much sugar, flour, and vanilla extract we go through our household, let me just give you a quick disclaimer. I've always loved baking (not cooking), but I sincerely cannot possibly eat all the baked goodies (or whatever results from my therapy "sessions") before it becomes another problem. So, go ahead and either, 1) judge me, 2) beg for cookies, or 3) share with me your "therapy" guilt! *sigh* ALRIGHT! Let's continue... because anger is my sin, and because I would personally tend to turn to a glass of wine or lots of chocolate, I'm here to tell you that Jesus (and baking) has saved me from my past alcohol trouble. I can take chocolate (in moderation). But anger can also lead me to alcohol... a problem I'd rather not bring up from my careless past. So, praise God for His Word!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I love being a mama. I can go on and on about each one of my children. Their individual character traits, temperaments, likes and dislikes. And I know you can, too. And I believe, with all my heart, that you love your child(ren). So let me encourage us to keep being the mamas we were called to be. You're doing amazing! You're the exact person God chose to parent your child(ren). And let's NOT allow these "secrets", or realizations, stop us from having true relationships with other mamas, or relying on Jesus for grace and strength. And let's remember that whatever we do, we do it for the LORD. Let's cling to His truths, in His unfailing and living Word. Go and be awesome! Because you already are!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And... I realized there was another secret I didn't know... Postpartum depression IS REAL. And I'll be dedicating a whole new post on that soon... So stay tuned.</span></div>
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Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16440512277225155075noreply@blogger.com4